Hormonal Imbalance in Females:
Female Hormonal Imbalance occurs when hormone levels in the bloodstream rise above or fall below normal. Hormones are the chemical messengers that allow the cells, tissues, and organs what to do. Hormones are produced by the glands present in the endocrine system of the human body. Hormones play a role in a variety of body functions, including:
- Mood swings
- Change of body temperature
- Rate of metabolism
- Heart rate
- Sleep cycle
- Reproductive cycles
- Growth
- Stress level
Hormone levels in women fluctuate at different periods during their lives, such as before or after menstruation, during pregnancy, and during menopause. Adrenalin, steroid hormones, growth hormones, insulin, estrogen, and progesterone are all common female hormone imbalances (a hormone produced by your ovaries that helps you sleep).
Symptoms
Bloating, weight gain, exhaustion, mood swings, and temperature spikes are only a few of the signs of hormonal imbalance in women. Hormone imbalances can also cause missed or delayed periods. Personal comfort, concentration, fitness, job success, and relationships with loved ones may all be affected by these imbalances. Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women include:
- Problems with vision
- Clitoris enlarging
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Low libido
- Infertility problem
- Swings of mood
- Sleeping problems
- Depression that causes mental illness
- Changes in heart rate
- Breast aches and pains
- Swelling of face
- Headaches
- The feeling of being bloated (body)
- Gaining of weight
- Sudden Loss of weight
- Urination or bowel movements that are more or less regular
- Skin rashes
- Neck enlargement
- Bones weakness
- Thinning of hairs and Hair loss
- Changes in blood sugar
- Sensitivity to heat or cold changes
- Thirst for water
Causes
Hormonal imbalance is common among women at predictable and normal times in their lives (menstruation, puberty, pregnancy and menopause). Other causes of hormonal imbalance in women include medical conditions, lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and endocrine gland malfunctions. Endocrine glands are cells located throughout the body that produce, store, and unleash hormones into the bloodstream. Different endocrine glands control various organs. Hormonal imbalance in women can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Excessive anxiety
- Body fat percentage is high.
- Tumours of the pituitary gland
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are two types of diabetes.
- Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder (a genetic condition marked by chronic hunger)
- Hereditary pancreatitis is a form of pancreatitis that runs in families (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Damage of endocrine gland
- Toxins, toxins, herbicides, and pesticides are only a few examples.
- Serious Infections and Allergic responses
- Anabolic steroid drug abuse
- Having only one X chromosome that works (known as Turner syndrome and can cause heart and ovary defects)
- Thyroid problem
- Glucagon levels are high (can lead to diabetes-like symptoms) • High insulin levels
- Parathyroid hormone levels that are too high or too low (helps balance the levels of calcium in the bloodstream)
- Medications for birth control
- Medications that replace hormones
- Endocrine tumours or cysts are benign tumours or cysts that affect the endocrine glands.
- Endocrine cancers are cancers that affect the glands that produce hormones.
- Chemotherapy or radiation are two options for treating cancer.
- Cortisol hormone levels are high.
- Iodine deficiency is a condition in which there is a lack of iodine
- Anorexia nervosa
- Thyroid nodules that are isolated (usually a non-lethal growth, although they can be a possible sign of throat cancer)
Ovarian cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), early menopause, hormone replacement or birth control drugs, and primary ovarian insufficiency are all medical disorders that can trigger hormone imbalances in women (POI).
Diagnosis:
There is no single, all-encompassing female hormone imbalance test. To diagnose hormonal imbalance, your doctor will begin with a routine medical exam, ask about your symptoms, and may prescribe the following tests:
- Blood test: A blood test will assess most hormone levels.
- A pelvic examination will show any abnormal lumps, cysts, or tumours.
- An ultrasound scan captures images of the uterus, ovaries, thyroid, and pituitary gland using sound waves.
- X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), biopsies, and thyroid scans are among the other potential examinations.
Treatment
1. Hormone control or birth control medication:
Treatment for hormonal imbalances is based on the underlying cause and is highly personalized for – women. Each woman can need a unique treatment regimen. The best long-term outcomes come from medical therapies and lifestyle improvements. For women with hormone imbalances, medical treatment options include:
2. Hormone replacement medications:
Hormone therapy or birth control pills are two different types of medications. These drugs or medications include oestrogen and progesterone, which may help with menstrual cycle management. Pills, rings, patches, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are all birth control options. Hormone replacement drugs are also available. Women may take drugs to relieve the effects of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, for a limited time.
3. Anti-Androgen Medications:
Anti-androgen drugs block the androgen hormone, which can help with severe acne, hair growth, and even hair loss.
4. Vaginal Estrogen:
In this procedure, a woman applies estrogen-containing creams directly to her vaginal tissues in order to alleviate symptoms. Estrogen rings and tablets can also help with vaginal dryness.
5. Clomiphene and Letrozole:
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or infertility may use ovulation-inducing drugs. Gonadotropin injections can also help to improve the chances of pregnancy.
6. AIT stands for Assisted Reproductive Technology.
In vitro fertilization (IVF), PCOS patients can benefit and get pregnant from it.
7. Metformin
It is a drug that is used to treat diabetes. This type of diabetes medication will help to lower or balance blood sugar levels.
8. Levothyroxine
It is a thyroid hormone. This is a compound present in drugs that can help with hypothyroidism symptoms.
Healthy Lifestyle:
Female hormonal imbalance may also be prevented or reduced by changing one’s lifestyle. There are some healthy habits which you can easily follow:
- Keeping a healthy body weight is important.
- Physical activity on a daily basis.
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Stress reduction.
- To relieve stress, use self-regulation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, constructive thinking, and meditation.
- Cleaning your face, hands, chest, and neck with soap and water.
- Hot flashes can be triggered by spicy foods and beverages.
- Reducing the use of hazardous chemicals in household cleaners.
- Sugary and processed goods should be avoided as much as possible.
- Using ceramic pans instead of older non-stick pans while cooking.
- Buying pesticide-free organic fruits and vegetables is a good way to start.
- Making routine medical appointments to determine one’s wellbeing.
