Hormones are chemicals secreted from the endocrine glands of the human body. They travel through your bloodstream to the various tissues and organs, directing them to function efficiently. Hormonal imbalance is a condition that occurs when the hormones in the bloodstream become excess or insufficient. Since hormones are vital for regulating the major bodily processes, even slightest changes can severely affect your entire body. Keep reading to know more about hormonal imbalance.
Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms
Here are the common signs and symptoms of a hormonal imbalance
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Irritability
- Depression
- Changes in appetite
- Hair thinning
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular menstruation
- Decreased or increased heart rate
- Constipation or irregular bowel movements
- Frequent urination
- Muscle weakness
- Increased hunger
- Dry skin
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance
The causes of hormonal imbalance depend mainly on the glands or hormones that are affected. However, the most common causes include:
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Obesity
- Iodine deficiency
- Pituitary tumours
- Cancer treatments
- Injury or trauma
- Addison’s disease
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Exposure to toxins and chemicals
- Medications
How to Cure Hormonal Imbalance?
Here are the ways to cure hormonal imbalance in men and women:
Ways to Cure Hormonal Imbalance in Women
- Vaginal estrogen
Women experiencing vaginal dryness or pain during sex can apply creams containing estrogen directly to vaginal tissues. They can also use estrogen tablets as well as rings to reduce the symptoms.
- Eflornithine
This is a type of cream that slows down excessive facial hair growth in women.
- Hormone replacement medications
These types of medications are designed to temporarily reduce the severe symptoms associated with menopause like night sweats or hot flashes.
- Clomiphene and Letrozole
Clomiphene and letrozole help to stimulate ovulation in those women who are trying to conceive and have PCOS.
- Hormonal birth control
This type of medications contain forms of estrogen and progesterone. They help to regulate the menstrual cycle. There are different types of hormonal birth control options including pill, patch, ring, shot, or an intrauterine device (IUD)
Ways to Cure Hormonal Imbalance in Men
- Testosterone therapy
Testosterone therapy includes gels, patches, or injections that can help reduce the symptoms of hypogonadism and certain other conditions that cause low levels of testosterone, such as delayed puberty.
Other treatment options
- Metformin
Metformin is a medication for type 2 diabetes that can help manage blood sugar levels. It also helps in dealing with PCOS symptoms, lower androgen levels, as well as encourages ovulation.
- Levothyroxine
Medications that contain levothyroxine, such as Synthroid, Unithroid, and Levothroid, help to improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism, thereby balancing the hormone levels.
Before taking any medications for problems due to hormonal imbalance, it is always recommended to seek advice from an expert doctor. You can also consult a doctor online.
Tips to Balance Your Hormone Levels
Apart from taking medications, there are certain changes that you must bring in your lifestyle so as to balance hormone levels.
Exercise regularly
Physical activity affects your hormonal health in a positive way. It can reduce insulin levels as well as simultaneously increase insulin sensitivity. Also, exercising regularly will help in reducing excessive estrogen levels in many ways. It detoxifies these excess estrogen and eliminates it through perspiration.
To achieve optimum hormonal balance, you can do strength training, aerobic, or endurance exercises according to your choices. However, it is always best to start your exercise routine with easy stretching and flexibility exercises.
Reduce stress
Reducing stress helps to balance hormonal levels in a great way. Try spending at least 15 to 30 minutes a day doing stress-reducing activities. These include listening to your favourite music, meditation, spending time with your loved ones, going out for a walk, gardening, or any activities that can make you feel relaxed. You can even try doing yoga or stress relief exercises. Make sure to eliminate all forms of stress stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and energy drinks. This is because your adrenaline glands may react to these stimulants and release excess stress hormones.
Sleep well
Disrupted sleeping patterns can cause hormonal imbalance and can induce stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, getting enough sleep at night is very important. An adult should sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a day.
If you find it difficult to sleep at night, then know that there are many home remedies that can help you sleep better. Make your bedroom sleep-friendly by turning off the devices that emit light, keeping the bedroom temperature cool and using blackout curtains.
Eat healthy food
What you eat affects your hormonal levels and overall health. To balance your hormonal levels, consider eating foods rich in:
- Healthy fats
- Protein
- Vitamin B
- Fiber
- Iodin
- Selenium
Avoid hot flashes
This is another way to balance hormonal levels. Identify the things that can trigger your hot flashes; these include warm temperatures, hot beverages, or spicy foods.
If you experience any kind of long-term symptoms that disrupt your daily activities, talk to a doctor immediately.
