What Is A Hormonal Imbalance?

A hormonal imbalance results from a lack of hormones present in the bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals produced naturally by the human body to perform regulatory functions. Your endocrine system contains the glands responsible for producing your hormones. They tell your organs what needs to be done and when by delivering them a message. 

The majority of processes in your body are regulated by your hormones, so if they are out of balance, a lot of your bodily functions will be impacted. Your hormones are necessary for the regulation of everything from your appetite to your breathing and sexual and mental health. 

Gender Differences With Hormonal Imbalances 

Both women and men can be impacted when there is an imbalance in adrenaline, steroids, hormones, and insulin levels. While men and women share some of the same hormones, the levels and effects are different. 

Hormonal levels in women are largely affected by the amount of progesterone and estrogen their bodies produce. Changing levels of these hormones occur naturally during puberty and around pregnancy, and then again later in life during menopause. Changing levels of estrogen can result in mood swings, changes in sex drive and energy levels, and weight fluctuations. 

The main hormonal difference in men is the increased presence of testosterone. The amount of testosterone present in men can affect sex drive, body mass, and energy levels. Things that can change the amount of testosterone present in the average male body are supplements, diet, and the amount of time spent exercising and working out. 

Hormone Imbalances In Women

Women experience imbalances when they are pregnant. There are also several periods ding the life of a female when a hormone imbalance is common. This is usually during menopause, menstruation, post-menopause, perimenopause, puberty, breastfeeding, childbirth, and pregnancy. The risk of developing an imbalance is higher for females than males due to the differences in their endocrine cycles and organs. 

Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Men and Women

There are so many different regulatory hormones and so many differences in individual bodies that it is difficult to pinpoint common symptoms. However, there are some symptoms of hormonal imbalance that are common across the board. Some of the most common symptoms of a hormone imbalance in both men and women include:

• An unexplained weight fluctuation
• A change in the sensitivity to temperature
• Unexplained changes in blood pressure
• Changes in bone density
• Anxiety and irritability
• Skin rashes or extremely dry skin
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Long-term or unexplained fatigue
• Problems sleeping
• A decrease in the sex drive
• Changes in the concentration of the blood sugar

There are many other symptoms of hormonal imbalance but these are some of the most common in both genders. If you are experiencing any sudden changes in mood, appearance, weight, or energy level, please see your doctor for a checkup. 

Causes Of Hormonal Imbalance

Fluctuations or imbalances are natural during certain periods in the life of every individual. It is important to note that when the glands in your endocrine system fail to function normally, the result is a hormone imbalance. The endocrine glands are classified as a specialized type of cell. These cells store, produce and release your hormones directly into your bloodstream. Your body contains numerous endocrine glands and each gland is responsible for a different organ. The body parts responsible for the most hormone production include the ovaries, testis, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, and hypothalamus. 

There are numerous medical conditions capable of impacting one or more of your endocrine glands. Environmental factors and your lifestyle may also impact any imbalances in your hormones. One of the most common causes of hormonal imbalance is discussed below. 

Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid overproduces thyroid hormones. This can cause metabolism to increase to unhealthy levels and can produce a noticeable rise in heart rate, appetite, and anxiety. 

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce or release enough thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. This can force metabolism to slow to unhealthy levels and result in low energy, decreased appetite, and fluctuating body weight. 

Thyroid issues are typically one of the most common reasons for hormonal imbalance. Some of the other most common reasons for hormonal issues are poor nutrition, not enough exercise, vitamin deficiencies, chronic stress, or drug/alcohol abuse. 

Males also go through periods in their lives when a hormone imbalance is normal. The types of imbalances developed by males are different from females.

Treatments For Hormone Imbalance

The best treatment for an imbalance is dependent on the specific cause. A different kind of treatment is required for each type of imbalance. Just as an example, females with fluctuating estrogen levels causing vaginal dryness may be prescribed a form of estrogen replacement therapy. Symptoms are decreased through the right type of therapy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Hormone Imbalances

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) restores imbalanced or low hormone levels back to normal. Once the hormone imbalance or low levels have been restored, the result can truly change lives. Medical professionals achieve the best possible benefits using a comprehensive approach. The solution is often more than just testosterone. 

