Most hormones are produced by a group of glands known collectively as the endocrine system. Even though these glands are located in various parts of the body, they are considered one system because of their similar functions and relationship to each other.
[Rollover the glands in the illustration to learn more]
Hormones are extremely potent substances. It takes only a minute amount to initiate an action. Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream by the glands. From there, they travel to all parts of the body. But, only the cells sensitive to that hormone—called the target tissue--will respond to the chemical signal the hormone carries. Traveling through the blood, hormones enter cells through “receptor” sites, much as a key unlocks a door. Once inside, they get to work, flipping the switches that govern growth, development, and mental and physical functions throughout life.
All that changes when your hormones become unbalanced due to physical and emotional stress or the effects of aging. Signals do not reach the right place at the right time. Sometimes cell functions shut down completely. In other cases, cells are over stimulated. All this chaos causes unpleasant symptoms, at the very least. In severe situations, these imbalances can lead to chronic disorders or disease.
Most hormones cannot be stored in the cells of the body. Therefore, they must be made and released into the blood at the precise time they are needed. To maintain the intricate systems in which hormones operate, the body must constantly fine-tune hormone release to keep levels within proper limits. This balance is accomplished through an intricate series of positive and negative feedback mechanisms. For example, an overproduction of one hormone usually prompts the release of one or more complementary hormones in an effort to restore balance. Because of the complexity of these interactions, a hormonal issue rarely stems from only one type of hormone. More often, the problem involves a series of hormones. In addition, a disruption in the balance of hormones produced by one gland or set of glands can cause other gland systems to malfunction.
Hormones have a profound effect on your everyday health and well-being. Although present in only tiny amounts, hormones act on every cell of your body. Hormones have individual affects, but also interact with each other to produce dramatic effects in the body. Because of these interactions, they are able to trigger multiple body systems.
Types of Hormone Imbalance
There are a number of common symptoms associated with hormone imbalance(s):
Female hormone imbalance
The ovaries produce many hormones. Chief among them are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone interact to coordinate a woman’s menstrual cycle during her reproductive years. The brain produces the hormones follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the ovaries. When any of the hormones coming from the brain or the ovaries are imbalanced, symptoms may occur. Imbalances are most common in puberty and menopause, but imbalances can happen at any age. Several conditions are well known to be associated with hormonal imbalance including: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, breast disease, and menstrual irregularities.
Symptoms of female hormone imbalance (in alphabetical order)
- Acne or oily skin
- Bloating
- Bone loss
- Decreased fertility
- Depression
- Excess facial and body hair
- Hot flashes
- Heavy or painful periods
- Irregular periods
- Irritability
- Loss of muscle mass
- Loss of scalp hair
- Low libido
- Memory lapses
- Mood swings
- Nervousness
- Night sweats
- Poor concentration
- Sleep disturbances
- Tender or fibrocystic breasts
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginal dryness
- Weight gain
Male hormone imbalance
The testes produce nearly 95% of all male testosterone. The balance is supplied by the adrenal glands. They also produce small amounts of estrogen. The brain produces the pituitary hormones follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the testes. As a man gets older, testosterone levels fall and estrogen levels tend to rise. Lower testosterone levels may affect bone density, muscle strength, body composition and sex drive. The imbalance that occurs when testosterone is low in relation to estrogen may also contribute to prostate problems.
Symptoms of male hormone imbalance (in alphabetical order)
- Bone loss
- Decreased mental clarity
- Decreased muscle strength
- Decreased stamina
- Decreased urine flow
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hot flashes
- Increased abdominal fat
- Increased urge to urinate
- Irritability
- Low sex drive
- Mood swings
- Night sweats
- Poor concentration
- Sleep disturbances
When hormones are out of balance, these imbalanced interactions may provoke a wide range of symptoms.
Conditions of Hormone Imbalance
Adrenal Imbalance
The adrenal glands produce three types of steroid hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA/DHEAS). Cortisol enables the body to respond and adapt to the stresses of daily life. It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels and promote a healthy immune system. Aldosterone works to balance salt and water in the body. Androgens secreted by the adrenals provide the majority of DHEA for both men and women. For women, the adrenal glands are the major source of testosterone. Imbalances in the adrenal system can contribute to problems with the nervous and immune systems, body composition difficulties, blood sugar irregularities, and high androgen levels.
Symptoms of adrenal imbalance (in alphabetical order)
- Allergies / asthma
- Arthritis
- Bone loss
- Chemical sensitivities
- Morning/evening fatigue
- High blood sugar
- Increased abdominal fat
- Memory lapses
- Sleep disturbances
- Sugar cravings
Thyroid Function Imbalance
Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism. The brain produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which triggers the thyroid gland to produce two types of hormones – T4 and T3. In hypothyroidism, the body has inadequate levels of the thyroid hormones. This often leads to imbalances in relation to other hormones. Hyperthyroidism is a less common condition that exists when excess thyroid hormones are present. Because every cell of the body is affected by thyroid hormones, symptoms of imbalances are often varied and affect multiple body systems.
