5 Hormone Imbalance Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Your hormones control many of your biological functions and even a small dip in your hormone levels can lead to a variety of disruptive symptoms.

At The Riegel Center in Plano, Texas, we specialize in the management of age-related hormone imbalances or imbalances that result from underlying medical conditions.

Highly skilled physician Christopher Riegel, MD, has many years of experience helping men and women rebalance their hormones, so they can lead a productive, physically active life.

Causes of a hormone imbalance

Hormones are chemical messengers that tell your body what to do. Hormones support many functions in the human body, including involuntary actions like heart rate and temperature.

As you get older, your hormone levels begin to decline. This occurs because your endocrine system doesn’t produce as many hormones as it did when you were younger.  

Women experience a decline in estrogen and other reproductive hormones during their transition to menopause, the natural end of your childbearing years when you no longer get a monthly period. Men can also experience side effects of low testosterone as they age.

Other causes of a hormone imbalance can include:

• Excess stress
• Thyroid disorder
• Autoimmune disorders
• Use of certain medications

When you experience symptoms that may relate to a hormone imbalance, Dr. Reigel can assess your hormone levels during a simple, in-office blood test.

5 signs your hormones may be imbalanced

Because your hormones are responsible for controlling many of your biological functions, a decline in your hormone levels can trigger symptoms that affect your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Here are five potential warning signs that your hormone levels are unbalanced:

1. Weight gain

Unintentional weight gain can affect men and women with a hormone imbalance. Some people experience rapid weight gain, even though they haven’t changed their eating habits.

You may also notice an increase in belly fat that’s difficult to lose, even with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

2. Low sex drive

Your reproductive hormones play a role in your libido and an imbalance in estrogen or testosterone levels can lead to a disinterest in sex.

Additionally, women are susceptible to vaginal irritation and dryness that makes sex painful. Men may experience erectile dysfunction and have trouble maintaining an erection that’s firm enough for sexual intercourse.

3. Brain fog

Brain fog describes feelings of unclear or fuzzy thinking. Brain fog can also cause issues with concentration and your ability to maintain focus.

Men and women can find making decisions difficult. Your ability to meet responsibilities at home and work can be negatively affected by a loss of focus.

4. Thinning hair

A hormone imbalance can lead to thinning hair in men and women. Thinning can affect the hair on your head, and you might also notice that your body hair becomes lighter.

Hair loss is also common, especially for women navigating their menopause transition.

5. Mental health issues

Mood swings, anxiety, and depression can be side effects of a hormone imbalance.

Mental health symptoms can have a negative impact on your success at work, at home, and in relationships. If left untreated, you may be at increased risk for self-harming behaviors and thoughts of suicide.

If you have any symptoms of a hormone imbalance, you can meet with Dr. Riegel to discuss your options for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). The goal of BHRT is to rebalance your natural hormone levels with bioidentical hormones, so you can find fast and lasting symptom relief.

Call The Riegel Center in Plano, Texas, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation of symptoms related to a hormone imbalance. You can also book an appointment online.