Do you feel like something in your body isn’t quite right? Maybe you’ve been feeling constantly tired, experiencing mood swings you can’t explain, or even noticing changes in your skin and weight for no apparent reason. This might be more than just daily stress—it could be a sign that your hormones are out of balance.
At Functional Wellness Network, we believe in the importance of understanding what’s happening in our bodies to better care for our health. Hormones are essential chemical messengers that regulate a wide range of processes in the body, from metabolism and sleep to emotional health and fertility. An imbalance in these messengers can lead to a variety of symptoms, sometimes hard to link together.
Let’s dive into some of the most common signs that your hormones might be out of balance. Learning to recognize these symptoms can help you take action before they turn into bigger issues.
1. Constant fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
One of the most common signs of hormonal imbalance is chronic fatigue. Sometimes, no matter how much you rest, you still feel exhausted. This can be related to an imbalance in cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Cortisol plays a crucial role in our stress response, but when it’s produced in excess or insufficient amounts, it can lead to extreme tiredness.
Why does this happen?
When we experience chronic stress, our body constantly releases cortisol, and over time, this can lead to “adrenal fatigue,” a condition where the adrenal glands become exhausted from overproducing cortisol, affecting your energy balance.
2. Mood swings and unstable emotions
If your emotions feel like they’re on a roller coaster for no apparent reason, this could also be a sign of hormonal imbalance. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a fundamental role in regulating emotions, especially in women. When the levels of these hormones fluctuate irregularly, symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and depression can emerge.
A common example
During premenstrual syndrome (PMS), estrogen and progesterone levels drop, which can cause mood changes. However, if these emotional changes occur frequently and outside of this period, it may be a sign that hormone levels are not in balance.
3. Skin problems: acne, dryness, or sensitivity
The skin is also affected by hormonal balance. Adult acne, for example, can be a sign of an imbalance in hormones like androgens, which stimulate sebum production. When androgen levels are high, the sebaceous glands produce more oil, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Other hormonal issues with the skin
On the other hand, dry and sensitive skin can be linked to low thyroid hormone levels, which regulate metabolism and impact skin hydration. Hormonal balance is also essential for preventing inflammation and maintaining the skin’s elasticity and vitality.
4. Difficulty sleeping well
The hormone melatonin is essential for regulating our sleep cycle. However, melatonin levels can be disrupted by an excess of cortisol (the stress hormone), making it harder to fall asleep. Additionally, an imbalance in thyroid hormones can also affect sleep, causing insomnia or non-restorative sleep.
Side effects
Lack of proper sleep further worsens hormonal imbalances. Without enough rest, the body goes into a state of stress, which raises cortisol levels again, creating a difficult cycle to break.
5. Changes in weight, unexplained gain or loss
When your hormones are out of balance, weight can be challenging to manage. This is because hormones like insulin, cortisol, leptin, and thyroid hormones are directly related to metabolism and fat storage.
Possible effects
- Weight gain: Insulin resistance, common in people with high cortisol levels due to stress, can cause the body to store more fat, especially around the abdominal area.
- Weight loss: On the other hand, thyroid issues, such as hyperthyroidism, can speed up metabolism, causing unhealthy weight loss and making it hard to maintain a stable weight.
6. Hair loss or changes in texture
Have you noticed your hair falling out more than usual? This, too, can be linked to hormonal imbalances. Thyroid hormones are essential for hair growth, and when they’re out of balance, hair can become weak or fall out excessively.
Which hormones may be involved?
In women, low estrogen levels can also lead to hair loss, as this hormone helps keep hair strong and healthy. Additionally, an excess of androgens can result in hair loss in typical male-pattern baldness areas.
What can you do if you recognize these symptoms?
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical guidance to conduct hormone testing and get a proper diagnosis. Hormonal imbalances can often be managed through lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques. In some cases, specific hormone treatments under medical supervision may be necessary.
At Functional Wellness Network, we promote a holistic approach to health. We encourage you to listen to your body and pay attention to these signs, as hormonal balance is crucial for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Detecting and treating hormonal imbalances early can make a significant difference in your quality of life.
If you have questions or suspect you may have a hormonal imbalance, don’t hesitate to seek guidance. Your health and well-being are always a priority, and maintaining hormonal balance is essential for living a full and healthy life.
We invite you to stay connected with us through our webinars and periodic events, where we cover essential topics in functional medicine and business. These gatherings, held biweekly on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m., provide an excellent opportunity to dive into practical strategies for healthcare professionals looking to take their practice to the next level.
Our upcoming meeting, which you won’t want to miss, is on November 21 and is especially for healthcare professionals. In this event, we’ll explore how to achieve six-figure income in clinics. Join us and learn how to take your business to new heights!
Dr. Kent Nelson
Functional Wellness Network
www.functionalwellnessnetwork.com
