Hormone Imbalances
Hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone, insulin and cortisol are extremely important chemical messengers that affect many aspects of the overall health. Hormones are secreted by various glands and organs, including the thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, testicles and pancreas.
The entire endocrine system works together to control the level of hormones circulating throughout the body, and if one or more is even slightly imbalanced, it can cause widespread, major health problems that affect your growth, sexual development and function, sleep, metabolism and hunger.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances include:
Weight gain or weight loss (that is unexplained and not due to intentional changes in your diet)
Depression and anxiety
Fatigue
Insomnia
Low libido
Changes in appetite
Digestive issues
Hair loss and hair thinning
Infertility and irregular periods
Symptoms of hormonal imbalances can range widely depending on what type of disorder or illness they cause. For example, high oestrogen can contribute to problems that include endometriosis and reproductive issues, while symptoms of diabetes often include weight gain, changes in appetite, nerve damage and problems with eyesight.
Some specific problems associated with some of the most common hormonal imbalances include -
Hypothyroidism: slowed metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, digestive issues, irregular periods
Low testosterone: erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue, mood-related problems
Hyperthyroidism and Grave’s disease: anxiety, thinning hair, weight loss, IBS, trouble sleeping, irregular heartbeats
Diabetes: weight gain, nerve damage (neuropathy), higher risk for vision loss, fatigue, trouble breathing, dry mouth, skin problems
Adrenal fatigue: fatigue, muscle aches and pains, anxiety and depression, trouble sleeping, brain fog, reproductive problems
Low oestrogen: low sex drive, reproductive problems, menstrual irregularity, changes in mood.
Hormonal imbalances are multi-factorial disorders, meaning they are caused by a combination of factors such as your diet, medical history, genetics, stress levels and exposure to toxins from your environment.
My approach to hormonal imbalances is to support the endocrine system through a personalised plan that might address, depending on the root cause of the imbalance, the following:
Food allergies and gut issues. If you have leaky gut syndrome or a lack of beneficial probiotic bacteria lining your intestinal wall, you are more susceptible to hormonal problems, including diabetes and obesity. That is because inflammation usually starts from your gut and then impacts nearly every aspect of your health.
Excess weight
High levels of inflammation caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle
Genetic susceptibility
Toxicity (exposure to pesticides, toxins, viruses, cigarettes, excessive alcohol and harmful chemicals)
High amounts of stress and a lack of sleep