Our body uses a variety of chemicals and substances to maintain itself. Whether it’s breaking down essential nutrients for our body, healing wounds from injuries, or doing critical bodily functions, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that our biochemistry is one of the essential parts of our daily lives.
One of the most important substances in our body comes in the form of hormones. Both men and women have their own respective hormones that are key to growth (such as puberty), primary sexual functions, and even our skin’s health. But sometimes, hormones can do more harm than good, especially if there is an imbalance.
Hormonal imbalance is natural among women and is known for playing a significant part in health milestones and drastic changes in a person’s life. For instance, hormones are often related to menstruation, pregnancy, post-partum healing, and menopause among middle-aged women.
Although, for many women, these changes’ symptoms can often be considered “uncomfortable,” but they’re generally known for being manageable. But other than what we’ve just mentioned, changes in hormones aside from these situations can often cause concern.
So what are some ways of treating hormonal imbalance? What should you be looking out for that’s out of the ordinary? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
What Is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormones are usually chemicals that are important in some bodily functions. These are chemical products in small glands that are then injected into the bloodstream to help other body systems on what they should be doing or react to external stimuli.
As the name suggests, hormonal imbalance happens when there’s too little or too much of a certain type of hormone. Since these hormones are responsible for commanding systems and key to different functions, an imbalance in the quantity of these hormones could upset cause health complications.
For instance, an increase in androgen levels can lead to an acceleration of oil in the skin, which can often lead to acne and other problems for the skin. Pancreas also produces hormones in the form of insulin, which is responsible for regulating the amount of sugar that stays in the blood. This is crucial in preventing diseases like diabetes.
While many people think that hormonal imbalance is a mild annoyance, it can also be an early onset of a serious health condition. That said, it’s essential to be aware of early signs of hormonal imbalances.
So what are some early signs of hormonal imbalance that people should be on the look-out for? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Hair Loss
Our skin plays an important part of our body is protecting us from contaminants and foreign bodies. It also serves the purpose of keeping our hair follicles healthy and our hair in good condition. Hormonal imbalance can usually cause gradual hair loss, especially in women that are currently experiencing menopause.
When the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop, the “structural” integrity of hair can get compromised, which will result in thinner hair that’s more prone to hair loss. If you’re unsure how you can prevent hair loss, some professionals are well-versed in keeping your hair in a pristine condition. Fortunately, some clinics are known for having the best hair loss treatment in women.
Weight Gain or Loss
There are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to weight gain and weight loss. Although, this is commonly associated with your lifestyle and die. However, most women will see changes in their body weight when there is a sudden shift in hormones. Conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and complications in the thyroid gland can cause weight gain and weight loss in some cases.
Digestive Complications
Our digestive process brings our body sustenance. Hormones are also responsible for our digestion, and the system is susceptible to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. You’ll experience changes to how food is being digested if you have a hormonal imbalance. This could range from stomach pain, constipation to diarrhea.
Professional Help
So what’s the right way of preventing hormonal imbalance in the body? It’s a bit more challenging to prevent hormonal imbalance in the body since it is an important part of its natural process. That said, symptoms can be addressed. Although, certain types of hormonal imbalance can be addressed by medication and professional help. If you think you’re having mood swings, having problems with your skin, or seeing drastic changes to your body, seeing a professional that’s well-versed in hormonal changes is the best course of action.
There are a variety of early signs of hormonal imbalance in the body. Although hormones are essential to how we go about our everyday lives, they can also cause health complications if not adequately addressed. When in doubt, consulting an expert on the matter is the best way of addressing the situation.