Find Hormone Specialists near you

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FAQs:

What are Hormones?

Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. Hormones are essential for life and your health. Scientists have identified over 50 hormones in the human body so far. Hormones and most of the tissues (mainly glands) that create and release them make up your endocrine system. Hormones control many different bodily processes, including:

- Metabolism.

- Homeostasis (constant internal balance).

- Growth and development.

- Sexual function.

- Reproduction.

- Sleep-wake cycle.

- Mood.

What is a Hormone Imbalance?

A hormonal imbalance occurs when your hormones are not produced at the proper levels. You can have many different types of hormonal imbalances. Sometimes, the imbalance means a deficiency in the given hormone while in other times, there might be an overflow. The kind of hormone that is imbalanced will play a major role in determining how the sign and symptoms will manifest and what would be the associated risks involved.

Though there are a few common life transitions that can cause a hormonal imbalance, such as menopause or pregnancy, you can struggle with such a problem at any point in your life. Both men and women can experience hormonal imbalances. Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly may also find their hormones out of balance.

Because hormones and their functionalities are so varied, there’s no one single way to detect a hormonal imbalance. A wide range of issues can indicate that something is amiss with your hormones. This is one of the reasons why your best bet is to get tested occasionally, especially when you start developing uncommon symptoms.

How Do You Fix Hormonal Imbalance?

Many health conditions that involve hormonal imbalances, such as diabetes and thyroid disease, require medical treatment. Many nutritional supplements in stores claim to treat different hormonal imbalances, but few of them have been scientifically proven to have a beneficial effect. It’s important to always talk to your healthcare provider first about taking supplements. Aside from medical treatment, your provider may recommend certain lifestyle changes to help manage a hormonal imbalance, such as managing your stress levels and getting routine exercise.

Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Weight Gain?

Yes, certain hormone imbalances can cause weight gain, including:

1. Hypothyroidism: This condition happens when you have low levels of thyroid hormone, which causes your metabolism to slow down. This can cause weight gain.

2. Cushing’s syndrome: This is a rare condition that happens when your body has too much of a hormone called cortisol. It results in rapid weight gain in your face (sometimes called “moon face”), belly, back of your neck (sometimes called “buffalo hump”) and chest.

3. Menopause: During menopause, many people assigned female at birth gain weight due to hormonal changes that cause their metabolism to slow down. It’s important to remember that this type of “hormonal imbalance” is natural and an expected part of life.

Several other factors contribute to weight gain. If you’re experiencing unexpected weight gain or are concerned about your weight, talk to your healthcare provider.

Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Anxiety?

Yes, certain hormonal imbalances can cause anxiety, including:

1. Hyperthyroidism: If you have hyperthyroidism, it means your body has too much thyroid hormone. Excess thyroid hormone speeds up your metabolism. This can cause anxiety, in addition to unusual nervousness, restlessness and irritability.

2. Cushing’s syndrome: While it’s not as common of a symptom, Cushing’s syndrome (excess cortisol) can cause anxiety, as well as depression and irritability.

3. Adult-onset growth hormone deficiency: Adults with growth hormone deficiency often report having anxiety and/or depression.

Several other conditions and factors can cause anxiety. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing anxiety.

Does Hormonal Imbalance in Children Exist?

Yes. Hormonal imbalances in children typically occur around puberty. This is when the sex hormones are first produced, signaling future growth in the body. Children whose bodies produce few or no sex hormones often have a condition known as hypogonadism.

In boys, hypogonadism stops the body from producing the muscle mass, body hair, and voice changes that are associated with puberty. The sex organs don’t develop as they should, and the arms and legs will experience an excessive amount of growth compared to the trunk. Boys may also develop breast tissue. When girls have hypogonadism, they don’t develop breast tissue, start their menstrual cycle, or experience the growth spurt that’s typical of puberty.

Hypogonadism can occur either because the gonads are not producing the right hormone levels; or, because the pituitary gland and hypothalamus aren’t signaling to the gonads to produce hormones at all. Though hypogonadism is a common cause of developmental and growth problems, there are other causes that may be causative. Always speak with your healthcare provider to get the proper diagnosis of any abnormal development in children.

Can Hormone Imbalances Cause Excessive Hair Growth?

