Hormones are chemicals your body makes that are crucial to your overall well-being. They regulate important bodily functions, from metabolism and weight maintenance to mood and energy levels.
When hormones are balanced, you feel good. But hormonal imbalance can significantly impact your physical and emotional health — and the symptoms can be very subtle at first. In fact, it’s easy to overlook the signs of hormonal imbalance and live with unpleasant symptoms longer than you need to.
Our team at Endocrine Associates of West Village specializes in hormonal health, and we can help you determine if your symptoms are a sign of something bigger. Read on to learn about five subtle signs of hormone imbalance that are easy to miss but shouldn't be dismissed.
Occasionally feeling tired is a normal part of life, but persistent fatigue could indicate an underlying hormone imbalance. Hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormones, and progesterone influence your energy levels.
If these hormones are out of balance, you might develop chronic fatigue. You might feel constantly exhausted even after getting enough sleep, which could be a sign of a hormone imbalance.
Unexplained weight changes can indicate a hormonal imbalance, especially if you haven’t changed your diet or exercise habits significantly. Hormones like insulin, cortisol, and estrogen impact your metabolism and fat storage.
When disrupted, these hormones could cause weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Sometimes, hormonal imbalance can also trigger unintentional weight loss, so if you notice persistent changes in your weight that your lifestyle choices can’t explain, it might be worth investigating further.
Mood swings are a common symptom of hormonal changes during puberty and menopause, but did you know that hormonal imbalance can cause mood changes at any point in your life? Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and serotonin all play a role in regulating your mood.
A hormonal imbalance can cause temporary mood swings and irritability or contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Take these symptoms seriously; they could indicate a hormone imbalance.
The health of your skin can offer valuable insights into your overall health. A hormone imbalance can manifest in skin problems like acne, dryness, oiliness, or even excessive hair growth.
Hormones like testosterone and estrogen influence the sebaceous glands in your skin, which can trigger excessive oil production and breakouts. If you notice new, persistent skin issues that don't seem to respond to traditional treatments, hormonal factors could be to blame.
Hormones like melatonin and cortisol control your natural sleep-wake cycle. Hormone imbalances can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to problems falling or staying asleep — and contributing to chronic fatigue.
A hormonal imbalance can cause insomnia or poor-quality sleep. So if you struggle with sleep disturbances regularly, consider seeking a hormonal evaluation.
Hormone imbalances can have far-reaching effects on your health, and sometimes the symptoms are subtle. Awareness of these signs can help us identify potential hormone imbalances early on, and our team at Endocrine Associates of West Village is here to help.
Schedule a hormonal evaluation online or call one of our offices in Long Island City and New York, New York, to get started.