Symptoms of low thyroid function (in alphabetical order)
- Brittle hair and nails
- Cold temperature intolerance
- Cold hands and feet
- Constipation
- Decreased sweating
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Inability to lose weight
- Low libido
- Menstrual irregularities
- Shortness of breath
- Sluggishness
- Weight gain
Symptoms of high thyroid function (in alphabetical order)
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Eye/vision changes
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Insomnia
- Palpitations
- Rapid heart beat
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Insulin imbalance
Insulin is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin “unlocks” the cells to allow glucose (sugar) from food to enter and be converted into energy. When too much glucose is present in the body, the pancreas increases the amount of insulin being produced. High insulin as well as high glucose may contribute to multiple symptoms. A number of conditions are associated with insulin and glucose imbalances and regulation problems. These include chronic stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
Symptoms of insulin imbalance (in alphabetical order)
- Abnormal blood cholesterol
- Fatigue
- High blood triglycerides
- Increased abdominal fat
- Increased hunger / sugar cravings
- Low/high blood sugar
- Poor circulation to extremities
- Skin changes
Adult growth hormone deficiency
In childhood, growth hormone (GH) controls a child’s height. It is normal for GH levels to decline as a person reaches adulthood, but new research suggests that some adults may have too low a level. Low levels of GH are linked to poor muscle tone, increase body fat, low energy levels, and cardiovascular changes. GH insufficiency is associated with pituitary gland problems, brain injury, autoimmune disorders, and nervous system conditions.
Symptoms of adult growth hormone deficiency (in alphabetical order)
- Abnormal blood cholesterol
- Bone loss
- Decreased muscle mass
- Decreased stamina and exercise ability
- Fatigue
- Increased abdominal fat
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Lower life expectancy
Hormonal imbalances play a part in many health-related problems. The following common conditions (listed alphabetically) are all associated with hormone imbalances.
Adrenal Insufficiency
The adrenal glands normally secrete cortisol in response to stress, exercise and excitement, and in reaction to low blood sugar. However, too much physical or emotional stress over a prolonged period can cause the glands to reduce their output of adrenal hormones. This is of particular significance for women as the adrenal glands become the main source of hormone production after menopause.
Common symptoms: fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, bone loss, increased abdominal fat, high blood sugar, allergies / asthma, arthritis, sleep disturbances, memory lapses, sugar cravings, chemical sensitivities
Main hormones involved: cortisol, DHEA, progesterone.
Andropause
Unlike menopause, the production of male hormones doesn’t stop abruptly. Instead, the production of hormones by the testes (the male equivalent of the ovaries), tapers steadily with age. This decrease in hormone production is related to changes in sexual function, mood, energy level, and body composition.
Common symptoms: lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle strength and mass, bone loss, decreased mental clarity, low energy level, fatigue, and other symptoms of male hormone imbalance
Main hormones involved: testosterone, estrogen.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Usually an age-related condition, BPH refers to a benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Clearly defined risk factors include age and androgen levels (dihydrotestosterone), with most recent research indicating an association with estradiol levels. Dihydrotestosterone and estrogens are known to stimulate prostate growth.
Common symptoms: urinary urgency, frequency, hesitancy, or retention; weak urine stream; dribbling; nocturia; enlarged prostate on digital rectal exam
Main hormones involved: testosterone, estradiol, PSA, SHBG
Breast Conditions
Breast tissue contains estrogen receptors. High levels of estrogen or an estrogen/progesterone imbalance (estrogen dominance) can be linked to premenstrual breast tenderness, fibrocystic breast changes, and breast cancer.
Common symptoms: breast pain, breast lumps
Main hormones involved: estrogen, progesterone
Endometriosis
During a normal menstrual cycle the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, thickens. This tissue is normally sloughed off during a woman’s period. With endometriosis, the endometrial tissue grows in places outside the uterus and can become inflamed. This usually occurs on the ovaries and other structures in the pelvis, such as the bladder. Endometrial tissue responds to estrogen. High levels of this hormone may aggravate the condition.
Common symptoms: pelvic pain, inflammation, menstrual irregularities, fertility problems
Main hormones involved: estrogen, progesterone
Erectile Dysfunction
Often referred to as “impotence”, erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. As many as 30 million men in the US have some form of this problem. Erectile dysfunction may be due to several factors, including testosterone deficiency and excessive stress hormones such as cortisol and elevated insulin.
