Hormonal imbalances can occur in the body when there is either too much or too little hormones present in the bloodstream. These are essential as the body’s chemical messengers; hence a small imbalance can cause various symptoms.

Before you can correct a hormonal imbalance, you need to know which hormones are out of balance, and the best way to do this is through a combination of testing and recognising symptoms. 

Some people experience continual, irregular hormonal imbalances. A person should speak to a doctor about long-term unexplained symptoms, especially those that cause pain, discomfort, or interfere with everyday activities.

There are many symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance. Listed below are some common symptoms representing a specific type of hormone imbalance.

1. Progesterone deficiency

This is the most common hormone imbalance among women of all ages.

Common symptoms of this include:

• PMS
• Early miscarriage
• Unexplained weight gain
• Anxiety, depression and mood swings
• Insomnia
• Painful and/or lumpy breasts
• Cyclical headaches
• Infertility
• Abdominal pain
• Spotting between periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Low libido
• Low blood sugar
• headaches

2. Oestrogen deficiency

This hormone imbalance is most common in menopausal women.

Common symptoms of this include:

• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Bladder infections
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Memory and concentration problems
• Lethargic depression
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue

3. Excess oestrogen

Common symptoms of this include:

• Puffiness and bloating
• Weight gain
• Anxious depression
• Trouble sleeping
• Weepiness
• Swollen and tender breasts
• Heavy bleeding
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Hair loss
• Cold hands or feet
• Fatigue
• Decreased sex drive
• PMS
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Fibrosystic lumps in your breasts
• Anxiety and panic attacks

4. Oestrogen dominance

When you don’t have enough progesterone to balance the effects of oestrogen.

Common symptoms of this include:

• A combination of symptoms of progesterone and oestrogen deficiency
• Migraine headaches
• Foggy thinking
• Gallbladder problems

5. Excess androgens (Male hormones)

Common symptoms of this include:

• Acne
• Excessive hair on face and BODY and thinning on head
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hypoglycaemia and/or unstable blood sugar
• Infertility
• Mid-cycle pain
• Cholesterol problems
• Deep or hoarse voice
• Insulin resistance
• Dark pigmented areas on skin
• High blood pressure
• Obesity around the mid abdomen
• Enlargement of the clitoris

6. Cortisol deficiency

This is caused by tired adrenals, which is usually caused by chronic stress.

Common symptoms of this include:

• Debilitating fatigue not relieved by sleep
• Decreased ability to handle stress
• Mild depression
• Unstable blood sugar
• Low blood pressure
• Intolerance to exercise
• Difficulty getting up in the morning
• Craving salt and sugar
• Symptoms increase if meals are skipped or are inadequate
• Decreased sex drive
• Decreased ability to handle stress
• Mild depression
• Increased PMS
• Memory problems
• Decreased tolerance
• Decreased productivity
• Thoughts; less focussed & more fuzzy
• Don’t really wake up till 10. Afternoon low between 3 and 4. Feels better after evening meal.
• Increased time to recover from illness

     7. Androgen deficiency

Common symptoms of this include:

• Low Libido
• Fatigue
• Reduced sense of wellbeing

IF YOU HAVE SOME OF THESE SYMPTOMS, DIG DEEPER AND GET TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR HORMONAL CONDITION.