Posted: July 16, 2025 | admin
The modern life of a woman is sometimes full of stress. To a large pool of tasks that a woman faces, sometimes an additional burden is added—ailments associated with hormonal imbalance. Physical, mental, and emotional consequences of hormonal imbalance significantly complicate life. It has been proven that 80% of women suffer from hormonal imbalance. As a rule, this imbalance concerns two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. The imbalance manifests itself in menstrual cycles, pain in the pelvic area, and some develop uterine fibroids. You should not tolerate discomfort! It is essential to take care of yourself in time. So, what are the signs of hormonal imbalance in women? Let’s analyze!
The level of hormones is monitored by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which communicates its “decisions” to another part of the brain, the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, having received a signal from the hypothalamus, produces new hormones that control the work of all organs. In simple terms, hormones transmit signals to organs, telling them what to do and when. Hormonal imbalance is when the level of hormones in the body deviates from the norm.
This can lead to the disruption of various body systems. Hormones help regulate metabolism, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, sexual function, and reproductive cycles. Also, hormonal imbalance immediately affects mood. A person experiencing problems in this area may be depressed, irritated, or experience emotional discomfort, which affects their whole life.
You should consult a doctor if you notice the following symptoms:
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women require attention. Otherwise, they can lead to big problems. You need to contact a gynecologist or gynecologist-endocrinologist and undergo an examination, including tests for sex hormones and an ultrasound.
If your life is full of stress, you are at risk. Stress often leads to hormonal imbalance. Fortunately, such hormonal imbalances (for example, before a stressful event) do not last long and pass as soon as the stress level decreases. However, long-term and regular imbalances can indicate serious pathologies. In no case should you waste time. It is better to consult a doctor immediately.
The endocrine system controls the synthesis of most hormones. Its health is essential for the whole body. The pathology of one endocrine organ can lead to a hormonal imbalance, which sometimes even leads to infertility. The pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands significantly impact the functions of various organs.
Thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which are produced by the thyroid gland, affect many processes. With a deficiency of thyroid hormones, the menstrual cycle can be disrupted. Every eighth woman will experience thyroid problems during her lifetime. When the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, hypothyroidism develops. The symptoms are almost imperceptible in the early stages of the disease, but soon the situation worsens. The woman suffers from constant fatigue, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, facial swelling, muscle weakness, joint pain, memory impairment, and depression.
This hormone is produced in both men and women, but women have more of it than men. It is responsible for the menstrual cycle. It also affects the health of bones, hair, pelvic muscles, skin, the urinary tract, mucous membranes, and the brain. If your body produces too much estrogen, the symptoms may be similar to those of PMS, menopause, and perimenopause.
You may experience irritability, mood swings, discomfort from bloating, weight gain, and decreased libido. This is also accompanied by irregular menstruation. A decrease in estrogen levels is a normal part of the aging process. However, if you are young and your estrogen levels are dropping abnormally, you should take action. Symptoms of low estrogen include breast tenderness, dry skin, weight gain, night sweats or hot flashes, difficulty concentrating, headaches, irregular menstrual cycles, and sleep disturbances.
The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. It helps the body convert the food you eat into energy. Insulin resistance (insulin imbalance) occurs when the body’s cells do not respond to insulin. The body cannot use glucose from the blood for energy. In this case, the pancreas works overtime to produce more insulin.
Without adequate insulin function, the body is unable to store glucose. High insulin levels are called hyperinsulinemia and can cause increased cravings for sweets, unusual weight gain, feelings of panic or anxiety, constant hunger, extreme fatigue, and trouble concentrating. Low insulin levels, known as hyperglycemia, occur when too much sugar is in the blood. A person may experience fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches.
Testosterone is known as the male hormone. However, women also produce testosterone. The adrenal glands and ovaries secrete a small amount of the male hormone into a woman’s bloodstream. Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, life, and even the day. Then a woman will feel tired, have vaginal dryness, decreased libido, fertility problems, and weight gain. Age is often a common cause of decreased testosterone levels.
High testosterone levels can affect a woman’s appearance. Typical symptoms include irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth on the body and face, baldness, and mood swings. Decreased libido and decreased breast size are also possible. Sometimes this even leads to obesity and infertility.
Progesterone, like estrogen, is produced by the ovaries. It plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. Too much or too little progesterone can naturally disrupt your menstrual cycle. Symptoms of low progesterone include short and irregular periods. Premenstrual bleeding, mood swings, depression, sleep disturbances, and weight gain may occur.
Low progesterone can also lead to estrogen dominance in the body. Progesterone levels will be high during pregnancy. This is normal. They will be even higher if you are carrying multiple children. However, high progesterone levels can also occur in women who are not pregnant. In this case, paying close attention to your health is a reason. Symptoms of high progesterone include bloating, intense agitation or anxiety, fatigue, breast swelling, and weight gain. As you can see, weight loss is typical of hormonal imbalance.
Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. The adrenal glands produce it and act as the body’s warning system. Cortisol has a huge impact on motivation, mood, and sense of fear. Cortisol regulates blood pressure, manages the body’s use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates (reflected in weight), controls the sleep/wake cycle, increases glucose levels, and regulates activity.
Sometimes cortisol levels can be too high. Then you notice increased acne, weight gain, thinning skin, and muscle weakness. Fatigue, irritability, headaches, and difficulty concentrating are possible. Excessive stress leads to all of this. Therefore, it is essential to take care of your emotional state!
Low cortisol levels are often associated with Addison’s disease. It manifests as weakness, appetite loss, dizziness, and confusion.
You should see a doctor immediately if you have any of the above symptoms.
In women, sex hormones are produced by the ovaries. Adolescent girls are responsible for the growth of the mammary glands and female-type hair growth. In adult girls and women, sex hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and sexual desire and also provide the ability to become pregnant, bear, and give birth to children. The duration of each cycle should be approximately the same—on average, it is 21-35 days. Absence of menstruation is regular during pregnancy and menopause. If a menstrual failure occurs for no apparent reason, you must take care of your health.
What reproductive system problems can lead to hormonal imbalance? Dysfunction of the ovaries can occur due to diseases of the reproductive system, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, hypothalamus, stress, and mental disorders, as well as after termination of pregnancy or when taking medications that affect the functioning of the ovaries. Sexually transmitted infections are also dangerous for women’s hormonal health—bacteria and viruses that cause inflammation of the genitourinary system can disrupt their functions. Improper use of hormonal drugs—for example, oral contraceptives—is unfavorable. Cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancer have a detrimental effect on hormonal health.
As you can see, it is extremely important to be sensitive to the hormonal balance in the body. After all, it is the key to your female mental and physical health. So if you feel unwell, please do not postpone your visit to the doctor. Neria Medical and Wellness specialists are always ready to support you. We will analyze your health and help restore the lost hormonal balance. Feel full of strength and energy at any age. Take the first step towards a happy and active life.
