Hormonal changes throughout the years can leave patients feeling as if they aren’t in control of their own bodies, but it doesn’t have to be this way. In this post, we’ll clue you into the signs of hormone imbalances so you can identify the potential causes of your body’s changing needs. By empowering yourself with this information and working with your physician to develop a treatment plan that works for you, you can free yourself from bothersome hormone imbalance symptoms and continue living your best life for years to come!
What are Hormones?
According to MedLinePlus.gov, “hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs. They work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including:
- Growth and development
- Metabolism – how your body gets energy from the foods you eat
- Sexual function
- Reproduction
- Mood”
Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands, among many others. Even though hormones are structurally small, they pack a huge punch. Even the slightest imbalance in your body’s hormones can lead to a rush of symptoms and be potentially life-threatening.
Hormone Imbalance Symptoms
Consider having your hormone levels checked by a qualified physician or laboratory if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:
- weight gain
- a hump of fat between the shoulders
- unexplained, and sometimes sudden, weight loss
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
- pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints
- increased or decreased heart rate
- sweating
- increased sensitivity to cold or heat
- constipation or more frequent bowel movements
- frequent urination
- increased thirst
- increased hunger
- decreased sex drive
- depression
- nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
- blurred vision
- infertility
- thinning hair or fine, brittle hair
- dry skin
- puffy face
- rounded face
- purple or pink stretch marks
I have some of the symptoms shown above…what should I do?
To determine exactly what is causing your symptoms, you first need to call your primary care physician and schedule an appointment. Discuss your concerns with your physician. They will likely refer you for several diagnostic tests, including hormone level testing if they deem it necessary. Once the underlying cause of your symptoms is identified, your physician will work with you to develop a treatment plan to knock out those undesirable symptoms and get you back to full functionality as soon as possible.
Hormone Level Testing in Tampa Bay
If you live in or around Tampa and need a reputable, competent primary care physician for your hormonal health needs, contact TLC Medical at (813) 874-1852 or book an appointment online using ZocDoc.
