It can be frustrating when you know that something is wrong but can’t quite find a cause for how you feel. Since hormones are necessary for many bodily functions, some sort of hormonal imbalance might be at the root of whatever’s going on. We’ll discuss some signs of hormonal imbalance, possible reasons for the variance, and some things you can do to manage the problem.

How do hormones affect you?

Hormones are necessary for the human body to function normally. They help regulate your metabolism, body temperature, and mood, among other things. When there’s fluctuation in hormonal levels in either direction, you might face some health issues. Even a small change in your hormones can affect how you feel. So, how can you recognize a hormonal imbalance? Signs and symptoms may vary depending on which hormones are out of whack. Fluctuation in certain hormonal levels may lead to:ovulation-tests

• Mood swings (irritability, depression, and/or anxiety)
• Heavy or painful periods
• Low sex drive
• Poor sleep and fatigue
• Unexplained weight change
• Skin problems like acne or dry skin
• Headaches or brain fog (and other cognitive issues)
• Thinning hair or hair growth in unusual places

Why are my hormones imbalanced?

Some hormonal fluctuation is normal. Many aspects of your lifestyle can cause an imbalance in your hormones. At night, artificial lighting might confuse your body into thinking it’s not late, leading to melatonin suppression. Stress increases adrenaline and cortisol. When your body has too many of these hormones, you may experience mood changes. These hormones can also contribute to cardiovascular issues or weight gain. Regular activity has the potential to prevent overeating because it can help regulate hunger hormones. Exercise can also reduce the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

Several things can happen when estrogen levels drop, and estrogen levels naturally fluctuate with your menstrual cycle. It can cause moodiness or irritation and impact levels of leptin, a hunger hormone. An imbalance of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) may also lead to irregular periods, thirst, and digestive problems. Low levels of estrogen can also cause headaches or night sweats, making it difficult to sleep. Acne might be due to high levels of androgen. Thyroid hormone affects your energy levels and metabolism, so if you experience unexplained weight change or ongoing fatigue, get in touch with your primary care provider.pregnancy-tests

How can I balance my hormones?

How you balance your hormones depends on which hormones are out of balance. Tips for improving your well-being include:

Manage your stress

Your body has natural hormonal responses to stress triggers. When perceived threats go away, hormonal levels will usually return to normal. So what can happen with constant exposure to stressors? If you’re overexposed to stress hormones, you’re at higher risk for health issues such as headaches, depression, weight gain, and impairment of memory or concentration.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity offers several benefits to your well-being. It can reduce stress hormones like cortisol while stimulating the production of endorphins. Endorphins can also help to improve your mood.

Get enough sleep

Hormonal levels influence the amount of sleep you get, and whether you get quality sleep can be impacted by hormonal levels. It can be hard to break a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation. If estrogen levels are creating the disorder, ask your primary care provider about hormonal support.

Follow a healthful diet

Many experts will advise limiting your intake of sugar and refined carbs, eating enough protein and healthy fats, and avoiding any yoyo dieting practices. Fiber may also play a role in regulating hormones like insulin.

Avoid smoking

Smoking might impact hormones such as thyroid, pituitary, and steroid hormones. There are links between stress and levels of cortisol, a type of steroid hormone.

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Your diet might not provide the nutritional balance you need by itself. Take vitamins and supplements to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. Without the right balance of nutrients, bodily processes can be negatively affected. For example, selenium and iodine can influence thyroid function.

How long does it take to balance hormones? Can it happen on its own?

If you think you might have a hormonal imbalance, get an accurate diagnosis to figure out how to manage the issue. Tests might include blood tests, ultrasound (or other imaging techniques), pelvic exams, or a biopsy. The length of time treatment takes varies, depending on the type of imbalance, your well-being, and various other factors. Regulation isn’t instantaneous and can be a process to find the right balance to live your best life.

Treatment is a highly personalized journey since different factors impact hormone levels to varying degrees. There are no simple answers because bodily processes are interconnected. We suggest talking with your primary care provider about whether you need to adjust your lifestyle or use other remedies to help balance your hormones.