Why does hormonal imbalance happen
Keep in mind that your partner should also be tested for structural or hormonal issues if you have been trying to conceive for some time.
If your periods are too far apart 6 weeks and longer , your ovaries may not be releasing eggs often enough into your fallopian tubes. Typically, a girl will begin her period at a similar age to when her mother began getting hers. Some girls have their first period as early as 10 or If you or your daughter are outside those age ranges and are concerned about that first period, it is worth a visit to her Pediatrician, Family Doctor or OBYGN. Common factors that affect when a girl begins her period are weight changes, environmental factors that stimulate the hormones, or adrenal gland problems.
Pre-teens and teenagers have very irregular periods as their bodies mature. When women approach their mid- to lates, their cycles may become irregular as they enter the perimenopausal stage. You can read more about what to expect in perimenopause in our recent article. Signs that you may be experiencing perimenopause include skipping periods and having lighter periods. If your periods are becoming heavier, more frequent, prolonged, or with spotting between periods, you should mention this to your doctor.
These changes could indicate menopause, but they could also be caused by abnormalities in your cervix or uterus. PCOS causes ovaries to produce higher levels of androgens male-type hormones , which can cause anovulation—lack of egg release each month from your ovaries.
Instead of releasing eggs, the ovaries of women with PCOS produce multiple small cysts that further contribute to a hormonal imbalance. Your metabolism, appetite, growth and development, mood, stress, and body temperatures are all affected by hormones.
Women are largely governed by estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones; men need adequate testosterone to feel their best. Imbalances can occur in other hormones, too. Adrenal imbalances, thyroid issues, and inadequate growth hormones can also cause problems with weight gain, mood issues, and energy.
Men and women may experience similar symptoms when hormones are out of balance. You rely on caffeine to get you through the morning and afternoon. Your emotions are erratic. You get cranky and irritable often, and you have energy crashes. Hormones are also important to your sexual function. Nearly everyone experiences at least one or two periods of hormonal imbalance during their lifetime.
Hormonal imbalances are more common during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. But some people experience continual, irregular hormonal imbalances. Many hormonal imbalances are caused by external factors, such as stress or hormone medications.
However, hormonal imbalances can also be caused by any medical condition that impacts or involves the endocrine system or glands. A person should speak to a doctor about long-term unexplained symptoms, especially those that cause pain, discomfort, or interfere with everyday activities. The natural supplements listed in this article are available in most grocery or health food stores and online:. Do gluten-free or low-GI diets help?
Endorphins are chemicals produced naturally in the body to cope with pain or stress. Learn about how they affect mood disorders and other conditions. Low estrogen levels can cause a range of symptoms. This article includes detail on signs of low estrogen and examines the risk factors. Can yoga be beneficial for people with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? We look at the evidence and list the best yoga poses for thyroid health.
Addison's disease, also called chronic insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, affects the adrenal glands. Learn about the possible causes of this…. For men, a hormonal imbalance can present as a decreased sex drive, loss of hair and loss of muscle mass and too often are seen as simply a sign of maturing.
The most dangerous thing about a hormonal imbalance is not actually the symptom, but what it may represent. Common causes of a hormonal imbalance range from diabetes to thyroid issues, to glandular issues and possible tumors — either benign or malignant. Particularly in women, a hormonal imbalance could indicate early onset of menopause , polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency and even ovarian cancer, among other conditions.
In men, hormone imbalance could indicate any number of conditions, including prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about any new or unusual symptoms that are not typical of your personality or body.