Hormonal imbalance

Christopher Hobbs:

“Hormonal imbalances are often identified in the thyroid, adrenal or reproductive systems. For thyroid imbalances, see Thyroid, hypo and Thyroid, hyper. For adrenal imbalances, see Adrenals, weak. For sexual hormone imbalances, see Sexual hormone imbalances.”

Etiologic and Contributing Factors

1. Lifestyle Factors
   • Poor diet (high sugar or processed foods)
   • Chronic stress (elevated cortisol levels)
   • Sedentary lifestyle or excessive exercise
   • Sleep disturbances
2. Underlying Medical Conditions
   • Thyroid disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism)
   • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
   • Diabetes or insulin resistance
   • Adrenal dysfunction (e.g., Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome)
3. Environmental and External Factors
   • Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g., BPA, phthalates)
   • Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives
   • Sudden weight loss or gain
4. Life Stages
   • Puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause/andropause

When to Seek Professional Help

Look for these symptoms, which may indicate a serious hormonal imbalance:

• Unexplained weight changes
• Persistent fatigue or lack of energy
• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Severe acne, hair thinning, or excessive hair growth
• Mood swings, depression, or anxiety
• Hot flashes, night sweats, or difficulty sleeping
• Changes in libido
• Swelling, puffiness, or dry skin
• Breast tenderness or abnormal lactation