Early Warning Signs Of Hormones Going Haywire

*Collaborative Post

Women and hormones have a strange relationship as hormonal changes affect them throughout their lives. The game begins at puberty when your body prepares for the menstrual cycle.  Moreover, the struggle continues as you can expect to struggle with hormones every month near and during your period. Pregnancy is another time they go seriously out of whack. Another time they trouble you is around your menopause. So the problems seem to go on for decades, and they may worsen if you experience disruptions due to other reasons. The good thing is that hormonal issues are easy to address, provided you start treatment on time. Here are some early warning signs indicating you must visit an endocrinologist sooner than later.

Tummy troubles

Frequent bouts of constipation or diarrhoea may not be due to digestive issues. Surprisingly, they could be a subtle sign of your hormones being out of balance because of thyroid issues. You may have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which happens due to too little or too high levels of thyroid hormones respectively. Hypothyroidism makes your organs run slowly, while hyperthyroidism does just the opposite. Your digestive system is perhaps the most affected, so you must schedule an endocrinologist visit at the earliest.

Excessive urination

Besides bowel troubles, excessive urination is another indication of hormonal issues. You may suddenly find yourself heading for the bathroom several times a day. It could happen when you have high levels of blood glucose due to diabetes. Your pancreas fails to function properly, and your kidneys work overtime to eliminate the excess sugar in the body. The reason could be simpler, such as hormonal changes during pregnancy. An expert can diagnose the underlying cause and suggest treatment options.

Skin and hair woes

Hormonal imbalance can also cause skin and hair woes, so pay attention to problems like dry, flaky skin and excessive hair loss. Even the best skincare and haircare products may not help if your thyroid hormones are out of balance. You must get a hormone test sooner than later because skin and hair issues can affect your looks and self-esteem, especially when progesterone levels are out of balance. Wrinkles and bald patches are the last things you want to deal with, and an experienced endocrinologist can help you keep them at bay.

Brain fog

Surprisingly, hormonal imbalance does more than affect your body. Hypothyroidism can cause brain fog and cause poor short-term memory. Low thyroid hormone levels reduce the brain’s metabolism. It affects brain function, so you cannot pay attention at the moment and memorize things as they happen. You may end up feeling confused and forgetful even about everyday things.

Anxiety or depression

Another unexpected side effect of hormonal trouble is anxiety or depression. You may feel stressed due to inadequate (or excessive) levels of oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, and cortisol. Handling stress is even harder when you do not know the underlying cause. Things worsen if you feel low and depressed all the time. You may see a mental health counsellor, but getting a hormonal check makes sense if you do not suffer from a medical problem. The condition may warrant an endocrinologist appointment instead of psychological treatment.

Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation is a serious concern because it is both a cause and symptom of hormonal imbalance. Adequate sleep keeps you healthy and alert, and it also helps your hormones to stay on track. But an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen can affect your sleep patterns. Women tend to suffer more, specifically during menopause. Night sweats and hot flashes can keep you awake, and sleep deprivation can aggravate the problem further. Restoring hormonal balance is essential for quality sleep, especially during menopause. Here are some Tips for Improving Sleep During Menopause that may help manage night sweats and hot flashes.

Bleeding gums

Another unexpected sign of hormones going haywire is bleeding gums. Pregnancy could be the possible reason as it entails a dramatic increase in progesterone levels. The hormone increases blood flow and water retention. In fact, your body retains water everywhere, even in your gums. They become puffy and prone to bleeding, making regular dental visits essential during pregnancy. You must discuss the concern with your doctor and do your bit for oral hygiene.

Hormonal balance is essential for good health as it keeps your metabolism and body functions on track. But women encounter imbalances often during their lifetime. You must watch out for these subtle signs and get help to restore the balance in your hormones. Timely action can keep you on top of your physical and mental well-being. Moreover, it stops several diseases early before they aggravate major health issues.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.