One of the main concerns shared by our doctors at the Natural Hormone Replacement Clinics of Colorado is the number of younger women (25-40) we see with major hormone imbalances especially here in the Denver area. Most all women between the ages of 25 and 90 years can be affected by hormone imbalance. They experience a wide range of symptoms, from those with relatively minor impact to ones that can cause substantial suffering. Hormone imbalance can be attributed to a number of different causes, two of the major contributors are diet and lifestyle. Our lifestyles have changed a great deal over the last couple of generations and it has changed how our bodies function.
Signs of a Possible Hormone Imbalance
Some of the most common symptoms that could indicate a hormone imbalance include the following:
- Estrogen Deficiency – If the level of estrogen in the body is too low you may experience a range of symptoms including shortness of breath, interrupted sleep patterns and/or insomnia, hot flashes, headaches, depression and anxiety, mood swings, sexual dysfunction and disruption to the menstrual cycle.
- Elevated Estrogen Levels – When the body is producing too much estrogen women will often experience sugar cravings, fluid retention, chronic fatigue, bloating, weight gain, fibroids in the breasts and/or uterus and irregular menstruation.
- Progesterone Deficiency – anxiety, mood swings, irritability, lack of sex drive, unexplained weight gain, bloating, cramps, swelling or tenderness in the breasts, acne flare ups, mild confusion, a loss of concentration and joint pain.
- Higher Levels of Progesterone – An elevated level of progesterone can often result in changes to the menstrual cycle and unexplained drowsiness.
- A Lack of Testosterone – When there is not an appropriate level of testosterone in the body, some of the symptoms can include a loss of muscle mass, having little to no sex drive, mild confusion, depression and a lack of motivation.
- An Excess of Testosterone – Elevated levels of testosterone can be extremely uncomfortable for women. The main side effects include mood swing, aggressive behavior, facial hair growth, acne, frustration, a lack of patience and an inability to lose weight.
- A substantial lack of Testosterone Hormone precursors, can not only result in weight gain, fatigue and mood swings, but it could also lead to a reduction in bone density and hair loss which are both fairly serious and long lasting.
- Elevated levels of Testosterone Hormone precursors-in the female body will often cause lowering of her voice, acne, mood swings, facial hair and oily skin.
- Low Hydrocortisone Levels – When hydrocortisone levels are too low you may feel weak and tired all of the time. It is likely that your blood pressure will drop and you could wind up being hypoglycemic.
- Elevated Hydrocortisone Levels – When hydrocortisone levels are higher it becomes harder for your body to heal wounds, blood pressure can rise and you may be at a greater risk of osteoporosis.
- Sleep Hormone deficiency can play havoc with your sleep patterns. You may find it difficult to fall asleep or to stay asleep. Sufferers often wake up feeling tired and foggy and will experience confusion and forgetfulness.
Detailed testing is required for the diagnosis of a hormone imbalance. The most common tests are those using either blood serum, saliva or urine. After a detailed lab analysis it will be possible to pinpoint the exact hormones which are out of balance and create the right treatment plan to help level things out again.
