Hormones are chemical and biological messengers in the body that are produced by the body’s endocrine system. They’re generally transported through the bloodstream to a different part of the body where they trigger specific actions. Hormones help in several bodily functions such as reproduction, metabolism, respiration, movement, growth, and digestion. Hormones are responsible for telling the body when it is hungry, thirsty, sleepy, or moody.
Often times, over secretions and under secretions of these hormones may occur and can have a tremendous impact on the entire body functions. Sexual health can also be impaired when hormones associated with sex and emotions are over secreted or under secreted.
The primary hormones affiliated with sex and reproduction are testosterone (particular to male), estrogens and progesterone (both particular to female).
- Testosterone – The testosterone is referred to as the primary male hormone, it is responsible for muscle growth, sexual desire, stimulation, weight gain, and fat deposits.
- Estrogen – Estrogen is the primary female hormones, and it is responsible for many sexual and reproductive activities, it also controls sexual desire, ensures fertility, it determines female characters and aids the development of breasts and hips.
- Progesterone – This female hormone is responsible for different cycles, it controls pregnancy and mensuration, it promotes sleep quality and moderates other sex hormones.
Hormonal imbalance often occurs more in women than men, but it is generally triggered by individual states of development. Puberty, Menopause, and Perimenopause are the stages where the hormonal imbalance is most prevalent. These hormones are primarily responsible for complementing one another to an extent.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
The most prevalent form of hormonal imbalance is an instance of over secretions of estrogen and low level of testosterone. In any case, the symptoms of hormonal imbalance may include.
- Persistent Weight Gain
- Low Sexual Desire
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Irritation, Depression, Anxiety, and Depression.
- Sleep Apnea
- Infertility
- Difficulty Conceiving
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Acne
- Hot Flashes
- Increased Body and Facial Hair Density
- Brittle nails and hair
- Belly Fat
Other symptoms of hormonal imbalance include; thinning hair and skin, tingling feet and palm, severe headache, sugar cravings, heavy mensuration, constipation, stiffness, tiredness, And other psychological symptoms like a panic attack and mod swing.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance
There are several factors that can trigger a hormonal imbalance, some of these factors are unique to distinct sexes and vary with age.
In Men – The factors that could ignite hormonal imbalance in men include;
- Diabetes
- Benign or Pituitary or Cancerous tumor
- Underactive thyroid
- Hyperactive thyroid
- Hypogonadism
- Cushing Syndrome
- Hormone Therapy
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- Overeating
In Women – Causes and Risk factors include;
- Pregnancy
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
- Menopause
- Premature Menopause
- Lactating Women
- PCOS
- Hormonal Drugs
The remedy for Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal Imbalance is often treated by administration of hormone replacement therapies, certain synthetic hormones and pills are also commonly prescribed.
This options, however, might not access the underlying cause of hormonal imbalance, the best holistic remedy to hormonal imbalance is proper diet, weight control, avoiding hot flashes, regular exercise, and appropriate lifestyle modifications. Other treatment options include estrogen therapy, metformin, thyroid hormone therapy, flibanserin, and eflornithine.
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