Hirsutism, which causes excessive facial hair growth in cisgender females, is typically caused by an increase in hormones called androgens. It’s fairly common and affects between 5 to 10 percent of women.

Can Hormonal Imbalance Delay Period?

Some hormones, such as prolactin or thyroid hormones, can cause a woman to miss her period. If a hormonal imbalance is responsible for a missed or late period, it can easily be detected with a blood test. The cause of these hormonal imbalances needs to be investigated by a doctor.

What Type of Doctor Treats Hormone Imbalance?

Primary healthcare providers can diagnose and help you manage many hormonal imbalances, but you may benefit from seeing an endocrinologist.

An endocrinologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in endocrinology, a field of medicine that studies conditions related to your hormones. They can diagnose endocrine (hormone) conditions, develop treatment and management plans and prescribe medication.

Can Stress Cause Hormonal Imbalance?

Stress can lead to changes in the serum level of many hormones including glucocorticoids, catecholamines, growth hormone and prolactin. Some of these changes are necessary for the fight or flight response to protect oneself. Some of these stressful responses can lead to endocrine disorders like Graves’ disease, gonadal dysfunction, psychosexual dwarfism and obesity. Stress can also alter the clinical status of many preexisting endocrine disorders such as precipitation of adrenal crisis and thyroid storm.

How Long Does it Take to Balance Hormones?

As you can imagine, this varies. However, research shows that by taking a holistic, well-rounded approach, you can balance your hormones in less than four months. In fact, you can significantly reduce the amount of chemicals and pesticides in your body in one week.

Different Types of Hormones

Endocrine glands are located throughout the body. These glands include the:

1. Hypothalamus: controls thirst, hunger, sleep, sex drive, moods, body temperature, and the release of other hormones

2. Parathyroid: controls calcium

3. Thymus: controls the adaptive immune system

4. Pancreas: controls blood sugar levels

5. Thyroid: controls heart rate and calorie burn

6. Adrenal: controls stress and sex drive

7. Pituitary: controls growth

8. Pineal: controls sleep

9. Ovaries, in women: controls female sex hormones

10. Testes, in men: controls male sex hormones

There are several different types of hormones in the body. When you have a hormonal imbalance, you may have a problem in one or more of these glands. The specific hormone that’s imbalanced will determine the signs and symptoms that you experience as a result. Some of the major hormones found in the body include:

1. Estrogen: controls sex drive in both men and women, and regulates the menstrual cycle in women

2. Progesterone: influences the body’s changes through pregnancy

3. Testosterone: controls sex drive in both men and women

4. Cortisol: controls stress

5. Melatonin: controls the body’s circadian rhythm and sleep cycles

6. Serotonin: controls sleep cycles, appetite, and mood

7. Growth hormone: controls the reproduction of cells and their subsequent growth

8. Leptin: controls appetite, signaling when you’re full

9. Ghrelin: controls appetite, signaling when you’re hungry

10. Insulin: responds to sugar in the bloodstream

If your hormones are well-balanced, you will thrive. An imbalance, however, is something you cannot afford to ignore.

Signs and Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

Your hormones play an integral role in your overall health. As a result, there’s a broad range of signs and symptoms that could signal a hormonal imbalance. Your signs or symptoms will depend on which hormones or glands are not working properly.

Common hormonal conditions affecting people of all genders could cause any of the following signs or symptoms:

- weight gain

- hump of fat between the shoulders

- unexplained and sometimes sudden weight loss

- fatigue

- muscle weakness

- muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness

- pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints

- increased or decreased heart rate

- sweating

- increased sensitivity to cold or heat

- constipation or more frequent bowel movements

- frequent urination

- increased thirst

- increased hunger

- decreased sex drive

- depression

- nervousness, anxiety, or irritability

- blurred vision

- infertility

- thinning hair or fine, brittle hair

- dry skin

- puffy face

- rounded face

- purple or pink stretch marks

Keep in mind that these symptoms are nonspecific. Having one or a few of them doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a hormonal imbalance.

Some of these symptoms may also reflect other chronic conditions. So, if you find yourself dealing with any notable changes in your body or energy levels, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor.

