Throughout a woman's life, hormones will increase and decrease depending upon the stage of life one is in; estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels are constantly fluctuating. A delicate balance of each is necessary to keep your body running efficiently. When any of these hormone levels are too high or too low, there can be adverse effects on your body's functioning.
It's important to understand the signs and symptoms of increased or decreased levels of your natural hormones. Continue reading to find out what happens when your estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone levels are not at proper levels.
Estrogen
Estrogen is the primary female reproductive hormone, and plays a large role in a woman's fertility, more specifically ovulation. Estrogen is the hormone that initiates each menstruation cycle and significantly affects the second half of menstruation, as well. Hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, and vaginal dryness are all signs of an estrogen deficiency. Symptoms of high estrogen levels include irregular periods, weight gain, mood swings, and anxiety.
Progesterone
Symptoms of high progesterone in a woman's body cause many symptoms including breast tenderness, mood swings, anxiety, depression, bloating, and loss of libido. Although these are some of the most commons symptoms of high progesterone there are other less common side effects of high progesterone, as well. These less common symptoms can include acne, oily skin, weight gain, hot flashes, urinary infections, headaches, and incontinence. On the contrary, brittle nails, gum disease, and breast or endometrial cancer are signs of low progesterone levels.
Testosterone
Testosterone dominance is defined as an abnormally high level of the hormone testosterone. In women, testosterone dominance can have serious effects both physically and psychologically. These signs include increased hair growth, a deepening of the voice, skin problems, and changes in body shape. Symptoms of a testosterone deficiency include a decreased libido, lack of energy, weakened muscles, and changes in mood.
Click on the following link to discover more about the other natural hormones that play a role in menopause.