Common symptoms: inability to achieve or maintain an erection, decreased frequency of morning erections
Main hormones involved: total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, SHBG
Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen and progesterone levels must be balanced in order to work together efficiently. Factors such as estrogens in foods and the environment, synthetic hormone use (HRT) and obesity, expose women to excess estrogen. Also, progesterone levels tend to drop off sooner and more abruptly with age and lack of ovulation than does estrogen. These factors can result in too much estrogen in relationship to the amount of progesterone being produced in the body. This imbalance is a common cause of symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. It can also occur after childbirth or during periods of high stress when a woman undergoes a significant hormonal shift. Estrogen dominance may be associated with thyroid problems and breast disease.
Common symptoms: heavy or irregular periods, tender breasts, bloating, irritability, mood swings, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms of female hormone imbalance.
Main hormones involved: estrogen, progesterone
Hypothyroidism
In this condition, the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone (T3/T4) or, thyroid hormones are blocked from performing their function by existing hormone imbalances. Low thyroid hormone levels cause body metabolism to slow down. Thyroid levels may be low for many years before symptoms become clearly noticeable. They are often confused with general age-related changes.
Common symptoms: fatigue; sluggishness, depression, low libido, cold hands and feet, feeling cold all the time, weight gain, inability to lose weight, thinning hair, brittle nails, dry skin
Main hormones involved: thyroid hormones (T3/T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Infertility
An imbalance of the female hormones can disrupt ovulation. It can also interfere with the ability of a fertilized egg to implant and develop in the uterus. Infertility can be associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
Common symptoms: problems becoming pregnant; inability to maintain a pregnancy
Main hormones involved: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH)
Insomnia
Difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep is a very common problem. Causes of insomnia are numerous and may be related to hormone imbalance, medications, chronic disease, sleep apnea, and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression. Estrogen and progesterone deficiency in women, testosterone excess in men, and excessive stress hormones such as cortisol in men and women can cause or contribute to insomnia.
Common symptoms: inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, daytime fatigue
Main hormones involved: estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, thyroid
Insulin Resistance
The hormone insulin enables cells to convert food into energy. When cells lose their ability to respond to insulin, or become resistant to its effects, called insulin resistance, the pancreas responds by making more of the hormone. This leads to overly high levels of insulin in the blood. Excess insulin signals cells to hold onto fat instead of using it for energy. This can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal triglyceride levels, problems processing blood glucose, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
Common symptoms: fatigue, foggy thinking, nervousness, abdominal fat, bloating, food cravings
Main hormone involved: insulin
Menopause and Perimenopause
Menopause refers to the normal decline in ovarian function that signals the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Once a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period, she is considered to have gone through menopause. The average age of menopause is 51. However, women can experience menopause-related changes much earlier. The stage leading to the eventual end of menstruation, called perimenopause, can last anywhere from 6 months to 10 years.
Common symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, vaginal dryness, weight gain, memory lapses, and other symptoms of female hormone imbalance
Main hormones involved: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
Osteoporosis
Both men and women lose bone mass as they age. In women, declining production of estrogen and progesterone after menopause speeds up this process. Decreasing levels of male hormones like testosterone also play a role since these hormones stimulate bone growth. Existing imbalances of cortisol and thyroid hormone can also contribute to bone loss.
Common symptoms: thinning, brittle bones; fractures; loss of height
Main hormones involved: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, thyroid hormones
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS, is a condition in which cysts form in the ovaries, disrupting the process of ovulation. Infertility and other menstrual problems can occur as a result. Although the cause of the condition is unknown, it is marked by several hormonal imbalances, including the overproduction of estrogen and androgens by the ovaries. Pituitary and adrenal hormones are often out of balance as well. In addition, there is a strong link between PCOS and insulin resistance and type II diabetes.
Common symptoms: infertility, menstrual irregularities, increased facial hair, acne, high blood pressure, male pattern balding, excess weight around the waist, high insulin levels, ovarian cysts
Main hormones involved: testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), DHEA, insulin
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Female hormone levels rise and fall during the course of a normal menstrual cycle. These changes are responsible for triggering ovulation and menstruation. When hormones are in balance, a woman is less likely to experience PMS symptoms. For women who have one or more hormones out of balance, hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle can bring uncomfortable physical or emotional symptoms. When PMS is severe, it can interfere with a woman’s daily functioning and quality of life.
Common symptoms: painful periods, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, irritability, tension, mood swings, depression, increased appetite, forgetfulness
Main hormones involved: estrogen, progesterone
Sexual Dysfunction
For men, sexual dysfunction may include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculation or other ejaculation disorders. Women with sexual dysfunction may experience low libido or anorgasmia. Sexual dysfunction is often associated with chronic stress. Although psychosocial factors are often related to sexual dysfunction in both women and men, hormone balance should also be assessed.
Common symptoms: low libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory problems, anorgasmia
Main hormones involved: testosterone, DHEAS, cortisol
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