Before discussing hormonal imbalance, we need to know what hormones are:
Hormones are the chemicals secreted by the glands in the endocrine system of the body. These chemicals or hormones are released in the blood to reach the target organs. These are messengers of the body, transmitting messages from the brain to the organs telling them what to do. In this way, hormones control and coordinate the activities of the body. Hormones secreted in the human body are Hormone of thyroid, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone, serotonin, adrenalin, cortisol, gonadotropin, somatotropin, etc.
Now, whenever the levels of hormones reach the extremities i.e., either very low or very high, then it is termed as hormonal imbalance. As hormones play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the body, even a small imbalance will affect the body primarily.
Functions of hormones
Hormones govern the functioning of most of the body functions. Hormones regulate the following processes:
- Controls the metabolism of the body
- Manages weight
- Oversees growth of the body
- Identifies body temperature
- Indicates energy levels
- Maintains blood sugar levels
- Regulates sleep
- Determines mood
- Regulates digestion
- Controls muscular functions
- Affects learning, memory
- Controls psychological and physical stress
- Controls the reproductive system of both men and women
- Controls anxiety
- Controls the brain during emergency conditions
Causes of hormonal imbalance
Whenever any of the endocrine glands do not work correctly, there occurs a hormonal imbalance affecting the target organ and its functions, thereby, leading to illness.
Some of the external causes of hormonal imbalance are:-
- Poor nutrition or lousy eating habits
- Inactivity leading to increase in weight
- Birth control medicines
- Use of steroids
- Stressful life
- Hereditary
- Injury to any gland
- Exposure to pollutants, pesticides, toxins, etc.
- Lifestyle
- Allergies
- Infections
- Sleep deprivation
- Exposure to radiations
- Chemotherapy
- Increased usage of gadgets
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance
Both men and women are primarily affected by the imbalance in hormones. One can easily make out the existence of a hormonal imbalance in the body by some visible symptoms or which can be felt internally.
- Abrupt weight gain or weight loss
- Anxiety
- Dry patches on the skin
- Excessive sweating
- Fluctuating blood pressure
- Brittle bones
- Depression and irritation
- Increased thirst
- Frequent or very little urination
- Reduced sexual desire
- Decrease volume of hair on the scalp
- Thinning of hair
- Loss of appetite or increased hunger
- Infertility
- Change in facial features
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Rashes on skin
- Early aging
- Loss of energy
Causes and Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women
Women are prone to experience phases of hormonal imbalance several times in their life owing to
- puberty,
- menstruation cycle,
- pregnancy,
- childbirth,
- breastfeeding,
- menopause & its after effects,
- stress and
- all other external factors
- Medical conditions like ovarian cancer, birth control pills, polycystic ovarian disease, etc
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance, specifically in women, are:
- Osteoporosis during or after pregnancy
- Irregularity in periods which can be painful or with heavy blood flow
- Dryness in vagina
- Tenderness in breast
- Acne during or after periods
- Unexplained uterine bleeding
- Increased growth of hair on upper lips, cheeks, chin, chest, etc
- Voice deepening
- Enlargement of clitoris
- Fast hair loss
- Weight gain or weight loss without any reason
- Inability to conceive
- Frequent and unexplained abortion
- Repeated urine infection
- Irregular growth of feminine organs
- The occurrence of manly facial features
- Reduced sexual desire
Causes and symptoms of hormonal imbalance in men
Not only women, but men also suffer from hormonal imbalance at various stages of life starting from puberty till start aging, and after that also they experience hormonal imbalance. Some significant causes of hormonal imbalance in men are:
- Puberty
- Urine infections
- Exposure to environmental aggressors
- Aging
- Stress
- All other external factors discussed earlier
- Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in men are :
- Reduced muscle weight
- Feeling tired
- Decreased sperm count
- Diminished growth of body hair
- The occurrence of feminine features such as breast, thinning of voice.
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sexual desire
- The occurrence of any of these symptoms should not be ignored and consulted with the doctor as soon as possible. However, anybody can go for natural remedies to restore hormonal health.
Natural Remedies to cure hormonal imbalance
Some of the natural home remedies which anybody can adopt are:
- Eating a nutrient-packed diet
- Change in lifestyle. Living with a timetable maintains a body clock and proper functioning of the body
- A daily routine of exercise.
- Avoid foods which have an adverse effect on health such as junk food, packed food, ready to eat food, excessive usage of spices, etc.
- Reduced consumption of sugary foods
- Practicing meditation and yoga.
- Limiting the usage of chemicals on your body
- Make unnecessary medication a strict no in your life
- Replace old nonstick pans which release patches of Teflon coating which affects health badly
- Limited usage of gadgets
- Maintaining a healthy habit of hygiene
- Take supplements in consultation with the doctor.
- Some herbs such as black cohosh, primrose oil, ginseng, etc.
On the whole, anybody can experience hormonal imbalance at any point of life. All you need to do is maintain a healthy lifestyle, go for regular checkups, and if there arises any unexplained symptoms may it be a pain, discomfort, illness, the stress in the body then you should not delay consulting a doctor. Along with a medicated solution, one should also opt for natural remedies and lifestyle changes. These acts as a catalyst to the curing process.