Signs or Symptoms in People Who Were Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB)

In people with ovaries, the most common consequence of hormonal imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Your hormonal cycle also changes naturally during these stages:

- puberty

- pregnancy

- breastfeeding

- menopause

Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance specific to AFAB people include:

- heavy or irregular periods, including missed periods, stopped periods, or frequent periods

- hirsutism, or excessive hair on the face, chin, or other parts of the body

- acne on the face, chest, or upper back

- hair loss

- hyperpigmentation, especially along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath the breasts

- skin tags

- vaginal dryness

- vaginal atrophy

- pain during sex

- night sweats

- headaches

It’s important to note that many of these issues, including hirsutism, can affect people of other sexes, too.

Signs or Symptoms in People Who Were Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB)

Testosterone plays an important role in development. If you aren’t producing enough testosterone, it can cause a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in AMAB people include:

- gynecomastia, or the development of breast tissue

- breast tenderness

- erectile dysfunction (ED)

- decrease in beard growth and body hair growth

- loss of muscle mass

- loss of bone mass, otherwise known as osteoporosis

- difficulty concentrating

- hot flashes

It’s important to note that AFAB folks can also experience testosterone imbalances.

Signs or Symptoms in Children

Children start producing sex hormones during puberty. Many children with delayed puberty will go on to experience typical puberty, but some have a condition called hypogonadism.

Individuals with hypogonadism may experience:

- lack of development of muscle mass

- a voice that doesn’t deepen

- body hair that grows sparsely

- impaired penis and testicular growth

- excessive growth of the arms and legs in relation to the trunk of the body

- gynecomastia

- menstruation that doesn’t begin

- breast tissue that isn’t developing

- the growth rate doesn’t increase

Causes of a Hormonal Imbalance

A hormonal imbalance has many possible causes. They can differ depending on which hormones or glands are affected.

Common causes of hormonal imbalance include:

- hormone therapy

- medications

- cancer treatments such as chemotherapy

- tumors, whether cancerous or benign

- pituitary tumors

- eating disorders

- stress

- injury or trauma

While hormonal imbalances may initially cause some of the conditions below, having these conditions can also lead to further hormonal imbalances:

- type 1 and type 2 diabetes

- diabetes insipidus

- hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid

- hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid

- hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules

- thyroiditis

- hypogonadism

- Cushing syndrome, or high levels of cortisol

- congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which causes low levels of cortisol and aldosterone

- Addison’s disease

Causes of Hormone Imbalance to AFAB People

Many causes of hormonal imbalance in AFAB people are related to reproductive hormones. Common causes include:

- menopause

- primary ovarian insufficiency, which is also known as premature menopause

- pregnancy

- breastfeeding

- PCOS

- hormone medications, such as birth control pills

Conditions That are Caused by Hormonal Imbalances

Dozens of medical conditions are caused by hormone issues. For most hormones, having too much or too little of them causes symptoms and issues with your health. While many of these imbalances require treatment, some can be temporary and may go away on their own. Some of the most common hormone-related conditions include:

1. Irregular menstruation (periods): Several hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle. Because of this, an imbalance in any one or several of those hormones can cause irregular periods. Specific hormone-related conditions that cause irregular periods include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and amenorrhea.

2. Infertility: Hormonal imbalances are the leading cause of infertility in people assigned female at birth. Hormone-related conditions such as PCOS and anovulation can cause infertility. People assigned male at birth can also experience hormonal imbalances that affect fertility, such as low testosterone levels (hypogonadism).

3. Acne: Acne is primarily caused by clogged pores. While many factors contribute to the development of acne, hormone fluctuations, especially during puberty, are a significant factor. Oil glands, including those in the skin on your face, get stimulated when hormones become active during puberty.

4. Hormonal acne (adult acne): Hormonal acne (adult acne) develops when hormonal changes increase the amount of oil your skin produces. This is especially common during pregnancy, menopause and for people who are taking testosterone therapy.

5. Diabetes: In the United States, the most common endocrine (hormone-related) condition is diabetes. In diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t make any or enough of the hormone insulin or your body doesn’t use it properly. There are several different kinds of diabetes. The most common are Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Diabetes requires treatment.

