Symptoms of Low Testosterone, Estrogen, and More
When your hormones are out of balance, you can experience a wide variety of symptoms. Some of them might be barely noticeable while others have a huge impact on your life.
In most cases, the only way to restore your body’s hormonal balance is through hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—if you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s highly unlikely that they’ll go away on their own.
In this post, you’ll learn about the different symptoms of a hormonal imbalance and what you can do about them.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances in Women
Women can experience a range of symptoms when their estrogen, progesterone, and/or thyroid hormones are out of balance. Here are some of the more common ones.
Menopause-related Symptoms
As women approach menopause, estrogen levels naturally decline, causing several potentially severe symptoms, including:
Your symptoms can be very mild, but they can also be debilitating. If they’re significantly impacting your quality of life, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended.
HRT can help alleviate these symptoms by supplementing your body with estrogen and progesterone, either through oral medications, patches, or creams.
Irregular Periods
Hormonal imbalances can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or prolonged cycles.
These irregularities may be a sign of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, which can often be managed with hormone therapy.
PCOS is characterized by an excess of androgens (male hormones) and can lead to symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and excessive hair growth.
Treatment may involve a combination of lifestyle changes and hormone therapy, such as birth control pills or anti-androgen medications.
Mood Swings
Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can have a profound impact on your mood, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, or irritability.
If you experience persistent mood swings that interfere with your daily life, it may be worth discussing hormone therapy with your healthcare provider.
In some cases, hormonal imbalances can make existing mental health conditions worse or contribute to the development of new ones.
Addressing these imbalances through hormone therapy, along with other treatments like talk therapy or medication, can help improve your overall emotional well-being.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause a range of symptoms in women, including:
● Fatigue
● Weight changes
● Menstrual irregularities
If you suspect a thyroid issue, your doctor can perform tests to measure your thyroid hormone levels and determine if hormone therapy is necessary.
Treatment for hypothyroidism typically involves daily supplementation with synthetic thyroid hormone while hyperthyroidism may require medications to reduce thyroid hormone production or, in some cases, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances in Men
Low testosterone is the most common hormone imbalance that men experience. Here are some of the signs that you might need testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Low Libido (Sex Drive)
Testosterone plays a key role in sexual desire and erectile function. If you experience a persistent decrease in libido, it may be a sign of low testosterone levels.
This can be a sensitive topic for many men, but it's important to remember that low libido is a common issue that most men experience as they age.
In addition to TRT, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise and stress reduction, to help improve your overall sexual health.
Erectile Dysfunction
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection can be a symptom of low T, although it can also be caused by other factors, like cardiovascular disease or psychological issues.
If you consistently experience erectile dysfunction, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.
Fatigue and Decreased Energy
Low testosterone can lead to feelings of fatigue, decreased motivation, and a general lack of energy. If you find yourself struggling to maintain your usual level of activity or enthusiasm, it may be worth getting your hormone levels tested.
This can be especially important for older men, as testosterone levels naturally decline with age by about 1% a year in a process called andropause.
However, fatigue can also be caused by a variety of other factors, such as sleep disorders, nutrient deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions, so a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine the best course of treatment.
Changes in Body Composition
Testosterone helps maintain muscle mass and bone density. If you notice a decrease in muscle mass, increased body fat (especially around the waist), or reduced strength despite regular exercise, low testosterone could be the cause.
These changes in body composition can have significant implications for your overall health as they may increase your risk of conditions like obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Testosterone replacement therapy, in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help you maintain a healthy body composition and reduce your risk of these chronic diseases.
When to Seek Help
If you experience any of the above symptoms or suspect that you may have a hormone imbalance, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional.
They can perform a thorough evaluation, including blood tests to measure your hormone levels. They’ll consider factors like your age, medical history, and personal preferences when making treatment recommendations.
In addition to hormone replacement therapy, your healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes to support your hormone balance, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.
These habits can help optimize your overall health and well-being, regardless of whether you ultimately need hormone therapy.
Start by Getting Your Hormone Levels Tested
If you suspect that you may have a hormone imbalance, your next step is to get your hormone levels tested.
Learn more about HRT for women or TRT for men here. You can also schedule an appointment with a specialist today to discuss getting your levels tested.