Everybody has hormones, which are necessary for everything from growth to reproduction. Having too much or too little of certain hormones can trigger imbalances that can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Thankfully, hormone testing can alert you and your doctor to possible problems or inefficiencies within your body.
In our post below, Medical Profiles shares what you need to know about hormones and your health.
The Function of Hormones in Health
Hormones are essential chemicals that the endocrine system secretes through the liver, pituitary gland, and thyroid. Some hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, help make other hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
These chemicals flow through the body, sending messages to different parts to regulate development. Some of the functions they help regulate are:
- Sex drive and reproduction
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
- Metabolism
- Sleep
- Thoughts or thinking
What Are Hormonal Imbalances?
Hormone testing is necessary for identifying bodily chemical imbalances that can cause various conditions. An imbalance occurs when a body has too little or too much of a particular chemical. Some imbalances are temporary, while others require long-term treatment to control.
Common conditions due to hormonal imbalances include:
- Acne: Hormone fluctuations during puberty can cause excessive oil production on the face. This results in clogged pores and unsightly blemishes
- Infertility: Women with PCOS, a hormone-related condition, can experience infertility. Low testosterone in men can also affect fertility.
- Obesity: Cortisol and thyroid hormones contribute to obesity by dysregulating appetite and stored energy usage.
Identifying Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms in Patients
Biological women tend to have more issues with hormonal imbalances due to puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Still, men can experience them too. That’s why hormone testing is necessary for everyone.
Hormonal issues that affect metabolism can lead to symptoms like fatigue, constipation, and unexplained weight changes. Below are sex-specific warnings of a chemical imbalance.
Women
Females can experience many unique symptoms of hormonal dysregulation in progesterone and estrogen, which are hormones the ovaries produce. They include:
- Hot flashes
- Heavy or painful periods
- Acne on the face, upper back, or chest
- Irregular periods
- Low sex drive
- Excess body hair
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
Men
A man can also experience hormonal imbalance symptoms that are unique to his biological makeup, such as:
- Enlarged breast tissue
- Loss of body hair
- Reduction in muscle mass
- Erectile dysfunction
How To Treat Hormone Imbalances
Treating various hormone imbalances starts with testing. Hormone testing gives medical professionals a deeper understanding of what could be causing problems like unexplained weight gain or brain fog.
Knowing the root of the problem is key to creating an effective treatment plan that’s specific to each person’s situation. What works for one person might not work for you.
If your hormone levels are too low, your treatment may include hormone replacement therapy through an oral or injected medication. Higher-than-normal levels could require medication. Yet, radiation and surgery may be necessary if the chemical overproduction stems from a tumor or abnormal growth on glands or ovaries.
Combat Unwanted Symptoms With Targeted Lifestyle Changes for Hormones
Changing different parts of your lifestyle can positively impact hormones. Lifestyle changes include include:
- Eating more fruit and vegetables with essential proteins to boost mood
- Exercising to minimize stress, which can cause chemical imbalances
- Reducing alcohol intake to improve energy
- Having better sleep hygiene to rest and reduce stress
Test Your Hormone Levels – Contact Medical Profiles Today
Whether you’re experiencing hormonal imbalance symptoms or simply want to know more about your health before making lifestyle changes for hormones, reach out to our professionals. At Medical Profiles, we administer hormone testing to start you on your path to wellness.
Call (832) 251-3926 for an appointment with Medical Profiles. We offer in-office and mobile lab appointments.