6. Thyroid disease: The two main types of thyroid disease are hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) and hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone levels). Each condition has multiple possible causes. Thyroid disease requires treatment.

7. Obesity: Many hormones can affect how your body signals that you need food and how your body uses energy, so an imbalance of certain hormones can result in weight gain in the form of fat storage. For example, excess cortisol (a hormone) and low thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) can contribute to obesity.

How Doctors Test Hormone Imbalance

There’s no single test available to help doctors diagnose a hormonal imbalance. Begin by making an appointment with your doctor for a physical exam.

Be prepared to describe your symptoms and the timeline along which they’ve occurred. Bring a list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re currently taking.

Your doctor may ask you questions such as:

1. How often are you experiencing symptoms?

2. Does anything help relieve your symptoms?

3. Have you lost or gained weight recently?

4. Are you more stressed than usual?

5. When was your last period?

6. Are you planning to get pregnant?

7. Do you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection?

8. Do you have vaginal dryness or pain during sex?

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may suggest one or more diagnostic tests. You can also request that your doctor perform these tests.

1. Blood test

Your doctor will send a sample of your blood to a lab for testing. Most hormones can be detected in the blood. A doctor can request a blood test to check your thyroid and your levels of estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol.

2. Pelvic exam

If you have a uterus, your doctor may perform a Pap smear to feel for any unusual lumps, cysts, or tumors. If you have testicles, your doctor may check your scrotum for any lumps or abnormalities.

3. Ultrasound

An ultrasound machine uses sound waves to look inside your body. Doctors may request an ultrasound to get images of the uterus, ovaries, testicles, thyroid, or pituitary gland.

4. Additional tests

Sometimes more advanced tests are required. These can include:

- biopsy

- MRI

- X-ray

- thyroid scan

- sperm count test

At-home tests

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, you may also consider using a home testing kit. These kits are available for a variety of conditions.

Home testing kits for menopause measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your urine. FSH levels increase when you enter menopause.

Levels also rise and fall during a typical menstrual cycle. Other factors, such as the use of hormonal birth control, can also affect your FSH levels.

As such, these kits can indicate that menopause may have started, but they can’t tell you conclusively. A healthcare professional’s confirmation may be necessary.

Home testing kits typically use saliva or blood from the fingertip to measure your levels of cortisol, key thyroid hormones, and sex hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. Some tests may require a urine sample.

These kits require you to send the sample off to a lab. Your test results are usually available online within 5 to 9 business days.

Regardless of which at-home test you choose, it’s important to discuss your test results with your healthcare professional. Let them know if you’re concerned about certain symptoms or a possible diagnosis.

Treatment Options for a Hormonal Imbalance

Treatment for a hormonal imbalance will depend on what’s causing it. Some common treatment options are described below.

1. Estrogen Therapy

If you’re experiencing hot flashes or other uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, your doctor may recommend a low dose of estrogen. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your doctor. If you don’t already have one, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

2. Vaginal Estrogen

If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness or pain during sex, you may want to try applying an estrogen cream, tablet, or ring. This local therapy helps eliminate many of the risks associated with systemic estrogen, or estrogen that travels throughout the bloodstream to the appropriate organ.

3. Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycles. Types of hormonal birth control include the:

- birth control pill

- birth control patch

- birth control shot

- vaginal ring

- intrauterine device (IUD)

Some types of hormonal birth control may also help improve acne and reduce extra hair on the face and body.

4. Anti-androgen Medications

Androgens are male sex hormones that are present in people of all genders. High androgen levels can be treated with medication that blocks the effects of androgens.

These effects include:

- hair loss

- facial hair growth

- acne

One androgen closely tied to hair growth and loss is testosterone. A 2020 studyTrusted Source found that when there is not enough testosterone produced, hair loss and lack of growth are common.

5. Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone supplements can reduce the symptoms of low testosterone. In adolescents with delayed puberty, it stimulates the start of puberty. It’s available in many forms, including injections, a patch, and gel.

6. Thyroid Hormone Therapy

If you have hypothyroidism, the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid) can bring hormone levels back into balance.

7. Metformin

Metformin is a type 2 diabetes medication that may help some individuals with PCOS symptoms. The FDA has not approved it to treat PCOS, but it might help lower androgen levels and encourage ovulation.

