How Do You Know Your Hormones Are “Off”?

The hormones are tricky little chemical messengers floating around that can go off for any reason seemly at any time. One minute the hormones help you feel good, refreshed and at ease while then other moments they seem like they are spoiling out of control. The hormones are produced by endocrine organs such as the thyroid, the adrenal glands, the pancreas, the ovaries or the testes, and they send important messages throughout the body. They allow for smooth and healthy metabolic health within the body. However, sometimes for various reasons they begin to create unhealthy communications with the body creating an internal war inside. For those that suffer from any of these hormonal systems, imbalances can feel like their bodies are out of control or out of balance. 

Fatigue is often a clear sign the hormonal system is off. It is normal to be tired at times, perhaps have one or two rocky nights of sleep once in a while, but to feel run down tired and exhausted is a sign that something may be off with your hormones. Especially with the pace most of us keep balancing school, work, families, and self the adrenal glands can begin to burn out so to speak. Adrenal fatigue and chronic thyroid problems are signs of long term stress the body has been put under for an extended time. 

Anxieties are created for a lot of reasons. Excessive cortisol function, chronic epinephrine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline is running through the system continuously. There is a very close relationship built between the endocrine organs and the neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemicals in both the hormones as well as the brain are triggered based on gut health. So if the gut is not healthy. And then you throw excessive stress on top of it both internal as well as perceived stress, then anxiety is often the next step. Some people even suffer from low-grade anxiety and are unaware they have it, but often suffer from symptoms of fatigue even when they get a rest in the evening.

Weight gain or difficulty losing weight can be a sign the adrenal glands are out of balance and produces a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can throw off the bodies ability to rest and digest and thus prevents a person even with the best effort to lose weight. Many people also skip sleeping which is a big no-no for those who suffer from any levels of adrenal imbalance. When the body is under stress, the body is altered but the cortisol to hold on to the excess weight for storage and protection. 

Insomnia. Someone nice said to me that I was acting like a prey animal and this really stuck When we have been under stress for so long it is natural to feel as though one is under attack. Because of this sleep is affected as sleep is a very vulnerable time. Those that have suffered traumas and chronic stress have difficulty sleeping soundly, and until they resolve their internal stressors in their head, sleep will always just be ok, instead of incredible. I remember the first time I slept deeply and was truly amazed as to the difference in sleeping. 

Digestive Problems are often associated with hormonal imbalances. Feelings of anxiety depression and the like are usually found as causative in the gastrointestinal tract. This is because all of those hormones and neurotransmitters are located in the digestive system. Hormones also influence gut function by affecting the bacteria within the digestive system. 

Skin and hair quality shift as a result of the loss of vitamins and minerals. The skin and hair quality is directly correlated with the health of the hormones within the body. 

Low sex drive and various PMS symptoms are also contributed to imbalances with the hormonal system within the body. Making sure you balance and maintain your DHEA levels, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone levels are key to having healthy hormones. Periods that are too long, too short, unpredictable, with heavy bleeding and or cramping are common signs and symptoms of a hormonal imbalance and not be ignored. Many of my patients are shocked when I tell them that they should not have any symptoms relative to their period. No cramps, no mood swings, no bloating. In fact, when the hormones are balanced the cycle almost comes as a surprise. 

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms of imbalanced hormones, however, are the most common symptoms that many people experience with their hormones. Comprehensive laboratory testing can help you get to the bottom of your hormonal imbalances. I typically start off with a whole blood panel to see how all the systems are functioning such as the liver, the digestive system, etc. and then from there once those systems are balanced we can move on to restoring the hormonal system. 

We are happy to consult on your hormone health case: Schedule your complimentary consult today.