Hormones are chemical messengers that help our bodies function effectively. When hormones are imbalanced, several different body systems can be affected. One of the most common examples of this is menopause. If left untreated, hormone imbalances can have devastating effects on your health.
Wondering if you have a hormone imbalance? Look out for these 8 unexpected signs:
1. Constant Fatigue
Fatigue, or extreme tiredness, is a symptom of many different diseases and conditions, including hormone imbalances. While fatigue alone does not warrant a diagnosis of hormone balance, it can be considered along with other symptoms and lab tests to make that determination.
2. Sudden Change in Weight
Most of us would love to lose a few pounds, but if you start dropping weight much faster than usual or expected, you need to look further into it. Sudden and rapid weight gain is equally problematic. If your weight swings back and forth with no dietary explanation, it’s time to check your hormones.
3. Joint Pain
While joints are known to start aching as we age, there is often an underlying pathology to blame for joint pain. Hormones actually play a big part in joints functioning properly, especially estrogen, so any change in hormone levels can cause unexpected pain and stiffness.
4. Excessive Thirst
Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and angiotensin II are both hormones that help regulate a person’s thirst. When these hormones get thrown out of balance, the patient may feel parched all the time. Many people will also recognize this symptom from diabetes, which is a common condition affected by hormones.
5. Mental Health Changes
Regulation and stability of hormones, especially sex hormones are crucially important for mental health. Slight deviations in levels of estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone in the human body can cause depression, anxiety, panic, fear, and many other mental health manifestations.
6. Gastrointestinal Distress
Another system in that hormones plays a vital role is the gastrointestinal system. Estrogen and progesterone are known to cause increased frequency in stools, a common complaint in menstruating women. On the other hand, some thyroid hormones can cause constipation. The point is, that sudden changes in your bowel habits can mean a hormone imbalance.
7. Changes in the Skin and Hair
Hormone imbalances are known to cause sudden and inexplicable changes in the skin and hair. Skin tends to bruise and tear easier, often because the skin thins considerably and is more vulnerable when exposed to hormone fluctuations. You may also notice fat lumps under the skin. Hair may also thin or start growing in unexpected places.
8. Numbness in the Extremities
Finally, we get to discuss a lesser-known, yet quite powerful, hormone…oestrogen. While it sounds a lot like its sex hormone cousin estrogen, oestrogen actually helps regulate the nervous system. When oestrogen levels are out of balance, expect to feel numbness and tingling in the arms, legs, feet, and hands.
Stop Hormone Imbalance at TLC in Tampa Bay
If mystery symptoms are affecting your life, and you’re having a hard time pinning down the cause, consider having your hormone levels checked. Contact TLC Medical, with 4 convenient Tampa Bay locations, at (813) 874-1852 or schedule an appointment online today!
