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Hormones play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are substances that circulate in the bloodstream and help the organs and tissues of the body carry out their functions. Hormonal balance is essential for the health of the whole body. Unfortunately, it is often a problem, especially in women. Several symptoms warn of hormonal imbalance.
Weight gain
Are you trying to eat healthily, exercising, and yet gaining weight? Extra pounds can be one of the signs of hormonal imbalance. The stress hormone cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands. If its production is increased (whether due to stress or for some other reason), weight gain occurs. Increased cortisol production also raises the amount of insulin released into the bloodstream and thus affects blood sugar levels. This in turn results in greater appetite, more frequent feelings of hunger and accumulation of fat in the abdominal area.
Hair loss and heavy sweating
In the past, the main culprit of excessive hair loss was thought to be the hormone called testosterone. Today we know that the cause is dihydrotestosterone, sometimes referred to as DHT. A completely healthy man produces only a small amount of this hormone; it should not be present at all in a woman’s body. Even very low levels of DHT in a woman’s body cause increased hair loss. In men, it is enough for the DHT level to rise slightly.
Another symptom of hormonal imbalance is heavy sweating. Women often experience hot flashes during menopause, which are the result of hormonal changes. If they occur in men or in women who are not going through menopause, the disruption is most likely due to impaired serotonin production. Night sweating is especially common.
Chronic fatigue
Joint pain and excessive fatigue despite sufficient and quality sleep are signs that there is an excess of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. It keeps the body in a constant state of readiness to fight or flee in response to experienced stress. The result is not only a constant feeling of tiredness but also pain throughout the body.
In cases of chronic stress, people often experience adrenal fatigue, which is the result of precisely high cortisol levels. The feeling of fatigue can also be caused by another hormonal problem — it occurs when levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone are too high. This then points to a condition called hypothyroidism.
Craving sweets and bad mood
Intense cravings for sweets are also a symptom of hormonal imbalance caused by hypothyroidism. It is a condition in which the glands are underactive and therefore work more slowly than usual. The desire to eat sweet foods can also stem from adrenal overwork or as a result of increased production of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol.
Hormonal imbalance also causes persistent bad mood, low spirits, irritability, anxiety and depression. Again, the thyroid gland can be to blame, but this time for overproduction of its hormones. Insomnia is also a consequence of hormonal imbalance. Women entering menopause often suffer from it. The reason is strong hormonal activity.
Poor sleep and digestive problems
Lack of sleep can affect the production of ten hormones, which then further influence appetite, fertility, heart health and mental health. Regular sleep helps maintain estrogen levels. Its deficiency is especially suffered by women during menopause. In men, lack of testosterone particularly leads to worsened sleep.
An imbalance of the hormones gastrin, secretin and cholecystokinin leads to digestive problems. These hormones stimulate the digestion process and break down food into simple molecules that are then easily absorbed into the bloodstream. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, consult your doctor about possible treatment. You can also try a drink made from a teaspoon of turmeric, lemon juice, one cucumber, celery, a large carrot and a glass of water. Blend the ingredients and drink every day.
