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What is a hormone imbalance?
A hormone imbalance occurs when the body has too much or too little of a certain hormone. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many processes in the body. Some of the most common causes of hormone imbalance include:
- Stress: Chronic stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol and other hormones. Over time, this can negatively affect health and well-being.
- Poor diet: Eating lots of processed/sugary foods or not getting key nutrients can disrupt endocrine function. A balanced diet supports hormone harmony.
- Sleep deprivation: Not getting enough sleep negatively impacts hormonal pathways, including the stress hormone cortisol and reproductive hormones. Prioritizing sleep helps balance hormones.
- Pregnancy/childbirth: Hormone changes happen in pregnancy/postpartum. Sometimes imbalances linger, causing unpleasant symptoms that should be addressed.
- Menopause: As ovulation ends, estrogen/progesterone decline rapidly. This transition can cause bothersome signs of hormone imbalance for some women.
- Medical conditions: Issues with glands like the thyroid, pituitary, ovaries, and testes can result in problematic hormonal shifts. Treatment aims to resolve underlying issues.
- Medications: Certain prescription drugs, especially steroids and hormonal birth control, markedly change the body's internal hormonal milieu, for better or worse.
When hormones are imbalanced, people may struggle with symptoms like fatigue, acne, weight gain/loss, hot flashes, insomnia, low libido, hair loss, and changes in menstrual cycle length/flow.
The good news? There are many effective approaches to correcting hormone imbalances naturally and under medical supervision. Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, improving nutrition, exercising regularly, and supporting glandular health can go a long way in helping optimize hormones for overall wellness.
If symptoms persist, lab testing and prescriptive treatments might be necessary - but lifestyle and diet changes also play a big role alongside medical care. Paying attention to signs of hormone issues and taking responsive action is key. Our bodies strive for homeostasis; supporting this natural equilibrium with holistic care allows vibrant health to shine through.
I hope this gives you a helpful overview of what hormone imbalance means, what causes it, and how to address it. For more information, please consult with the professionals at Balance Clinic.