8. Flibanserin (Addyi) and Bremelanotide (Vyleesi)

Addyi and Vyleesi are the only medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of low sexual desire in premenopausal people. Addyi is a pill, and Vyleesi is a self-administered injectable medication. These drugs may come with some serious side effects, such as severe nausea and changes in blood pressure. Talk with your doctor to see if either one could be right for you.

9. Eflornithine (Vaniqa)

This prescription cream is designed specifically for excessive facial hair. Applied topically to the skin, it helps slow new hair growth, but it does not get rid of existing hair.

Foods To Avoid to Balance Hormones

Hormonal imbalance can be caused by certain foods. Which is why you need to steer clear of these 6 foods that can make matters worse for you.

Here are 6 foods you need to cut out of your diet to steer clear of hormonal issues:

1. Red meat

Red meat is rich in saturated and hydrogenated fats which are considered unhealthy and should be avoided. Consuming red meat increases the production of estrogen in your body and can worsen hormonal imbalance. Good substitutes include eggs and fatty fish which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and will boost your overall health.

2. Soy products

It might come as a shock to you, but soy products which are generally considered to be healthy can actually disrupt hormonal balance. Soy contains a bioactive substance called phytoestrogen which acts like estrogen in the body. Due to this, your ovulation cycle gets affected which can cause an impact on your reproductive health.

3. Dairy products

Milk and its derivatives are considered to be one of the richest sources of essential nutrients. Many categorise dairy products as superfoods that can help you stay fit. However, they can disrupt your hormonal balance. Milk can lead to inflammation in the gut and mess with the hormones. Consuming milk in excess raises the triglycerides levels and can contribute to the development of diabetes. So, it is better to steer clear of dairy products if you are struggling with hormonal issues.

4. Caffeine

Turns out that consuming too many cups of coffee can disrupt more than just your sleep cycle. It can also affect your body in several ways. Caffeine present in the coffee increases the cortisol production in the body. Cortisol, famously known as the stress hormone, causes your body to go into a state of high alert.

5. Processed foods

Processed foods such as cookies, bread, and other packed foods are high on preservatives, sodium, and sugar. This dangerous combination increases inflammation and stresses the adrenal glands, putting you at risk of weight gain and severe hormonal imbalance.

6. Certain vegetables

Vegetables are healthy, but certain vegetables like brinjal, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and kale are bad if consumed in excess. They cause inflammation and affect the health of your thyroid gland. However, you can eat these vegetables in moderation.

How to Naturally Balance Your Hormones

For many people, small and simple lifestyle changes can help restore proper levels of hormones in the body. A well-balanced diet and healthy habits may improve your hormonal health and allow you to feel your best. Here are some ways to naturally balance your hormones. 

1. Get enough protein. Proteins provide amino acids that your body cannot make on its own and are needed to produce peptide hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating several physiological processes, including growth, energy metabolism, appetite, stress, and more.

2. Exercise regularly. Getting enough physical activity strongly influences your hormonal health. It enhances hormone receptor sensitivity, helping the delivery of nutrients and hormone signals. 

3. Maintain a moderate weight. Weight gain is directly associated with hormonal imbalances. Obesity relates to a lack of ovulation in women. Eating within your calorie range can help maintain hormonal balance. 

4. Watch your gut health. Your gut produces numerous metabolites that can affect hormone health. 

5. Lower sugar intake. Minimizing added sugar intake can help balance hormones. Eating added sugar promotes insulin resistance, and fructose intake is linked to disruptions in the gut microbiome, ultimately leading to hormonal imbalances. 

6. Reduce stress. Stress can significantly harm the body’s hormones in many ways. Work to decrease and manage your daily stress. 

7. Get enough sleep. Sleep is one of the most important factors in hormonal imbalance. The levels of hormones can rise and fall throughout the day due to the quality of sleep.

8. Eat healthy fats. Healthy fat intake can work to maintain balanced hormones that are involved with appetite, metabolism, and feeling full. 

9. Eat plenty of fiber. Fiber plays a role in gut health, helping regulate hormones like insulin.

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic

Testing

Healthline

Women for Women

Medical News Today

Health Shots

NIH

Camille Styles

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.