Hands up who else has gone down a hormone imbalance rabbit hole on TikTok lately? OK great, not just me then. With over 1.6 billion views under the #hormoneimabalance, it feels like many of us are convinced that our hormones are out of whack in some way, but what does this actually mean, and how do you know if it applies to you?
First thing’s first, hormones are an umbrella term for the chemical messengers in our bodies that coordinate different functions and make up our endocrine system (stick with me here). It’s our hormones that control things such as metabolism, our sleep-wake cycle, reproduction, and even our mood.
Some key hormones include:
- Cortisol – regulates stress
- Insulin – regulates blood sugar levels
- Melatonin – regulates sleep
- Leptin – regulates appetite
- Oestrogen – regulates the menstrual cycle
- Serotonin – regulates mood and other bodily functions
- Prolactin – regulates the immune system
- Thyroid hormone – regulates metabolism
What is a hormone imbalance?
So, what exactly is a hormone imbalance then? “At its core, a hormone imbalance occurs when there is an excess or deficiency of a hormone in the bloodstream,” Dr Laura Geige says.
“Hormones, the body's chemical messengers, orchestrate a multitude of physiological functions, from growth and metabolism to mood regulation and reproductive health. An imbalance, therefore, can disrupt this delicate equilibrium, leading to a variety of health issues. It's akin to a musical ensemble playing out of sync, where the harmony is disrupted, affecting the overall performance.”
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Signs of a hormone imbalance
As there are a multitude of different hormones in the body, symptoms can be hard to pinpoint as they are often masquerading as other conditions, Dr Geige says.
However, some symptoms she suggests include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Inexplicable weight fluctuations
- Mood swings
- Irregular menstrual cycles in women
- Diminished libido in men
“It's the body's way of sending out an SOS, signalling that something is amiss in this intricate hormonal dance,” she adds. “The diversity in symptoms reflects the broad impact hormones have on our overall well-being, emphasising the need for a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment.”
In terms of reproductive hormones being off balance, Natahsha Richardson, medical herbalist, hormone health expert and founder of Forage Botanicals, says that some key signs include:
- Period irregularity
- Painful periods
- Erratic moods
- Menstrual cycles less than 23 days
- Cycles more than 32 days in length
- Acne
- Migraines that come and go with the period
“There are nuances here depending on different hormone dominance,” Richardson adds. “This can also be exacerbated by our day to day lives like stress and our diets but also as a result of medical conditions which is why it’s important to look into it if you suspect something isn’t quite right.”
What to do if you suspect a hormone imbalance
If you suspect you are experiencing a reproductive hormone imbalance, Richardson says the first thing to do is to keep track of your symptoms that are happening along with what day of your cycle you’re on, with day one being the first day of your period.
“You can then take this information to your GP, they often prefer to see a record over three months if it is a relatively minor issue, but you should go straight away if you feel concerned,” she adds. “Ideally your GP will then run tests for hormone markers that are most likely implicated. Once you have started the process with your GP, there are also other routes you can take to support your hormones, including functional nutrition and medicinal herbs.”
Dr Geige says its imperative to listen to your body’s signals if you suspect some kind of hormonal imbalance.
“If you're experiencing symptoms that suggest a hormonal imbalance, seeking the expertise of a healthcare professional, ideally an endocrinologist, is paramount,” she adds. “They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and targeted blood tests to measure hormone levels. This thorough approach ensures an accurate diagnosis, distinguishes hormonal imbalances from other potential causes, and lays the groundwork for an effective treatment plan.”
How to ‘correct’ a hormone imbalance
The good news is, that once you’ve identified a hormone imbalance it can be corrected – but this often requires a multifaceted strategy.
“Addressing a hormonal imbalance should be tailored to the individual's specific condition and needs,” Dr Geige says. “Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques, which can have a profound impact on hormonal health. In some cases, medication or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended to restore hormonal balance. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of the imbalance, the severity of symptoms, and the individual's overall health and treatment goals.”
It’s important to note that correcting a hormone imbalance is not a one-size-fits-all job, Dr Geige adds, but instead is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and a holistic approach to health care, which means you need to consider nutrition and lifestyle changes.
“Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is crucial to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed,” she adds. “Remember, achieving hormonal harmony is a key component of your overall health and well-being, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues with the seriousness and attention they deserve.”
