Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a particular hormone. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, which are produced in the endocrine glands and give tissues and organs messages.

They are major drivers of reproduction, metabolism, general growth, blood pressure, blood sugar, moods and stress levels.

Males are most likely to experience imbalances in their testosterone levels whereas females experience imbalances in  estrogen and progesterone.

according to a source published, Statistics show that hormone imbalance affects 80% of women. Most women experience these imbalances without even being aware of it; in fact, 70% are not aware of diseases like PCOS that may have arisen as a result of hormonal abnormalities.

CAUSES

Hormonal imbalances are mostly caused by the following:

AILMENTS

• Diabetes

• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism

• Addison’s disease

• Cushing’s syndrome

• Hyperglycemia (high glucose blood)

• Hypogonadism

Hormonal imbalance is also caused by:

• Chronic stress

• Poor nutrition

• Obesity

• Birth control medication

• abuse of anabolic drugs

• Toxins and pollutants exposure

• Testicular injury

• Prostate cancer

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Ovarian cancer

• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

• menopause

SYMPTOMS

If you have an imbalance in your hormones, you may experience any of symptoms listed below:

• Weight loss

• Tiredness

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Depression

• Dry hair

• Thin warm skin

• Numbness

• Frequent urination

• Painful sex

• Mood swings

• Puffy face

• Infertility

• Blurred vision

• Muscle weakness

• Purple stretch marks

• hyperpigmentation

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Hormonal imbalance can be treated in some of the ways listed below, especially since it is dependent on the cause. Below are some treatment options:

• Oral / injection medication

• Estrogen therapy

• Vaginal estrogen

• Hormonal birth control (such as birth control pill, birth control patch, birth control shot, IUD - Intrauterine Device).

• Anti-androgen drugs

• Testosterone therapy

PREVENTIVE METHODS

• Keeping a healthy diet

• keeping a "healthy" weight

• Keeping up with stress level control

• Doing a physical activity like yoga

• Getting enough sleep

• Eliminating smoking

• Keep away from hot flash triggers

CONCLUSION

Hormonal imbalance is normal and can be caused by several factors, including the few listed above. Hence, it is advisable for you to seek proper medical treatment if you notice any changes in your body, whether related to hormones or not. Frequent checks on the body save a lot of lives.

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Perpetual Agyemang

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