What is Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 6 years of experience
What is the meaning of Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
Hormones are essential for the growth and development of the body. The hormones help in the regulation of the various functions of the body, maintenance of the balance within the body, reproduction, metabolism, and maintenance of the energy level in the body. It is important to have a hormonal balance in the body regardless of the sex of the person. An increase or decrease in the level of a particular hormone results in hormonal imbalance in the body.
Hormonal imbalance may lead to various conditions and disorders of the body. This increases the chances of developing serious diseases. Hormonal imbalance may even impact the fertility of a woman.
There are several questions about hormonal imbalance in females. In this article, we will be discussing in detail hormonal imbalance and ways of treating hormone level fluctuations in females.
- What are Hormones?
- What are the causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
- What are the symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
- How to diagnose Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
- What are the ways of increasing the Hormone levels in females?
- What is the treatment for Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
What are Hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers of the body. They are produced in the endocrine system of the body by the endocrine glands and help in the regulation of most body functions, such as reproduction, mood swings, appetite, etc.
Hormones help in regulating most of the body functions in both, men as well as women. These hormones play a key role in minimizing the risk of diseases occurring in the body. However, in the case of a hormonal imbalance, the body tends to become more prone to various diseases.
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What are the causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
There can be a hormonal imbalance in females due to several reasons. Let us tell you in detail further.
- Hormonal imbalance may occur due to hypothyroidism in females.
( Know more about- What are Thyroid Disorders? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment )
- Diabetes is a common cause of hormonal imbalance in females.
- Hormonal deficiency may be a result of hormonal replacement therapy and tumors.
- Hormone levels can fluctuate due to trauma injuries, and cancer treatment.
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- Menopause (a time which marks the end of the menstrual cycle in a woman) due to an increase in age can cause hormonal imbalance. (Read more – What is menopause)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding are known to cause hormonal fluctuations in a woman’s body.
- Hormonal imbalance may be a result of the prolonged use of birth control pills.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS – a hormonal disorder resulting in enlargement of ovaries and formation of small cysts) can result in a decrease in hormones and irregular periods in a woman.
( Know more about- What is PCOS? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment )
- The use of certain drugs and medications can lead to hormonal imbalance.
- Anxiety and stress can lead to hormonal imbalance.
- Hormonal imbalance can be a result of unhealthy eating habits or eating disorders, as a result of depression.
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What are the symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
Depending on which glands of a woman’s body are affected, there are several signs and symptoms that can be seen during hormonal imbalance.
- Irregular periods: A hormonal imbalance can lead to a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in which there is a formation of a higher level of male sex hormones leading to irregular periods, that may include skipped periods or heavier than normal periods.
( Know more about- What causes irregular periods? )
- Sudden weight gain: PCOS, low thyroid hormone levels, increase in cortisol levels, menopause, and other hormonal imbalances can result in unexplained, sudden weight gain.
- Sudden weight loss: An imbalance in the thyroid hormone may also lead to sudden weight loss.
- Infertility: Hormonal imbalance may affect the menstrual cycle of a woman, making it harder for a woman to get pregnant.
- Low sex libido: A decrease in the level of estrogen hormone in a woman decreases the sex drive in a woman. This can also lead to vaginal dryness, resulting in uncomfortable and painful sex.
( Know more about- How to increase Sex Libido? )
- Bloating: Changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone levels can affect digestion, causing bloating of the stomach.
- Mood swings: Hormonal imbalances during the menstrual cycle, menopause, or thyroid hormone disorders may lead to mood swings and irritability.
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia: An imbalance in the level of progesterone hormone can cause insomnia (difficulty in going to sleep) and other sleep disturbances.
- Fatigue: An increase in the level of the progesterone hormone may result in fatigue and tiredness.
- Hair thinning and hair loss: It is usually noticed when there is a decline in the level of estrogen, during pregnancy, menopause, or after starting with birth control pills.
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- Headaches: Can be a result of a decrease in the level of estrogen.
- Acne: An excess amount of Androgens (male sex hormones present in both, men and women) may lead to acne formation.
- Night Sweats: Low estrogen levels during menopause usually result in night sweats.
( Know more about- Skin Disorders and Skin Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment )
How to diagnose Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
Diagnosis of a hormonal imbalance in a woman is done by a doctor based on the symptoms seen and a physical examination.
The doctor may prescribe a few tests to confirm hormonal imbalance in females:
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- MRI
- Biopsy
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound of thyroid
- Ultrasound of uterus and ovaries
( Know more about- What is Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery? )
What are the ways of increasing the Hormone levels in females?
A woman can increase her hormone levels by using a few of the following measures.
- Avocados can help in increasing the hormone level– Avocado fruit is extremely beneficial for a woman’s health. An avocado salad helps to increase the hormone levels in females. A mixture can be made by grinding an avocado and mixing it with some honey and milk. This mixture can be consumed to increase hormone levels. The mixture consists of many minerals and nutrients and has a high fiber content that helps in increasing hormonal levels and keeping the body healthy.
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- Using flax seeds – Flax seeds help to treat hormonal imbalances in females. These seeds help to increase hormone levels naturally. Flax seeds have more beneficial properties as compared to soybeans. Flax seeds consist of omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber, that help in lowering the cholesterol in the body. Flax seed powder can also be consumed by mixing it with sprouts, oatmeal, or curd.
- Ashwagandha consumption increases hormones in females – Ashwagandha is a useful herb that helps in increasing the levels of hormones in a woman. Ashwagandha powder should be mixed in lukewarm water and then one should drink it. This herb helps to cure thyroid disorders, and also helps to increase the level of hormones.
- Soy consumption – Consuming soy helps in increasing the level of estrogen hormone in females. One can eat roasted soybean seeds to increase hormone levels. Sprouts can also be consumed. They help in balancing the hormones.
- Eating Green Beans – As per some research, the consumption of green beans helps to increase the hormone levels in women. Since green beans are low in calories, their consumption does not increase the fat content in the body. Hence, the hormone levels in the body remain balanced. Several nutrients and minerals are present in the green beans that help in keeping the body healthy, and in the maintenance of hormonal balance. Green beans can be consumed in the form of a salad or a vegetable.
( Know more about- What are Flaxseeds? Benefits and Side effects )
What is the treatment for Hormonal Imbalance in Females?
The treatment for hormonal imbalance in females depends on the cause for the same. Some of the treatment modalities may include:
- Thyroid medications
- Estrogen therapy
- Weight loss
- Medications for the treatment of any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, eg. Metformin
- Hormonal birth control, which includes birth control pill, vaginal ring, intrauterine device (IUD), birth control patch.
- Anti-androgen medications
( Know more about- Birth Control Pills: Types, Benefits and Side Effects )
One of the causes of hormonal imbalance in females is ovarian cysts. In this condition, females have irregular or heavy periods. One must get a checkup from the gynecologist at the earliest. There are various hospitals across different cities in India where Ovarian Cyst Removal Surgery is done, by the best Gynecologists.
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We hope we were able to answer your queries about Hormonal Imbalance in Females.
If you are suffering from any kind of hormonal problems or disorders, you can contact a Gynecologist.
We only aim to provide information through this article and do not recommend any type of medication or treatment to anyone. Only a qualified doctor is the best person to provide you with the right advice and treatment plan.
