Understanding Hormonal Imbalance in Women

Hormonal balance plays a crucial role in every woman’s well-being, yet fluctuations sometimes occur. Whether the result of illness, stress, or lifestyle, shifts in hormone levels can affect energy, mood, and overall health. The good news is that with the right medical support, balance can be restored. By working with healthcare providers at Legacy Community Health and making informed health and lifestyle choices, women can feel their best at every stage of life.

Understanding Hormonal Imbalance

The body’s hormonal system, also called the endocrine system, is responsible for producing and regulating hormones and therefore plays a vital role in maintaining health. Hormones act as chemical messengers and signals, influencing everything from mood and energy levels to metabolism and reproduction. The hormonal system is made up of endocrine glands that release hormones into the bloodstream and serve as messengers between various parts of the body.

The body functions best when hormones are at their proper levels. However, occasionally an imbalance occurs, which means having either too much or too little of one or more hormones compared to their normal ranges. There are over 50 hormones in the human body, and when even one is out of balance, it can cause problems, impacting both physical and emotional well-being. The kind of hormones that are imbalanced determine a person’s symptoms as well as what health risks the imbalance might include.

Hormonal Imbalance in Women

There are a wide range of symptoms that can indicate possible hormonal imbalances. Common ones include unexplained fatigue and low energy, mood swings including depression or anxiety, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair thinning or hair loss, dry skin, a change in libido, heavy or painful periods, irregular periods when still in their reproductive years, digestive issues, adult acne, and sleep problems.

For many women, trying to manage a hormonal imbalance without outside medical help can be frustrating. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should therefore make an appointment with their OB/GYN or endocrinologist for a proper evaluation, since early diagnosis can prevent more serious health complications. With the right medical support and knowledge, symptoms can be effectively dealt with and balance restored.

Hormonal Imbalance and Infertility

Hormones aren’t just important for overall well-being but play an important role in fertility by regulating a woman’s ovulation, menstrual cycles, and uterine health as well. When hormonal imbalances interfere with these processes, conception can become more difficult. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and insulin resistance are common culprits behind hormone-related infertility.

The good news is that hormonal imbalances that affect the ability to get pregnant are often treatable with lifestyle changes and medication. Women struggling to conceive should consult their doctor so together, they can identify the underlying causes and explore available treatment options.

Menopause and Hormonal Shifts

Hormonal changes happen during perimenopause and menopause as well. While some of the symptoms women may experience with unbalanced hormones and menopause are the same, menopause is a natural stage in every woman’s life.

As Dr. Erica Giwa, an OB/GYN physician at Legacy Community Health at Legacy Stafford Fountainview explains, “Menopause is a normal life process in which levels of certain hormones change. During perimenopause and menopause, the levels of circulating estrogen, progesterone as well as female testosterone in your body decreases.” In menopause, a woman can no longer get pregnant because her ovaries have stopped releasing eggs.

Perimenopausal changes generally begin when a woman is in her early to mid 40s and are often accompanied by a variety of symptoms. As Dr. Giwa notes, “these hormone changes can make ladies have hot flashes, changes in mood, menstrual irregularities and increased fatigue.” She likens such hormonal shifts to what girls “experience when entering puberty” and says we need to “normalize the [menopause] experience [so] more women will feel comfortable talking to their providers and getting the sympathetic relief they need.”

Fortunately, medical support is available. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle modifications, and targeted treatments can help women manage symptoms effectively. Additionally, there are dietary choices women can make that help ease their symptoms.

Whether suffering from hot flashes, irritability, insomnia, or any other combination of bothersome symptoms, what a woman eats can also make a big difference in how she experiences symptoms. Creating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein helps alleviate menopausal symptoms.

Meanwhile, limiting or avoiding spicy foods like jalapenos or cayenne pepper, as well as fat-laden foods like fried foods, fast food, and processed snacks and cookies, can also help. Alcohol can make hot flashes worse and exacerbate anxiety and depression, so avoiding alcohol, or, for women who are not trying to get pregnant, limiting it to one or two drinks a week at most, is best.

Dr. Giwa also stresses the importance of maintaining overall health: “Your heart health is important. Keeping an eye on hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol will help you stay healthy.” She recommends patients “keep up with your health maintenance screening [for] breast, cervical, and colon cancer.”

Seeking Medical Support: How Legacy Community Health Can Help

If a woman thinks she may have a hormonal imbalance or is simply going through the normal stages of perimenopause and menopause and would like to alleviate some of the associated symptoms, Legacy Community Health is here to help.

Our OB/GYNs and endocrinologists can conduct hormone testing, assess symptoms, and create a personalized treatment plan for you. With over 50 locations in the Texas Gulf Coast region and a sliding fee scale, we’re dedicated to providing affordable, accessible healthcare for all, regardless of ability to pay.

By taking proactive steps and working with experienced medical professionals, women can regain control of their hormonal health and improve their overall well-being. Schedule an appointment or speak with a healthcare provider by visit Legacy Community Health or calling us at (832) 548-5000.