Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal Imbalance

April 9, 2020 8:22 am Published by

Hormonal Imbalance Explained

Hormones travel through the tissues and organs via the bloodstream and are the body’s chemical messengers. They are produced by the endocrine glands, which are composed of special groups of cells. These include the pituitary gland, thyroid, thymus, adrenal glands, and pancreas.
There are around 6000 endocrine disorders that result because of hormonal imbalance. If left untreated, hormone imbalance can result in serious medical conditions like diabetes. If the imbalance takes place in the pituitary glands, growth disorders such as ‘gigantism’ and ‘acromegaly’ are possible.
Hormones regulate the body systems. An imbalance, through either over or underproduction of specific hormones, causes those systems to no longer function properly.
In women, estrogen is sercreted by the ovaries and is responsible for sexual development. Estrogen and progesterone are both responsible for the fertility and ability to conceive by regulating the menstrual cycle and controlling the various phases that take place.

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance occur when the level of estrogen increases or when the level of progesterone decreases, leading to ‘Estrogen Dominance’.

Causes of hormonal imbalance include:

External Factors:

  • The use of birth control pills Stress
  • Overuse of cosmetics and non-organic animal products

Medical & Genetic factors:

  • Obesity and tumors

Lifestyle factors:

  • Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle
  • Pregnancy, lactation and auto antibody production

Of all the above, obesity and pregnancy are the most common reasons for Hormonal Imbalance.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms include fatigue, skin problems/acne, mood swings, weight problems, diminished sex drive and poor memory. In more severe conditions, there may be arithritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and anxiety attacks. In menopause, there may be repeated urinary tract infections and increased dryness of the mouth, eyes and genitalia. Abnormal heartbeats can also be experienced.

Depending on the severity of the hormonal imbalance symptoms, the gynecologist may recommend lifestyle changes to remedy or reduce the signs of hormonal imbalance such as a sensible diet, regular exercise, and regular sleep. On the other hand, in more severe cases, he/she may prescribe medications.

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