The Link Between Hormonal Imbalance And Weight Gain
Underlying health issues and getting older can both cause hormonal fluctuations, making you feel less than your best. A hormonal imbalance can even cause weight gain, along with a few other unpleasant side effects.
Our dedicated primary practitioner, Gordon Hart, PA-C, at Balance Hormone Center, promotes healthy hormone balancing using gentle and effective methods. These compassionate treatments include holistic solutions to help rebalance everything your body needs to stay active, happy, and healthy.
What Is A Hormone Imbalance
Hormones are chemical compounds in your body that act as chemical messengers. Produced by endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and ovaries, hormones regulate various bodily functions, from menstruation and ovulation to mood and even digestion and hunger.
Hormones are released into your bloodstream, with each targeting different parts of the body. An abnormal amount of any hormone whether too much or too little causes a hormonal imbalance. Even a small shift in hormone levels can cause big changes within the body!
Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance
The symptoms of hormonal imbalance are sweating, unintentional weight gain or weight loss, lack of sleep, dry skin, abnormal changes in blood pressure, weak bones, frustration, irritability, depression, anxiety, thin hair, frequent thirst, bloating, changes in appetite, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, painful sex, headaches, blurry vision, night sweats, and puffy face.
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What Causes Hormone Imbalances
Its entirely natural to experience a certain level of hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, or your menstrual cycle. However, if you are experiencing a significant shift in hormones and neither of these four common causes is the reason, then its possibly a result of a certain condition.
How To Balance Hormones Causing Irregular Periods
While there are lifestyle changes you can make that can help regulate your hormones, its best to see a doctor if youre having symptoms of hormone imbalance or if your periods are irregular.
They will be able to monitor hormone levels and make sure theyre where they need to be. They can also determine whether or not treatments are working.
Depending on the underlying cause of the hormone imbalance or which hormones are irregular, other treatments might also be used.
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Unexplained Weight Gain Or Loss
Youre doing everything right eating well, exercising regularly but the numbers on the scale just dont make sense. Unexplained weight gain or loss can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with. You feel like youre doing everything right, but your body isnt cooperating. For women, this can often be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. When our hormones are out of balance, it can affect our appetites and how our bodies process food. This can lead to sudden weight gain or weight loss that is difficult to control.
What Is The Hormone Replacement Therapy For Hormonal Imbalance In Females
Hormone replacement therapy is using synthetic hormones via injections, patches, gels and pills to treat the nasty symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances in females.
HRT can help you feel better by getting the right hormone balance when you need it most.
A new class referred to as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy specifically helps to restore hormones to their natural level.
This will eventually relieve any physical symptoms you are having such as hot flashes, irritability or sleep issues.
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Causes Of Hormone Deficiency In Women
While some hormonal shifts are normal, like monthly fluctuations of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone , a persistent hormone imbalance can cause a range of uncomfortable, debilitating symptoms, including:
- Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
- Vaginal dryness
The first step to alleviating these symptoms is understanding whats causing them and treating the root cause, not just the symptoms.
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Why Choose Amen Clinics For Treating Hormonal Imbalances
At Amen Clinics we are experts in the brain-body connection. We have functional medicine physicians and nutritionists on staff who specialize in hormones and the regulation of body and brain function. Some hormonal imbalances, such as abnormal cortisol levels, can alter brain function and can impair memory and cause brain fog. Other hormonal imbalances can negatively affect mood and energy levels. Our specialists are trained in optimizing hormone levels to get you back to feeling like yourself again.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Hormonal Imbalance
Your hormones play an integral role in your overall health. As a result, theres 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:
- purple or pink stretch marks
Keep in mind that these symptoms are nonspecific. Having one or a few of them doesnt 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, its a good idea to talk with your doctor.
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What Is Hormone Imbalance
Before we dive into the foods that affect hormone growth in females, you should first know why its a huge problem.
Hormones are chemical messengers that keep your body working properly. You have different substances like these, circulating from organ to organ, ensuring everythings A-okay.
One of the most common hormones for balancing your blood sugar levels is insulin.
If you begin eating foods that are bad for insulin production, chances are you might become prediabetic or worse, notice symptoms of diabetes type 2.
Read More: 14 Shocking Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes in Women
Similarly, PCOS is a female hormone imbalance condition that affects reproductive wellbeing. You may notice irregular periods, excess facial hair, and even put on extra pounds without realizing it.
Another hormone problem is hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Its caused by an imbalance of thyroid hormone and can have devastating effects on your body.
In short, to avoid chemical imbalance you should pay close attention to your diet, especially during holidays.
We can get lost in the jolly mood and eat awful stuff. But the truth is, consuming bad foods for hormones can have long-lasting consequences on your health.
Heres a list of the most terrible foods that cause hormonal imbalance in women. Try to stay away from them during and after Christmas!
Foods That Cause Hormonal Imbalance
Do you have headaches, acne, cramps, and mood swings?
Many women around the globe suffer from an imbalance in their hormones, some even have one without realizing it.
In this article, we will walk you through hormonal imbalance and the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Well also provide you a list of foods that must be consumed in moderation as they may act as hormone disruptors.
Keep reading to learn more.
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Natural Remedies To Treat Hormonal Imbalance
Here are some of the best natural remedies to treat hormonal imbalance.
Avocado
Avocado is a great option to treat hormonal imbalance in women by simply providing them with essential nutrients they need to stay regulated. The natural ingredients present in avocados include plant sterols and other vitamins including vitamin K, C, E, A, and B, all of which help to improve your bodys ability to function properly.
