Hormonal Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Hormonal imbalance is a condition that occurs when the presence of hormones in the bloodstream are either too high or too less. Hormones play a very important role in the body, so even a small imbalance can have a major impact on the entire body. It can lead to gaining weight, fatigue, dry skin, or mood swings. They are generally secreted from the glands present in the endocrine system.  

What are Hormones?

The endocrine system is a network of glands in the human body that produce and release hormones that are used to control many important body functions. Each gland releases certain hormones into the bloodstream. Hormonal imbalances, or endocrine diseases, occur when glands produce too much or too little endocrine hormone, resulting in a hormonal imbalance. When there is an excessive amount of a particular hormone in your body, the endocrine feedback system signals the brain, which in turn signals the appropriate gland to keep secretion under control. However, failure of this process leads to hormonal imbalance. The female body is more prone to diseases caused by hormonal imbalance than the male body. These diseases occur throughout life during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause.

The Role of Hormones 

Hormones are known as chemical messengers of the body because they regulate a whole range of functions in the body. Men and women both are affected by hormones but there are certain specific hormones that are produced according to sex or during some particular event. Some of these functions are:

• Speed of the heartbeat
• Speed of metabolism
• Appetite
• Circadian rhythm (sleep cycles)
• Cycles of reproduction
• Growth and development
• Body temperature

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

There are certain symptoms of hormonal imbalances depending on specific glands. Some of the most common synonyms of hormonal imbalances are:

• Sleeping difficulty
• Eating too much or too less
• Blood pressure level changes
• Fatigue
• Face swelling
• Vision getting blurry
• Drying of the skin
• Weight loss or weight gain without reason
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Rashes appearing on skin
•  Irritation
• Lower sex drive

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance

There are many possible causes of hormonal imbalance. The causes vary depending on which hormones or glands are affected. Common causes of hormonal imbalance are:

Hormone therapy Medications Cancer Treatments such as chemotherapy Tumors, whether cancerous or benign Pituitary tumors Eating disorders Stress injuries or trauma.

While the conditions listed below may initially be caused by hormonal imbalance, such a condition can also lead to further hormonal imbalance:

• Diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
• Diabetes insipidus Hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism Thyroid nodules Thyroiditis Hypogonadism
• Cushing's syndrome or high cortisol Congenital adrenal hyperplasia resulting in low cortisol and aldosterone levels
• Addison's disease
• Specific causes in women

Hormonal imbalances in women occur throughout life during menstruation, puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Due to differences in glands and cycles, women are more prone to hormonal imbalances than men. Many causes of hormonal imbalance in women have to do with reproductive hormones. Common causes include:

• Menopause Primary ovarian insufficiency, also called premature menopause Pregnancy Breastfeeding.
• PCOS Hormone medications such as birth control pills.

There are several endocrine glands present in the human body which produced particular hormones according to each gland which are:

Treatment for Hormonal Imbalance

Treatment for hormonal imbalance depends on the cause and also on the person. Also, there are different treatment options for women and men. For instance, women who suffer from irregular menstrual cycles can take medications that contain female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and they can use birth control. Men with hypogonadism, stunted puberty or similar conditions can be helped by testosterone patches and gels.

Things to Remember

• Hormonal imbalances is a part of CBSE class 10 Science syllabus.
• It comes under unit 2, World of living and carries a total of 5 to 6 marks and 12 to 13 periods. 
• If you have a sleep disorder, you are suffering from a hormonal imbalance. This may be due to an increase in progesterone.
• Hormonal imbalance can cause you to experience anxiety and depression.
• Unusual weight gain and fatigue can also cause hormonal imbalance.
• Heavy or painful menstrual bleeding accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, frequent urination, lower back pain, constipation and painful intercourse, then you may have fibroids. Fibroids grow in or around the uterus and are non-cancerous in nature but they are thought to be stimulated by estrogen, and a family history may also increase your risk.
• Regardless of the disorders mentioned, there are many other factors that can cause hormonal imbalance. So always pay attention to your health and symptoms.