5 Telltale Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Are you often left wondering if your fluctuating mood and energy levels are more than just the usual suspects of PMS and the stress of a busy schedule? You might be dealing with a hormone imbalance.

Hormones play a key role in how our body functions. From mood regulation to reproductive health, these chemical messengers are important. However, various factors can disrupt their delicate balance. 

For women, common triggers include pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and lifestyle choices. Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and some medical conditions can also contribute to hormonal upheavals.

At her private practice in Santa Monica, California, board-certified OB/GYN Shamsah Amersi, MD, often sees women dealing with the uncertainty of this health concern. To help you better understand if you're facing a hormone imbalance, we've put together this guide on five of the most common symptoms.

1. You’re more than “just tired”

We all have those days when getting out of bed feels like a chore. However, hormone imbalance might be the culprit if you're constantly battling fatigue, even after a good night's sleep. 

When your thyroid hormone levels are low, it affects your energy, making you feel drained. This constant tiredness can interfere with your day, making tasks feel insurmountable. If you can relate, consider this a sign to pay attention to your hormones.

2. The scale is showing you unexplained weight changes

Have your jeans fit more snugly lately, despite maintaining your usual diet and exercise routine? Or maybe you've unexpectedly shed pounds? 

Thyroid hormones or insulin might be the culprits. When these hormones are imbalanced, it's common to notice unanticipated weight fluctuations.

3. Your mood is terrible or unpredictable

It may be more than a bad day if you swing from feeling super happy to deep sadness or irritation without an apparent reason. Fluctuating estrogen levels, especially during pre-menstruation or menopause, can significantly affect mood. 

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and have noticed these symptoms are more extreme near your period, you could have a hormone imbalance that’s triggering premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which can cause pain, extreme mood disorder, and distress. 

4. Your desire for sex has taken the (way) backseat

It's normal for your sex drive to ebb and flow, but if you're consistently not in the mood, it may be worth exploring hormone imbalance as a potential factor. 

Low estrogen or testosterone levels can lead to a decline in sexual desire, affecting your intimate relationships and self-esteem. Acknowledging this helps you take back control of your sexual health.

5. You toss and turn at night

If your nights are characterized by frequent awakenings or difficulty falling asleep, your hormones might be sending you SOS signals. 

Progesterone, often called the "calming hormone," is key in promoting sleep. When its levels plummet, it can leave you staring at the ceiling, counting sheep in vain.

Imbalanced hormones can also trigger other issues, like night sweats, which make sleep challenging and can cause daytime fatigue. Talk to Dr. Amersi if you’re having trouble sleeping. 

Seeking help: Your next step

Recognizing these symptoms is your cue that it’s time to seek professional help. Dr. Amersi and our team offer personalized hormone imbalance advice and treatment options. 

Depending on your case, lifestyle adjustments like diet and exercise changes, can be the first line of defense. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) or synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be more appropriate for others.

BHRT uses hormones derived from plants that chemically match those produced by your body. It aims to replenish what's lacking, restoring balance. On the other hand, synthetic HRT offers lab-made hormones, often providing a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Each approach has its benefits and risks, and a discussion with Dr. Amersi helps ensure your treatment choice aligns best with your health profile and personal preferences.

If any of the above symptoms resonate with you, don’t wait to schedule an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Amersi in Santa Monica, California, for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance.