Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms

Contrary to some mistakenly held beliefs, it is not just teenagers who are subjected to chaotic hormonal changes as experienced during puberty. The reality is that women of all ages experience many hormone changes through the course of life. For this reason it is important to understand how hormone levels can affect the body during and after menopause.

Hormones are chemical substances that are formed in one part of the body and are carried, via the bloodstream, to another area, to stimulate it into action. They therefore have a huge influence impact on a woman's body and daily life. Because of this, a hormonal imbalance as experienced during physical changes such as menopause can lead to many negative symptoms. This is why it is essential that every person should be aware of different hormone levels circulating the body and potential side effects of high levels.

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

The balance of hormones in a woman's body at any given time is affected by many factors. Changes in a woman's life such as puberty or the onset of menopause can bring about major alterations to hormone levels.

During menopause the ovaries reduce their production of certain hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. This decline and subsequent imbalance of hormone levels can result in discomfort and health concerns. The two primary female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, exist in a delicate balance, and so even slight variances can result in symptoms.

The symptoms of hormonal imbalance usually increase as a woman ages and tend to be especially prominent during menopause. However, women of all ages may experience hormone imbalances. The following is a list of potential hormonal imbalance symptoms:

. Hot flashes
. Fatigue
. Insomnia
. Loss of libido
. Weight gain and bloating
. Depression
. Mood swings
. Headaches
. Joint pain
. Hair loss and facial hair growth
. Dry or oily skin
. Bone loss
. Decreased fertility
. Heavy or painful periods
. Tender or fibrocystic breasts
. Vaginal dryness

As probably noticed from the list above, hormones regulate almost all key functions of a woman's body and an imbalance can create a plethora of problems. Different women will have different symptoms of hormone imbalance - some may experience a single symptom whilst others may experience a combination of problematic symptoms. The most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance are listed at the left.

Visit the different sections about hormones

Read up-to-date articles about natural hormones