The body contains a lot of different hormones. When they are balanced, the result is a better use of testosterone and an improvement in overall health. The environment in the body must be recognized, understood, and adjusted to achieve the best possible benefits from HRT. There is proof that hormone therapy can reverse, stop or slow down the most common symptoms and signs of the aging process.

During the past few years, the recognition and popularity of hormone replacement therapies have skyrocketed. This is because modern medicine has a much better understanding of the link between the aging process and hormones. HRT is effective for both males and females to reverse and treat diseases and symptoms related to the aging process.

Hormone Replacement For Males

Hormone therapy for males can restore the lean muscle mass, stamina, and energy that has decreased with age. The system is restored using a comprehensive approach to restore testosterone to the correct levels. The numerous hormones such as estrogen that fluctuate in the absence of testosterone can cause serious health problems. The ideal balance of hormones is necessary for the body to feel more youthful, boost libido, lose weight, improve health, increase energy and build lean muscle.

Hormone Replacement For Females

Hormone replacement therapy for females can balance out the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, fatigue, gaining weight, depression, and mood swings. The medical professional can put the body back into balance by restoring the hormonal environment to the optimal level. The results include better overall health, wellness, and an improvement in metabolism. This enables the female to better manage her weight. Once the hormonal balance has been restored, a lot of the symptoms triggered by the aging process improve. This enables the female to feel better, healthier, and more youthful.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can effectively maintain hormones at optimal levels. As males and females start to age, their hormone levels decrease. This causes numerous changes within the body such as a loss of libido, difficulty sleeping, gaining weight, and a decrease in energy. BHRT helps with all of these symptoms and decreases the risks of diseases linked to the aging process. 

One of the most important aspects of BHRT is that both males and females reduce their risks for numerous diseases including senility, osteoporosis, cancer, stroke, and heart disease. All of these diseases have been linked to the aging process. It is important to note that aging cannot be reversed through BHRT.

The goal of the therapy is the maintenance of hormone levels to reduce the risks of certain diseases and help alleviate the symptoms associated with aging. The benefits include improved libido, weight loss, an easier time sleeping, and an increase in energy levels. It is important to understand which levels must be adjusted and the correct hormones to replenish to provide the best results. This takes training, experience, and knowledge. The medical professional must know how to diagnose, monitor, treat and adjust hormone levels for both males and females.

Synthetic hormones are often prescribed and are different from bioidentical hormones. The synthetic versions contain foreign substances that may produce toxic by-products. This can result in a wide variety of side effects and serious complications such as a higher risk for heart disease and cancer.

BHRT is safe and does not incorporate synthetic hormones into the therapy. Natural BHRT has become an incredibly popular option in modern society as opposed to therapy using synthetic hormones. Studies have revealed that BHRT offers long-term benefits for health and decreases the risks of diseases linked to the aging process including senility, osteoporosis, cancer, stroke, and heart disease. The most common hormones used for BHRT include:

• Progesterone
• Thyroid
• Estrogen
• Pregnenolone
• DHEA
• Testosterone
• Melatonin

The treatment plan for BHRT begins with a consultation to discuss the needs and medical history of the individual. The individual’s hormone levels are then tested. The recommendations of the medical professional and the results are discussed during a consultation. The prescriptions written for hormones are strictly based on the unique needs of each individual. After the individual has started BHRT, they are tested to ensure their hormone levels have reached the optimal stage.

Treatment For Hormonal Imbalance At Androgenix Solutions 

If you are interested in seeking help for a hormonal imbalance, schedule your personal consultation at Androgenix in North Palm Beach. We would be more than happy to evaluate your case and create a customized treatment plan for you. Contact us today to book an appointment and get started!