Menopause is probably the most familiar cause of a hormonal imbalance, but it’s far from the only one. Here’s what you need to know about different reasons for hormonal fluctuations.
Hormonal imbalances can make you feel exhausted, irritable, off your game, sick to your stomach, or even cause chronic headaches or muscle pains. Identifying a hormonal imbalance is the first step to treatment.
At Ketaesthetics in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, our experienced team of specialists can help you balance your body’s hormone levels with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We offer HRT using pellets that release a slow, steady dose of the correct hormones into your body to restore balance.
Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance
Since hormones are not a visible aspect of your body, imbalances aren’t always easy to spot. However, there are some signs to look out for that can help you determine if you should discuss hormonal imbalance symptoms with your doctor.
Sudden weight loss or gain
Weight loss of ten pounds or more without any change in diet or exercise could indicate a hormonal imbalance. Similarly, weight gain without a noticeable increase in food may suggest that your hormone levels need attention.
When your body is extremely over or underweight, your risk of hormonal imbalances grows. People who have had eating disorders are also at higher risk for hormonal imbalances.
Sleep problems
When you sleep, your body produces progesterone. If the body doesn’t produce enough of this hormone, you may find it hard to get to sleep. Sleep is linked to most of the body’s functions, so a lack of sleep affects you in numerous ways.
Hair loss and thinning hair
Hair loss and thin hair are often a sign of thyroid problems which are linked to hormonal imbalances. This symptom can be obvious as you may lose large amounts of hair just by brushing or washing it.
Chronic acne
A few blemishes here and there are nothing to be concerned about. However, acne that won’t go away can be a sign of hormonal imbalance caused by excess androgen levels.
Memory fog and fatigue
Often related to the thyroid, memory fog is a condition where you find it hard to remember things, feel dazed, or extremely fatigued despite getting enough sleep. This can also be a sign of a hormone imbalance.
Non-menopausal causes of hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a variety of factors. While menopause is one of the most common causes of hormonal imbalances, other causes of hormonal imbalances include:
- Medications
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone treatments (including T-shots and birth control)
- Eating disorders
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (POCS)
Hormonal imbalances can also develop due to conditions where your immune system attacks your hormonal glands, such as in the case of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Getting answers and help for hormonal imbalances
We can check for many hormone issues through blood tests, urine tests, pelvic exams, and ultrasounds. We treat hormone issues with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to replace the estrogen or testosterone levels in your body and restore them to a healthy balance. With our HRT pellets, you only have to have your treatment done three or four times a year.
To schedule a consultation to discuss a potential hormonal imbalance, call our Ketaesthetics specialists at 917-639-3180 or request an appointment online.