Avocados work well in combating estrogen imbalance, and it can also increase the progesterone levels. They are also one of the best foods for male sexual health.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the most adaptogenic herbs that help to balance hormones by boosting the efficiency of the sites where your hormones bind with cells. It relieves stress and anxiety, one of the main causes of hormonal imbalance. Ashwagandha is also considered as the best medicine in Ayurveda to resolve adrenal and thyroid hormone imbalance.
Ginger
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger make it highly effective in treating hormonal imbalance. It is loaded with magnesium, potassium and a polyphenol named gingerol as well.
Essential oil
Clary sage oil and thyme oil of the best essential oils that can balance your hormonal levels. Clary sage helps balance out the estrogen production in the body, and thyme oil improves progesterone production.
Flaxseeds
Coconut oil
If you are taking any medications or have health problems, seek medical advice before taking these natural remedies.
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Common Signs And Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalances In Women
There are many signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women. They depend on which glands in your body are affected and which hormones are imbalanced. Symptoms include:
Irregular periods
A hormone imbalance can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome , a condition in which the body makes higher levels of male hormones. The imbalance leads to skipped periods and can contribute to health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Imbalances may also cause heavier than normal periods.
Low sex drive
A drop in your estrogen levels can cause a loss of desire for sexual intercourse. The imbalance can also cause vaginal dryness, which may make sex painful or uncomfortable.
Unexplained weight gain
Low levels of thyroid hormones, high levels of cortisol, PCOS, and other hormonal imbalances can cause unexplained weight gain.
Infertility
Hormone imbalances can affect your menstrual cycle, which can make it harder to get pregnant.
Insomnia
Progesterone is known as the relaxing hormone. An imbalance of this hormone can lead to insomnia, making it more difficult for you to sleep. Too much progesterone may also lead to chronic fatigue.
Bloating
Cells in the lining of your digestive tract have receptors for estrogen and progesterone. Changes in the levels of these hormones may affect your digestion, leading to bloating and other stomach issues.
Mood swings
Skin Issues Acne And Hair Loss
Skin and hair issues are a common symptom of hormone imbalance, specifically due to thyroid problems, PCOS and ovary disfunction.
Some people think that collagen helps with hair growth, while others do not.
You might also experience dry hair or skin, brittle nails, vaginal dryness, pain during sex and irregular menstrual cycles. Acne in particular can be caused by higher levels or testosterone. But in most cases, you can treat it by using anti-androgen medications and corticosteroids.
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Poor Diet And Nutrition
Eating a diet rich in processed foods, starchy carbohydrates, and sugar may lead to a hormonal imbalance by raising your bodys insulin levels, increasing cortisol in the body.
People who live with chronic stress tend to make poorer food choices and may increase their intake of snack foods that are not nutrient dense, leading to weight gain.
Consuming animal products can disrupt your endocrine system and lead to a hormonal imbalance, too. Researchers discovered that eating meat or drinking milk from cows treated with hormones has a profound biological effect on humans.
How Are Hormonal Imbalances Diagnosed
Healthcare providers typically order blood tests to check hormone levels since your endocrine glands release hormones directly into your bloodstream.
Certain hormone levels vary drastically throughout the day, so providers may order other tests to measure your levels, such as a glucose tolerance test or insulin tolerance test.
Your provider will also ask you about your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam.
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Period Problems And Period
A common complaint of women who visit Madison Womens Health is irregular periods or unexpected changes to their periods. A period is considered irregular when it occurs more often than before or less often than before, or if the amount and duration of bleeding has changed significantly for repeated months. Is your period suddenly much heavier than it has been? Or are you not having a period at all?
Keep track of your cycles, when you begin to bleed, and for how long. A popular app among our patients for tracking cycles is Period Tracker Period Calendar , although there are many options. Let your doctor know how many days there are between your periods and what your typical flow is like. Discuss what is different and why you are concerned. Let them know if youre under more stress than before, if youve changed your diet or exercise recently, or if you have a family history of irregular periods.
These changes could have a structural cause having to do with your cervix or uterus or a hormonal cause. Your doctor will likely want to perform a physical exam and may also check specific hormones on a specific day of your menstrual cycle.
Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms In Females
Are you struggling with hormonal issues and wondering what to do? Maybe your menstrual cycle is irregular and you have other symptoms that make you feel out of balance.
If you don’t know what is causing your symptoms or how to treat it then you’ve come to the right place.
Did you know that hormone imbalances are a leading cause of chronic health issues for women of all ages?
If left untreated, these imbalances can lead to serious health problems such as infertility, osteoporosis and even heart disease.
This guide will teach you about the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women specifically, and how to treat it. With the right information, you can get your hormones back in balance and start feeling like yourself again.
Before we begin I’ll mention that a high protein bone broth is a great way to heal your gut. The gut is the cornerstone or health, hormones included.
Bluebird Provisions makes the best one for this because of the high glycine, proline and glutamine.
Ok, let’s get started.
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Hormonal Imbalance In Women: Symptoms Tests Treatment
- Dr. Andrea Pinto Lopez on October 13, 2022
Hormones are substances that your organism produces and that help control many processes inside the human body. There are many different kinds of hormones, and they all function within certain ranges to preserve your health. If your hormone levels are too low or too high, you can develop signs of hormone dysregulation. These symptoms will vary depending on the exact cause of the issue.
Read this article to learn more about hormonal imbalance in women.
When Is A Period Considered Irregular
Irregular periods are those that occur less than 24 days apart or more than 38 days apart. Put another way, the length of time from the first day of your last period to the first day of your next one is either less than 24 days or more than 38 days.
If your cycle length changes by more than 20 days each month, thats also considered irregular. However, irregular periods are normal during the first few years of menstruation and during perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause.
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