10 Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Sudden health changes can be a sign of underlying hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalances are a common culprit of symptoms like fatigue or low libido. Although hormone problems are prevalent, they’re often underdiagnosed. Hormones fluctuations often trigger vague, nonspecific symptoms.

My patients frequently attribute their symptoms to stress or lack of sleep. Some patients decide that they’re simply “getting older,” and these symptoms are unavoidable. The truth is, many symptoms of hormone imbalance are reversible. Balancing your hormones is the first step toward physical and mental rejuvenation.

As a trained hormone specialist, I’m proud to help a diverse group of patients identify and treat hormone imbalances. Treatment can clear up troublesome symptoms and improve quality of life. Hormone optimization may also help you avoid serious health problems down the road. Read on to learn more about the link between hormones and longevity.

What are Hormones?

The human body produces dozens of different hormones. These chemicals carry messages to your various organs and tissues. Hormones control key physical processes, including:

• Growth and development
• Appetite and metabolism
• Mood and energy
• Sexual vitality and reproduction
• Cognitive function

Slight changes in hormone production can trigger sudden, dramatic changes. Symptoms of a hormone imbalance may also appear gradually. Without treatment, it can undermine your health and destroy your quality of life.

What Are Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance?

Weight Changes

Hormones control your metabolism and appetite. If your hormones are imbalanced, you might experience rapid weight gain. Some of my patients also report sudden weight loss. Weight changes are common during menopause, and they can be a sign that your health is at risk. Hormone optimization can stabilize your weight and protect your heart health.

Skin Problems

Many patients assume that skin problems will disappear after they finish high school. But fluctuating hormones can lead to a frustrating outbreak of adult acne. Dull or dry skin may also be a sign of hormone problems. Sometimes, patients report a loss of firmness or elasticity. Fortunately, these problems are usually fixable. Patients often report improved complexion after balancing their hormones.

Low Libido

Sudden loss of libido is always a red flag for hormone problems. Even slight hormone changes can trigger a loss of interest in sex. In men, hormone imbalances sometimes cause erectile dysfunction. Women may experience vaginal dryness or pain during sex. These symptoms can destroy your self-confidence, but treatment can restore your vitality and boost intimacy.

High Blood Sugar

Patients are often surprised to learn about the link between blood sugar and hormone levels. Keep in mind that insulin is a hormone, too. High insulin can trigger changes in sex hormones. In turn, certain sex hormones can also disrupt your blood sugar levels. If one hormone spikes, it can set off a chain reaction within your body.

Muscle Loss

During consultations, my male patients often report a frustrating loss of muscle mass. Many assume that increased age is to blame, but the truth is that age-related muscle loss isn’t inevitable. Hormone optimization can help prevent muscle loss. Boosting low testosterone or growth hormones can help preserve muscle.

Joint Pain or Swelling

Patients often dismiss their joint problems are the price of getting older, but I always remind patients that joint stiffness and swelling aren’t inevitable. Lifestyle changes can keep your joints healthy and flexible, and hormone optimization can help this process. Low hormone levels may trigger joint inflammation. Balancing hormones protects your joints.

Sleep Problems

If you struggle with insomnia or restless sleep, it’s time for a hormone panel. Hormones play a vital role in sleep quality, and poor sleep worsens existing imbalances. Correcting an imbalance can help you get a restful night’s sleep.

Trouble Concentrating

“Brain fog” is one of the most notorious symptoms of hormone imbalance. My patients sometimes report trouble focusing on simple tasks. They admit that they’ve grown forgetful and often lose track of conversations. This symptom often goes hand-in-hand with fatigue, mood changes, and poor sleep quality. Treating the underlying hormone imbalance can restore your mental clarity.

Fatigue

My patients often complain, “Doctor, I’m always so tired!” There’s no doubt that a stressful career or a busy family can leave you feeling exhausted. Still, many patients report chronic fatigue, even with plenty of sleep. Persistent fatigue is often a symptom of hormone imbalance. A few simple changes can balance your hormones and boost your energy levels.

Mood Swings

A hormone imbalance can leave you moody, depressed, or anxious. These symptoms can take a toll on your career and your personal life. Over time, they can interfere with your quality of life and even shorten your lifespan. Correcting the hormone imbalance can ease anxiety and brighten your mood.

Can I Balance My Hormones Naturally?

A well-balanced diet plays a significant role in maintaining hormones. For patients seeking hormone optimization, I recommend a protein-rich diet. Lean or plant-based protein helps your body secrete the right amounts of hormones. Olive oil, fatty fish, and fiber also stabilize hormones and control insulin. However, refined carbs and processed sugar may worsen hormone problems. Eliminating these foods from your diet helps bring your hormones back into balance.

Stress-management and high-quality sleep are also instrumental in balancing hormones. Meditation, counseling, and dietary supplements can aid these processes. I always remind patients that regular exercise is key. Exercise reduces stress hormones, which can disrupt other hormone receptors. Physical activity also improves mood and sleep quality. Staying active fights joint stiffness and muscle loss, too.

What If I Need Medication?

Sometimes, your hormone imbalance may not respond to lifestyle changes. If you have a stubborn hormone imbalance, my team helps you explore other treatment options. We offer a range of supplements and regenerative treatments. These options give your body a boost through things like creams, gels, injections and patches. Pharmaceutical therapy can also complement our regenerative treatments and lifestyle counseling. This holistic approach delivers optimal results.

I also offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) through my practice with BodyLogic MD of Greenville. This process may include pellet therapy, which is a great solution for many patients. Each pellet contains a customized blend of hormones. The pellet delivers a steady dose of hormones, mimicking your body’s natural processes.

My team inserts the pellet beneath your skin during a simple in-office appointment. Your body gradually absorbs the pellet over 3-4 months. Afterward, we recheck your hormones and replace your pellet. There’s no need for messy creams or daily medications. Pellet therapy is safe, convenient, and fuss-free.

Safe and complete hormone optimization is possible. If you struggle with a hormone imbalance, my team help.  We offer lasting solutions for hormone imbalances. Contact us at the Regenerative Medical Institute today to schedule a consultation.