Are you experiencing sudden weight gain, thinning hair or feel tired all day long? Well, you can blame your hormones for causing such discomfort. As a woman, your hormones are the keys that define your overall health, ranging from your outer appearance to your mood. It is no surprise that your body requires these chemicals for regulating different processes and even the slightest imbalance in your hormonal levels can take your body off-kilter. Although the levels of hormones can fluctuate at any age, women are more likely to experience hormonal imbalances during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. It may occur due to unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying medical condition, which may require immediate medical assistance. However, most women not even realize what could be the reason behind their weird behavior. Today, we are here with a list of 10 clear symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women. Read on!

Frequent Mood Changes: Women are more likely to experience mood swings during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. All thanks to the raised levels of sex hormone, estrogen which has a significant effect on your brain’s neurotransmitters including Serotonin, which is believed to elevate your mood. Fluctuations in estrogen often result in Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or depressed mood during periods, pregnancy or perimenopause.

Low Sex Drive: Decreased sex drive is another prominent symptom of hormonal imbalance in females. Women who are going through perimenopause or menopause are more likely to experience low libido due to falling levels of estrogen and testosterone (a male hormone which is present in women in low amounts).

Unexplained Weight Gain: Unexplained weight can be a sign of a plethora of hormone-related health issues such as an underactive thyroid gland, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or menstrual disorders.

Fertility Issues: Hormonal imbalance is a major factor that causes fertility problems in most women. However, it’s worth knowing that a woman’s fertility begins to drop naturally after the age of 35. In addition, low levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) can lower your chances to conceive and falling luteinizing hormonal levels may interfere with your ovary’s ability to release eggs, which, in turn, causes infertility.

Skin Problems: Chronic acne and breakouts may signify low levels of estrogens and raised levels of androgen hormones simultaneously. Besides, it can indicate serious health issues like PCOS.  Similarly, any disruption in hormone levels during pregnancy or menopause can cause itchy skin, while dry skin may be a sign of thyroid-related disorders.

Headache or Dizziness: Many women suffer a headache or dizziness during pregnancy or menopause. All thanks to their hormonal shift. Besides, many women experience frequent bouts of nausea during the menstrual cycle or in the early stages of pregnancy.

Vaginal Dryness: Vaginal dryness is often experienced by women going through perimenopause and menopause. It can be credited to falling estrogen levels or certain medications such as birth control pills or anti-depressants.

Insomnia or Poor Sleep: During perimenopause or menopause, your body slows down the production of sleep hormones.  Additionally, falling levels of estrogen can trigger night sweats, which in turn, can disrupt your sleep and can cause a dip in energy as well.

Weak or Brittle Bones: A drop in estrogen and progesterone levels may result in weaker bones.

Unregulated Glucose Levels: Fluctuating blood sugars or diabetes is another prominent factor that signifies a hormonal imbalance in women. The hormones, estrogen, and progesterone deeply affect your blood sugar levels and after menopause, your glucose level is more variable and less predictable than ever.

What to Do :

If you are suffering any of these symptoms, we recommend you to consult a qualified health professional for early detection of serious health issues. Besides, you can try some natural remedies (including exercise) to get relief from discomforting symptoms such as PMS or menstrual cramps. We wish you good health!