Hormone imbalance is a surprisingly common problem across people of all ages and genders, and yet few people recognize the symptoms. Whether your hormone imbalance is the result of puberty, changes from aging, or due to medication, hormone imbalances can impact your daily life in ways you may not even recognize. Read on to learn more about some of the symptoms of hormone imbalance that you might be overlooking in your life.
Acne And Skin Problems
If you’ve been breaking out recently, it’s possible that your hormones are to blame. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans every year. While typically acne is associated with puberty, it can happen at any age and may be tied to an imbalance in your androgens. High androgen levels, such as those associated with polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, can cause an increase in skin problems. Some fluctuation in acne is normal, but if you’ve been struggling with chronic acne, you may want to talk to your doctor about your hormone levels.
Headaches And Migraines
Migraines can be incredibly painful and disruptive, particularly if they’re chronic. However, this irritating and sometimes debilitating issue might be a sign of a larger problem at work. Fluctuation in estrogen levels are linked to migraines, to the point where headaches can increase by 50 to 60% for people going through menopause. If your headaches and migraines have started to impact your daily life and you can’t seem to find a specific cause, it may be the result of hormone imbalance, particularly decreases in hormone production.
Mood Problems
Hormone imbalances can lead to all sorts of mood swings and emotional struggles, as hormones quite literally alter your brain chemistry. Psychological problems that are connected to hormone imbalance include, but are not limited to:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sex drive
- Changes in stress levels
Little is known about how specifically hormones impact emotional states and the overall chemistry of the brain, but it is well-documented that fluctuating hormones during certain phases of life can cause a wide range of emotional issues. It sometimes can be difficult to determine whether your mood changes are something to see a doctor over, but if you’ve been struggling with day-to-day tasks due to your changes in mood, it’s time to seek a professional.
Recognizing some of the symptoms of hormone imbalance can be the first step to figuring out a reasonable treatment plan for you. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, as there could be multiple causes and obtaining a proper diagnosis is essential.
