Hormonal imbalances, while commonly pronounced among women aged around their 40s to 50s, can also be seen in some women in their mid-30s. This is increasingly becoming more common with our modern lifestyles and dietary choices, on top of global problems such as pollution, toxins and daily exposure to xenoestrogens (synthetic chemicals that mimic the hormone estrogen in our bodies).
Here are 9 warning signs you should look out for if you suspect you may have hormonal imbalances:
- Progressive weight gain or difficulty losing weight
This is one of the most common tell-tale signs of hormonal imbalances. We’ve written an article on why your hormones may be to blame if you aren’t losing enough weight even with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Hormonal imbalances make it extra difficult for women to maintain a healthy weight.
- Belly fat and loss of muscle mass
Stress causes your endocrine glands to cut back on production of some hormones and go into overdrive producing cortisol, to manage the stress. This results in your body storing more fat for future use, specifically in your midsection, increasing your belly fat.
- Low libido
This is one of the more noticeable symptoms of hormonal disturbance. It starts with disturbed sleep, and without quality sleep, your sex hormone production can be greatly reduced.
- Fatigue
Feeling sluggish, mentally drained and foggy is not normal. If you find yourself constantly needing a pick-me-upper throughout the day, it may be a sign of some hormonal imbalance.
- Irritability, anxiety, and depression
Mood changes might be clues your body is sending to warn you of a hormonal imbalance. Anxiety and depression likely indicate that you have hormonal issues and that your body systems aren’t properly fed by these hormones.
- Poor sleep
Not getting enough sleep regularly stresses your body out physically and compensates by elevating your cortisol levels – which directly triggers many hormonal imbalances.
- Sweating
Hot flashes and night sweats are the first uncomfortable signs of a dysfunction in your body systems.
- Digestion problems
Bloating, gas and slow digestion are common signs of hormonal imbalances that aren’t usually associated with hormonal problems. If your digestion is not functioning as well as it should, your body is not being nourished as it should and may trigger hormonal imbalances. There are also specific food you should avoid eating in excessive amounts to prevent or manage hormonal imbalances.
- Cravings
The usual culprits behind cravings and excess eating are adrenal fatigue, insulin resistance, and other hormonal imbalances.
This list has been adapted from this article by Mindbodygreen.
While the only way to find out if you have a hormonal imbalance is to have yourself checked by a physician, it’s wise to look out for these signs as your body’s call for help.
Do any of these symptoms apply to you? Share how you are managing hormonal imbalances or its symptoms in the comments below!
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