Hormones are what keep our body’s chemicals in equilibrium. They are included in several body processes to keep us healthy and functioning optimally. This includes everything from regulating metabolism and influencing growth and reproduction.
In short, hormones play an important role in every aspect of our lives. However, when these delicate chemical signals are disturbed and fall out of balance, our body experiences certain consequences and negative effects.
These effects can cause both physical and mental imbalances. Let’s read about what these imbalances are and how they can affect our bodies.
Common Hormonal Imbalances and Their Effects
1. Thyroid Imbalance
The thyroid gland produces hormones that help in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. When the thyroid becomes overactive or underactive, it can lead to a range of symptoms. These changes are known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively.
Hyperthyroidism may cause weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and sweating, while hypothyroidism can result in weight gain, fatigue, depression, and sensitivity to cold.
2. Insulin Imbalance
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas gland that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it, diabetes can occur. There are some symptoms associated with insulin imbalance.
These include frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should get yourself checked for insulin imbalance.
3. Estrogen and Testosterone Imbalance
Estrogen and testosterone are sex hormones that are very important in reproductive health, bone density, mood regulation, and muscle mass. Imbalances in these hormones can occur in both men and women.
In both genders, they lead to different symptoms and negative effects. These include irregular menstrual cycles, decreased libido, mood swings, and even infertility. For example, if you are experiencing dark brown discharge 2 weeks after period, it may be a symptom of estrogen imbalance.
4. Cortisol Imbalance
Cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of cortisol levels. This can then result in symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and anxiety.
Other symptoms, such as insomnia and weakened immune function, may also arise due to the imbalance of this hormone. If you are experiencing sudden weight gain around the abdomen, it may be a sign of cortisol imbalance.
Effects of Hormonal Imbalances on Mental Health
In addition to their physical effects, hormonal imbalances can also affect mental and emotional health. Even slight changes in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol can lead to mood disorders.
Some of the most common mood disorders due to hormone imbalance are depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Especially when you experience hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, it can even deteriorate existing mental health conditions and can also trigger new ones.
How to Manage Hormonal Imbalances?
While there are many negative effects of hormone imbalances, there’s still some good news. Many hormonal imbalances can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and hormone replacement therapy.
In these conditions, healthcare professionals focus on improving diet and nutrition, managing stress, getting regular exercise, and controlling sleep habits.
