What to know about hormonal imbalances

25 Oct, 2019 - 00:10 0 Views

The ManicaPost

Miriam Kwari Herbal Space
Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Because of their essential role in the body, even small hormonal imbalances can cause side effects throughout the body.

Hormones are chemicals that are produced by glands in the endocrine system. Hormones travel through the bloodstream to the tissues and organs, delivering messages that tell the organs what to do and when to do it.

Hormones are important for regulating most major bodily processes, so a hormonal imbalance can affect a wide range of bodily functions. Hormones help to regulate:

metabolism and appetite

heart rate

sleep cycles

reproductive cycles and sexual function

general growth and development

mood

body temperature

Men and women alike can be affected by imbalances hormones. Women may also experience imbalances in progesterone and estrogen levels, while men are more likely to get imbalances hormones called testestorone.

The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance depend on which glands and hormones are affected.

Symptoms associated with the more common causes of hormonal imbalances include:

unexplained weight gain or weight loss

too much sweating

finding difficulty in sleeping

very dry skin or skin rashes

irregular blood pressure rise and fall

brittle or weak bones

changes in blood sugar concentration

irritability levels that are high

long term fatigue

increased thirst

headaches

needing to go to the bathroom more or less than usual

bloating

changes in appetite

reduced sex drive

thinning or loss of weight

blurred vision

breast tenderness

Many of us will experience natural periods of hormonal imbalance or fluctuations at particular points in their life. But hormonal imbalances can also occur when the endocrine glands are not functioning properly. Endocrine glands are specialized cells that produce, store, and release hormones into the blood. There are several endocrine glands located throughout the body that control different organs, including the:

adrenal glands

gonads (testis and ovaries)

pineal gland

pituitary gland

hypothalamus gland

thyroid and parathyroid glands

pancreatic islets

Several medical conditions are known to impact some, or several, of the endocrine glands. Causes of hormonal imbalances include:

chronic or extreme stress

diabetes

underactive thyroid

overactive thyroid

poor diet

being overweight

hormonal replacement or family planning medications

abuse steroid medications

high levels of the cortisol hormone

benign tumours and fluid-filled sacks-known as cysts that affect the endocrine glands

severe allergic reactions or infections

cancers and chemotherapy

iodine deficiency

exposure to toxins, pollutants, and endocrine disrupting chemicals, including pesticides and herbicides

The writer, Miriam Kwari is a Herbalist from Mutare and can be contacted on +263773378571 or 12 Herbert Chitepo Street, Oasis Building, Mutare

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