The causes of hormonal imbalances vary according to the specific hormone involved. However, in general, they are due to changes or dysfunctions of a hormone-producing gland. For instance, a thyroid gland that isn’t functioning correctly may produce too much thyroid hormone, accelerating your body’s metabolism; or could produce too little.
Thyroid dysfunction can be caused by autoimmune diseases, thyroid nodules, medications; or, rarely, thyroid cancer, among other potential causes. Imbalances in male or female sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, can be caused by age-related changes, such as menopause and andropause, as well as genetic disorders, stress, nutritional issues, or medications. Excessive stress, poor diet, aging and certain medications can contribute to imbalances in cortisol and other adrenal hormones.
There are many different underlying causes that can result in a hormonal imbalance. Each cause relates to different glands and hormones; and, does impact your body differently. Many diseases and other conditions can result in a hormonal imbalance.
What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance depend on what’s out of balance. That being said, here are general symptoms that may be experienced:
- Fatigue – Frequent in all common types of hormonal imbalance.
- Irritability – Common in those affected by imbalances in female, male, and stress hormones.
- Mood swings – common in sex hormone imbalances.
- Weight changes – High levels of thyroid hormones can cause weight loss, while low thyroid levels and imbalances in female hormones, male hormones or stress hormones typically cause weight gain.
- Muscle loss – Most common with male and female sex hormone imbalances.
- Reduced bone density – Thyroid and sex hormone imbalances can cause bone loss.
- Increased sensitivity to heat or cold – Abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones can cause heat intolerance, while low levels can make a person over-sensitive to cold.
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats – Very common with female hormone imbalances as well as low testosterone.
- Sexual disinterest or dysfunction – Most common with male and female sex hormone imbalances.
- Infertility – Can occur with sex hormone disturbances.
- Skin changes – The skin can be affected by all common hormone imbalances. Changes can include severe skin dryness, skin thinning, oily skin and acne outbreaks.
- Hair loss – Often seen with thyroid problems or low testosterone.
- Anxiety/depression – Can occur with all common imbalances.
- Heart rate changes or palpitations – Thyroid dysfunction, sex hormone imbalance and stress hormone imbalance can all cause these symptoms.
- Rising cholesterol levels – Low thyroid hormone levels, low testosterone and estrogen/progesterone imbalances can cause cholesterol levels to rise.
- Memory problems – Can occur in all common hormone imbalances.
- Poor focus/concentration – Common symptom of any hormone imbalance.
How and why do men and women experience hormonal imbalances differently?
Hormones impact men and women differently, particularly when you’re dealing with those specific to the reproductive system. Men and women also go through different developmental stages.
Women will experience hormonal changes with their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, which men do not experience. Women may experience hormonal imbalances that present through:
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Pain during sex
- Skin tags
- Changes to the menstrual cycle
- Acne, particularly on the face, upper back, or chest
- Hair loss
- Night sweats
- Skin darkening, particularly around the groin, neck, and breasts
Hormonal symptoms unique to men are typically related to an imbalance in testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for controlling male development. If this hormone level is unbalanced, men may experience:
- Tenderness in the breast area
- Increase in tissue around the breast area
- Decreased sex drive
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of bone mass
- Decreased hair growth
- Loss of muscle mass
- Erectile dysfunction
Does hormonal imbalance in children exist?
Yes. Hormonal imbalances in children typically occur around puberty. This is when the sex hormones are first produced, signaling future growth in the body. Children whose bodies produce few or no sex hormones often have a condition known as hypogonadism.
In boys, hypogonadism stops the body from producing the muscle mass, body hair, and voice changes that are associated with puberty. The sex organs don’t develop as they should, and the arms and legs will experience an excessive amount of growth compared to the trunk. Boys may also develop breast tissue. When girls have hypogonadism, they don’t develop breast tissue, start their menstrual cycle, or experience the growth spurt that’s typical of puberty.
Hypogonadism can occur either because the gonads are not producing the right hormone levels; or, because the pituitary gland and hypothalamus aren’t signaling to the gonads to produce hormones at all. Though hypogonadism is a common cause of developmental and growth problems, there are other causes that may be causative. Always speak with your healthcare provider to get the proper diagnosis of any abnormal development in children.
