Low Hormone Levels Symptoms

Hormones have a massive impact on a woman’s body and daily life. As a result, low hormone levels experienced during major life changes, such as menopause and puberty, can unleash a whole host of unwanted symptoms. This is why it is essential that women are informed of the different hormones circulating around their bodies and the effects that a change in hormone levels can have.

Continue reading to discover more about the different types of natural hormones and the symptoms of low hormonal levels on the female body.

Common Symptoms of Low Hormones

There are three core hormones - estrogen, progesterone, and androgen. Each has their own specific set of symptoms that occur when women experience low hormone levels. Read the following for a list of the different symptoms of low hormone levels.

Symptoms of Low Estrogen Levels
Whilst low estrogen levels are most commonly experienced during menopause, women can experience similar symptoms if they undergo a hysterectomy, have chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or have an autoimmune disease. Women with very low body fat, often due to excessive exercise, may also experience low estrogen levels.

Low estrogen levels can also have an adverse affect on the health of the vagina, causing thinning of the walls and dryness, which can lead to painful sex. The lining of the urethra may also thin, leaving the body susceptible to infections. Symptoms of low estrogen may also include:

• Fatigue • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Memory lapses • Difficulty concentrating • Joint pain • Vaginal dryness • Dry skin (which can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and brown age spots) • Loss of libido • Artherosclerosis • Headaches/migraines • Vaginal infection • Arthritis • Depression • Panic attacks • Low self esteem

Symptoms of low progesterone levels
Progesterone is one of the most important hormones produced by the female body. It plays a critical role in stimulating and regulating various functions within the body. There are many possibilities that could account for progesterone levels falling. Some prominent factors include an excess of estrogen, the body's natural resistance to insulin, chronic stress, poor diet, insufficient exercise and certain medications. Symptoms of low progesterone may include:

• Infertility • Thyroid dysfunction or disorders • Depression • Fibrocystic breasts • Weight gain • Gallbladder disease • Low blood sugar • Panic attacks • Water retention • Irregular menstrual cycle • Blood clots during menstruation • Magnesium deficiency • Vaginal dryness • Breast tenderness

Symptoms of low androgen levels
Low androgen levels can affect women at any age but most commonly occur during the transition to menopause or perimenopause. Associated conditions which may lead to low androgens include hypothalamic amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods resulting from excessive dieting and exercising) and hyperprolactinemia (characterized by high levels of prolactin, the hormone that drives milk production when a woman breastfeeds). Low androgen levels also have been linked to bone loss and osteoporosis. Further symptoms of low androgen levels may include:

• Low libido
• Fatigue
• Reduced sense of well-being
• Vaginal dryness

If women find themselves suffering from the symptoms mentioned above they should visit a medical practitioner. The signs and symptoms of low hormone levels can also be indicative of other diseases and illnesses. Fortunately, there are a variety of different treatment options for women who suffer from the symptoms of low hormone levels. Read the following link to discover more about treating low hormone levels.

Having understood the different symptoms of low hormone levels, click on the link to read about normal hormone levels.

Visit the different sections about hormones

Read up-to-date articles about natural hormones