The body produces many hormones that are required for nearly every basic function. You have sleep hormones, appetite hormones, mood hormones, sex hormones, and more. It’s also normal for these hormones to fluctuate, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause; however, hormone imbalances can affect anyone at any age and cause less-than-desirable side effects. Want to find out how to know if your hormones are out of balance? Keep reading!
Common Hormone Imbalances
Some of the most common hormones that can become unbalanced include:
Thyroid hormones– thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are the 2 thyroid hormones, and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) produced in the brain also plays an important role in thyroid health.
Cortisol– known as the “stress hormone”, cortisol is responsible for your body’s natural fight or flight response. High cortisol levels are associated with weight gain, diabetes, a weakened immune system, brain fog, disturbance of sleep hormones, and more.
Estrogen & Testosterone– both men and women require specific amounts of sex hormones for healthy libido and sexual performance; since these hormone levels naturally decline with age, menopausal women and aging men can experience frustrating symptoms that not only affect their sex life but their overall quality of life.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
The most common signs that your estrogen or testosterone levels are out of wack include:
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction for men
- Vaginal dryness/discomfort for women
- Hot flashes/night sweats
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Insomnia
- Mood swings, anxiety, depression
- Hair loss or thinning hair
Thyroid hormone imbalances can result in a few different symptoms, depending on whether your thyroid is producing too many hormones or not enough. Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid is the most common, often caused by an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s. People with this chronic illness can experience sensitivity to the cold, heavier periods, unexplained weight gain, chronic fatigue, very dry skin, and more.
What To Do Next
If you think your hormones are out of balance, the best thing to do is get your hormone levels checked. This only requires a simple blood test that will check for multiple hormones, like your thyroid and sex hormones. From there, your doctor can determine which hormones your body needs and then discuss treatment options with you. Lifestyle, diet, exercise, and even supplements can all have a positive effect on your hormone levels, but sometimes, hormone replacement therapy is necessary to get your hormones back to normal along with healthy habits.
BHRT Services at Sango Pharmacy
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment that can be customized into a dose and delivery method that matches your preferences. It requires a doctor’s prescription, and then our compounding pharmacy experts can get to work creating a personalized formula just for you. Whether you prefer an injectable liquid, pill, capsule, cream, or gel, we can accommodate your needs!
Now you’re better equipped how to know if your hormones are out of balance. Reach out to us today regarding our BHRT services to get started on getting your hormone levels back to normal. We look forward to hearing from you!