7 Alarming Signs That You May Have a Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is a condition in which your body produces too much or too little hormone or several hormones. This can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms that may significantly affect your life. Despite the fact that women usually experience a few hormone fluctuations throughout their lifetime, these changes usually don’t cause any malfunctions. 

However, when the hormonal imbalance occurs, you may have a lot of symptoms that can interfere with normal body function. In this case, it is essential to visit a doctor and find what exactly is going on with your body. Untreated hormonal issues can affect your reproductive function, appearance, and well-being. In this article, we gathered seven alarming signs that you may have a hormonal imbalance. 

1. Infertility

There are many causes of women’s infertility but polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered one of the most common of them. This condition contributes to the development of cysts that prevent the egg release. Despite the fact that there is no complete cure for this condition, PCOS treatment can help manage its symptoms and increase your chances of getting pregnant. 

2. Weight gain

Hormonal imbalance can manifest itself through sudden weight gain. If you have problems with your hormones, you may gain extra pounds no matter what food you eat. Moreover, high levels of estrogen, cortisol, and insulin that are accompanied by low testosterone levels can lead to the accumulation of belly fat. 

On the one hand, an unhealthy diet can be both a direct factor in weight gain and even contribute to the development of hormonal imbalance. However, you should also know that with hormonal imbalance in the body, you can gain weight even while on a starvation diet. 

3. Acne

Despite the fact that acne and blackheads usually appear because of common pore blockages, they can also appear because of hormonal fluctuations. For example, low androgen levels lead to the occurrence of acne all over the body. This is extremely pronounced in adolescence when it is quite difficult to get rid of acne. However, acne can appear at any age if the hormonal imbalance occurs. 

4. Irregular periods

Irregular periods can be a sign of hormonal imbalance. PCOS can also cause irregular periods or even contribute to their loss. However, there are a lot of other hormone-related conditions that can cause menstrual issues. For example, thyroid disorders can make your periods fluctuate and even disappear. If you have noticed any changes in your menstrual cycle, it is better to visit a gynecologist.  

5. Abnormal body hair

If you have increased levels of male hormones, you may notice that your body hair is thicker and extremely numerous. In addition, single hairs can grow on the chin, above the upper lip (mustache), around your nipples, and in other unpredictable places. You should also know that women with the prevalence of male hormones can also experience male-pattern baldness. 

6. Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness usually affects menopausal women that experience natural estrogen decrease. However, young women that have low estrogen levels may also experience painful sensations during sex because of this issue. In most cases, vaginal dryness can be treated with the help of hormonal therapy but additional lubrication and estrogen creams can also be helpful.

7. Low libido

Decreased levels of female hormones can significantly reduce sex drive in women. Estrogen, testosterone, and oxytocin form appearance, attraction, and the appearance of a feeling of love. In addition, the thyroid gland and adrenal glands produce the hormones that also affect libido and fertility. Women with low levels of female hormones can barely become aroused even if they are willing and in love with their partners.