Symptoms of a Hormone Imbalance by Dr. Robert Lichtenstein, DC

People rarely worry about easily diagnosed health issues like a sore back or neck after sitting at a desk for too long or the common cold. The concern arises when numerous problems begin and consistently get worse. A nap or earlier bedtime may not relieve the fatigue someone feels. Regular checkups may show someone has no reproductive issues despite experiencing painful cramping and an irregular cycle.

Sometimes the problems are so random people can feel paranoid that they have imagined their illness. Unfortunately, people everywhere may struggle with this situation without realizing their health problems come from the same concern. Hormonal imbalances can cause various health issues, and an accurate diagnosis does not always happen automatically. Treating the symptoms may provide temporary relief, but correcting the imbalance is the only way to restore health. Here are some examples of the symptoms people can experience if they have a hormonal imbalance.

Skin Conditions - The skin is vulnerable to what encounters it externally and how much internal nourishment it receives. Health problems can often affect the condition and comfort of the skin. Some people with a hormonal imbalance may not have skin concerns, and others will have multiple issues with their skin. Some of the potential symptoms include:

• Acne
• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Rashes
• Skin tags
• Skin thinning
• Skin darkening (in the armpits and on the neck)

Reproductive Problems - Reproductive issues get the most attention when people discuss hormonal concerns because they happen so frequently. Many women experience reproductive hormonal imbalances throughout life. The problems can begin with puberty, worsen with pregnancy and childbirth, and begin again as perimenopause arrives. Some imbalances correct themselves, and others worsen if left untreated. Signs of an imbalance affecting the reproductive system include:

• Irregular menstruation
• Fertility issues
• Development of PCOS
• Loss of interest in sex
• Vaginal atrophy or dryness
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Breast tenderness or changes in breast tissue

Body Issues - Consumers have an endless supply of products available to help with their appearance, but a hormonal imbalance can make the problem difficult to correct or manage. Some issues people experience include:

• Dry or thinning hair
• Dry and cracked nails
• Excessive body hair (females)
• Loss of body hair (males)
• Unexplained weight gain or obesity
• Unexplained weight loss
• Enlarged breast tissue (males)

Psychological Issues - Some of the most difficult-to-identify symptoms affect mental wellness. People often hide psychological issues because it is difficult to prove to someone how you feel. It is also sometimes difficult to understand that a psychological condition has a physical cause. Hormonal imbalances can affect mental wellness. Anyone who experiences sudden and long-lasting issues like the ones mentioned below should consider undergoing screenings for an imbalance.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Memory loss
• Brain fog

Overall Wellness - The difficulty of a hormonal imbalance diagnosis often worsens when people have less common and more generalized issues. It is easy to document a late menstrual cycle and talk to a doctor about it, but more challenging to understand the connection between joint pain and a change in heart rate. People who want an accurate diagnosis must stay aware of all the possible concerns that could begin when their hormone imbalances start. Some seemingly random symptoms can include:

• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Restless sleep
• Changes in heart rate
• Increase in cholesterol
• Inability to tolerate heat or cold
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Poor circulation
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Testing for a hormonal imbalance is worthwhile for anyone with symptoms that continue for over two weeks. Another warning sign is any symptoms that persist and worsen despite multiple attempts to address them. Many treatments for these imbalances are non-invasive, safe, and effective. Putting things back in balance can help people feel like themselves again and eliminates the risk of developing many serious illnesses.

Contact Dr. Robert Lichtenstein, DC for a free phone consultation.