6 Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance That Can Cause Health Changes

Hormones work as chemical messengers in the body by telling the body's organs and tissues to fulfill their functions. Since hormones have key capabilities in the body, these six warning signs of hormonal imbalance may cause unintended changes in the body.

1.     Sleep problems

Many women have the problem of difficulty sleeping before getting their period due to the sharp drop in the hormone progesterone. Since progesterone has relaxing properties, a sharp drop or imbalance may cause problems with sleeping.

2.     Constant hunger and persistent weight gain

According to a study, volunteers who were deprived of sleep saw their levels of the hormone ghrelin increase and hormone leptin decrease. The hormone ghrelin stimulates appetite while leptin suppresses it allowing a person with imbalanced hormones to feel excessively hungry, according to Healthy and Natural World.

Many underlying hormonal imbalances also make it difficult for people to maintain weight with emerging insulin resistance being one of the most common problems. At the same time, an underproduction or overproduction of the hormone cortisol may result to stored body fat, which may increase belly fat.

3.     Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of a hormonal imbalance especially for menopausal and postmenopausal women. However, it is never normal to feel constantly sluggish and mentally foggy especially in the afternoon.

Since thyroid hormones control the body's metabolism, a drop in hormone levels will mean low heart rates and mental functioning. Many times, hyperthyroidism may make a person feel exhausted.

4.     Excessive sweating

Night sweats and hot flashes are the first signs of hormonal imbalances since our emotions trigger the increase in temperatures. Excessive sweating was initially believed to be caused by low estrogen levels. However, studies show that too much estrogen and too little progesterone may result to hormonal imbalances and eventually excessive sweating.

5.     Anxiety, irritability and depression

Anxiety may be a sign of imbalance and toxicity especially when stressed out. Similarly, feeling depressed may mean you are not feeding the body what it needs which is why a healthy diet, exercise and proper nutrients may help bring the balance back.

6.     Poor Libido

One of the most noticeable symptoms of hormonal imbalance is a low libido. Men in their testicles and women in their ovaries produce the hormone androgen, which gives rise to a strong or lack of libido, according to Natural News.