Women’s bodies undergo numerous changes throughout their lifetimes, many of which are influenced by hormones, the chemical messengers that play a vital role in regulating various bodily functions, from metabolism and mood to reproductive health and more.
When these hormones become imbalanced, it can lead to a wide range of frustrating symptoms that can have a major impact on how you feel.
In this post, you’ll learn the most common hormone imbalance symptoms in women, with a focus on estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and your thyroid hormones.
Understanding Estrogen Imbalances
Estrogen is a crucial female hormone that is primarily produced by the ovaries. It plays a significant role in maintaining bone health, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health.
Estrogen must fall within a healthy range for you to feel your best—too high or too low will at best make you feel awful and at worst be dangerous.
Low Estrogen Levels
Low estrogen levels are most common during menopause and perimenopause, as the ovaries gradually produce less of this hormone. Here are a few of the symptoms you might experience from low estrogen.
1. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Hot flashes are sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating (night sweats) and flushing. They’re among the most common symptoms of low estrogen during menopause.
2. Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort
Estrogen helps maintain the thickness and moisture of the vaginal walls. When levels decline, it can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse.
3. Mood Changes and Sleep Disturbances
Low estrogen can contribute to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. It can also cause sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or difficulty staying asleep.
4. Decreased Bone Density
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health. As levels decline, the risk of osteoporosis and fractures increases.
In younger women, low estrogen can cause irregular periods, infertility, and decreased sexual desire.
High Estrogen Levels
High estrogen levels can also cause problems. Here are some of the symptoms of estrogen dominance.
5. Weight Gain and Bloating
Excess estrogen can lead to water retention and weight gain, particularly in the hips, thighs, and abdomen.
6. Breast Tenderness and Swelling
High estrogen levels can cause breast tissue to become more sensitive and swollen, often leading to discomfort.
7. Heavy or Irregular Menstrual Bleeding
Estrogen dominance can cause the uterine lining to become thicker, leading to heavy or irregular periods.
The Role of Progesterone
Progesterone is another essential female hormone that works in tandem with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.
Produced mainly by the ovaries, progesterone helps prepare the uterine lining for potential pregnancy and maintains the lining if pregnancy occurs.
Low Progesterone Levels
Low progesterone levels can occur during menopause, perimenopause, or due to factors such as stress, obesity, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here are a few of the more common symptoms of low progesterone.
8. Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle. When levels are low, cycles can become irregular or absent.
9. Heavy Periods
Low progesterone can cause the uterine lining to become thicker, leading to heavy menstrual bleeding.
10. Difficulty Conceiving
Progesterone is essential for preparing the uterine lining for implantation and maintaining early pregnancy. Low levels can make it more difficult to conceive and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Thyroid Hormone Imbalances
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature.
When your thyroid gland produces too much or too little of these hormones, it can lead to a range of symptoms.
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. Here are a few of the symptoms.
11. Fatigue and Weakness
The thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating energy levels. When levels are low, it can lead to persistent fatigue and weakness.
12. Cold Sensitivity
Thyroid hormones help regulate body temperature. When levels are low, it can cause increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.
13. Dry Skin and Hair Loss
Thyroid hormones are essential for healthy skin and hair. Low levels can cause dry, rough skin and hair loss.
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to more severe complications, such as infertility, heart disease, and myxedema coma, a rare but life-threatening condition.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. Here are the symptoms.
14. Weight Loss
Despite an increased appetite, hyperthyroidism can cause unintentional weight loss due to a faster metabolism.
15. Rapid Heartbeat and Palpitations
Excess thyroid hormones can cause the heart to beat faster and harder, leading to palpitations and a rapid pulse.
16. Anxiety and Irritability
Hyperthyroidism can cause feelings of nervousness, anxiety, and irritability.
17. Heat Sensitivity and Sweating
Excess thyroid hormones can cause increased sensitivity to heat and excessive sweating.
18. Muscle Weakness and Tremors
Excess thyroid hormones can cause muscle weakness and fine tremors in the hands and fingers.
Testosterone in Women
While testosterone is often associated with men, women also produce small amounts of this hormone in their ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and libido in women.
Low Testosterone Levels
Low testosterone levels in women can cause a wide variety of symptoms—here are some of them.
19. Decreased Libido
Testosterone plays a role in sexual desire. When levels are low, it can lead to a decreased interest in sex.
20. Fatigue and Weakness
Low testosterone can contribute to feelings of fatigue and muscle weakness.
21. Mood Changes
Testosterone helps regulate mood. Low levels can cause irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
22. Decreased Bone Density
Testosterone helps maintain bone health. Low levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Causes of low testosterone in women include age, ovarian failure, oral contraceptive use, and removal of the ovaries.
High Testosterone Levels
High testosterone levels in women can also cause problems, particularly if you have PCOS. Symptoms of high testosterone in women include the following.
23. Acne
Excess testosterone can stimulate the production of sebum, leading to acne breakouts.
24. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)
High testosterone levels can cause excessive hair growth on the face, chest, and back.
25. Irregular Periods
Testosterone imbalances can disrupt the menstrual cycle, causing irregular or missed periods.
26. Fertility Issues
High testosterone levels can interfere with ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive.
If You Have a Hormone Imbalance, It Likely Won’t Go Away Without Treatment
Hormone imbalances are a common issue faced by many women, but they are treatable. Understanding the signs and symptoms is only the first step. Most people need treatment to truly overcome a hormone imbalance.
Learn more about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women here or schedule an appointment with a specialist today to discuss your options.