Hormone Imbalance’s Causes, Effects and Remedies

Hormone Imbalance’s Causes, Effects and Remedies

Hormones serve as guide in numerous bodily operations. These chemical substances come from ductless endocrine glands. Due to the absence of ducts, these secretions pervade the bloodstream right away. Hormones are important chemical messengers. In case there is a Womens Hormone Imbalance, illnesses may appear.

Major endocrine glands include hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, pineal gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes. The hypothalamus produces hormones that influence the production of hormones by the pituitary gland. The latter secretes eight kinds of hormones; one of which is the growth hormone. Meanwhile, thyroid gland’s secretions influence metabolism while parathyroid gland’s secretions affect bone development. Pineal gland produces melatonin: a hormone that impacts the circadian rhythm of the body. Pancreas releases insulin which controls the blood sugar level in the body. On the other hand, adrenal glands are known for their production of epinephrine or better known as adrenaline. Ovaries and testes are collectively called gonads in the medical field. Testes produce testosterone in males. Meanwhile, the ovaries release estrogen, progesterone, and surprisingly, testosterone.

The term estrogen or the female sex hormones (sometimes spelled as oestrogen) is a collective term for estriol, estrone and estradiol. These are actually hormones that have similarities in their chemical composition. Estriol (E3 or oesterol) is the safest among the three hormones. Estrone, on the other hand, is referred to as E1 or oestrone and the weakest among the three hormones. Lastly, estradiol or 17β-estradiol is a hormone that is more prevalent in the reproductive age of women. It is also considered as the most active and strongest type of female sex hormone.

Estrogens function for women’s reproductive and sexual development. Estradiol alone serves as the counterpart of pituitary gland for its secretion of growth hormone for the reproductive organs. Without these organs, pregnancy won’t be possible. It doesn’t stop there. This hormone also supports the lining of the fallopian tubes. These tubes serve as the passageway of a fertilized egg to the uterus. Aside from these parts of the reproductive system, estradiol supports the endometrium, cervical glands and the lining of the vagina as well. When there is a Womens Hormone Imbalance caused by the excess or deficiency in this kind of female sex hormone, pregnancy may become more difficult than the usual.

Meanwhile, the hormone progesterone can be either natural or artificial. The natural ones are manufactured by the ovaries. On the other hand, the artificial type of progesterone is made in laboratories. Lab-made progesterone products may come in the form of oral medications or creams. These products may be availed even without a health professional’s prescription.

So what made this hormone worth buying? Progesterone is necessary prior and during the pregnancy period. That is why it is also dubbed as the pregnancy hormone.

Prior the bearing of a child, progesterone makes sure that the uterus will be ready. The uterus or womb is the place where the zygote will develop until it becomes a fetus. The womb will enlarge as the baby grows inside it. It will be active for several months. If preparation fails, the life of the mother isn’t just the one life at stake. The life of the baby inside is also in danger.

Progesterone has another function in the course of pregnancy. It renders assistance in the nourishment of the fetus. As mentioned earlier, it supports the endometrium which in turn supports the developing fetus.

Some women only know estrogen and progesterone as the female hormones relevant in reproductive and sexual terms. The truth is, women also have testosterone. This hormone is also vital sexually and reproductively speaking. However, testosterone is mistaken as produced by male sex organs and possessed by men alone. Women and men have testosterone but not just the same in their amount. This hormone is more prevalent in men and comes in greater amount as compared to women. Excess amount of testosterone in women results to bodily changes that are usually male-like.

Causes and Risk Factors

Womens Hormone Imbalance refers to the excessive or insufficient production of hormones. This is nothing strange, actually. However, there are just some cases of serious medical conditions arising from such kind of imbalance in the bodily chemical substances.

The imbalance may come as a natural occurrence in the female body. Age is one and is considered a risk factor. Girls experience this phenomenon as they hit puberty stage. Menstrual cycle is a recurring event that may trigger or worsen hormonal imbalance. As women age and go menopausal, they will have another risk factor in experiencing hormonal imbalance. Pregnancy is another triggering factor as well.

Genetics also plays a role in the determination of the occurrence of hormone imbalance in women. Some are more prone to this condition if their descendants had it.

Apart from genetics, having other medical conditions may be the culprit. These medical conditions include diabetes and thyroid problems.

Diabetes may also fall as a risk factor to imbalance under the group of lifestyle causes. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and lack of quality rest usually cause diabetes. However, these three unhealthy lifestyle habits may also directly cause the hormonal imbalance of women.

Effects

Weight gain is one of the by-products of unbalanced hormonal levels. This may be related to diabetes and lifestyle habits too.

Irritability, depression and anxiety are also signals that a woman has excessive or insufficient of one or more hormones. These emotional effects are common to girls prior or during their menstrual cycle.

Diet and digestion are affected as well. Slow digestion and bloating are usually experienced by women having hormonal imbalance. There’s also a chance of diet shifting due to cravings.

An imbalance in the female hormone testosterone levels may cause acne. Aside from that, women who suffer from it may cause deepening of their voices and enlarged clitoris.
Remedies

There are several available solutions to Womens Hormone Imbalance. There are over-the-counter products that women can choose from. Certain foods may also be taken in such as avocados, coconut oil and other fruits and vegetables. Proper sleep, lowered coffee intake, exercising and proper diet are the best solution as always.