The ManicaPost
Mariam 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.
Symptoms
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
Causes
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
