What Causes Hormonal Imbalance in Women? Symptoms, Tests & Treatment

The disruption of normal levels of female hormones is termed a hormonal imbalance in women. Key female hormones are estrogen, thyroid hormones, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, and prolactin. These hormones are responsible for the regulation of major bodily functions in women, such as metabolism, menstrual cycle, fertility, mood, and overall well-being.

Early detection and proper medical evaluation can efficiently support overall well-being and prevent serious complications. Let's dive into the causes of hormonal imbalance in women and more.

When one or more key female hormone levels become too high or too low in the body, it upsets the hormonal balance, thus called a hormonal imbalance. Hormones are like the chemical messengers of the body, so even slight fluctuations can affect various body functions.

Here is a quick introduction to key female hormones, their functions, and how female hormone imbalance affects their overall health:

Estrogen: Responsible for reproductive health, regulation of the menstrual cycle, skin health, bone density, and cardiovascular health. Imbalanced estrogen levels cause fertility problems, irregular menstrual cycle, and menopausal symptoms.

Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for implantation, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy. Low progesterone may lead to pregnancy difficulties, irregular periods, and mood swings.

Thyroid Hormones: Regulate metabolism, body weight, energy levels, and body temperature. Thyroid (T3 & T4) imbalances cause weight fluctuations, fatigue, and menstrual problems.

Cortisol: Also called the stress hormone, as it is responsible for how your body responds to stress. Cortisol helps maintain blood sugar levels and blood pressure. High levels can affect other hormones, mood, and sleep.

Insulin: Normalizes blood sugar levels in the body and energy use. When cells don’t respond properly to insulin, it leads to a major hormonal imbalance that affects weight, ovulation, and metabolism.

Here are the symptoms that indicate hormonal imbalances in females and require proper evaluation:

Unbalanced female hormones significantly influence various body systems, and common physical signs include:

• Unexplained weight fluctuations

• Weak hair follicles (hair fall)

• Oily skin and acne

• Persistent fatigue

• Sleep issues or insomnia

Hormonal imbalances can disrupt menstrual cycles and reproductive health, and associated symptoms include:

• Irregular periods or missed periods

• Painful periods and prolonged bleeding

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

• Fertility concerns

• Reduced sexual desire

Hormones are directly associated with mood, emotional stability, and cognition. If the hormonal imbalance is disrupted, females experience:

• Restlessness, anxiety, and irritability

• Emotional sensitivity or mood changes

• Impaired concentration and mental clarity

There are various causes of hormonal imbalance in women, including medical, physiological, and lifestyle factors:

• Poor diet

• Excess sugar intake

• Inactive lifestyle habits

• Chronic stress disrupts the HPA axis, leading to a cortisol imbalance that interferes with estrogen and progesterone.

• Irregular sleep patterns

• PCOS (high testosterone)

• Elevated androgen levels (as seen in PCOS)

• Thyroid disorders

• Insulin resistance

• Perimenopause & menopause

• Pregnancy and postnatal changes

• Birth control medications

Environmental factors may disrupt hormonal function by affecting hormone production and signaling.

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals

• Cosmetics

• Pesticides

• Plastics

Hormonal imbalances are more common in females, and common reasons for hormonal imbalance in females include:

• Variations in the menstrual cycle

• Pregnancy and postpartum

• Menopause

• Insulin sensitivity  

Women experience significant hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives that affect their reproductive, physical, and emotional health.

During the puberty stage, the ovaries get activated, that rises estrogen and progesterone levels. It leads to the onset of menstruation, breast development, and reproductive growth.

A regular monthly cycle of hormones begins that support menstrual health, ovulation, and fertility. Imbalances may cause irregular periods, PCOS, or PMS.

During the pregnancy phase, Progesterone, estrogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin levels rise to support pregnancy and fetal development.

Estrogen and progesterone levels significantly drop after childbirth, which directly influences menstruation, metabolism, mood, and energy.

Before the menopause, the transitional stage involves hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings, sleep problems, and irregular menstrual cycles.

The ending of menstruation is termed menopause, and it involves low estrogen and progesterone levels progressively. Bone loss, hot flashes, and metabolic changes characterize the menopause phase.

Coming to the female hormone imbalance test, here are the tests recommended by healthcare professionals:

Blood tests are the most reliable way to check hormonal imbalances, and the most common tests include:

• Estrogen and Progesterone: Assess menstrual health, ovulation, fertility problems, and menopausal changes in the body.

• Testosterone: Identifies too high and too low levels, usually in cases of low libido, hair fall, acne, and suspected PCOS.

• Thyroid Tests: Analyze thyroid function that is responsible for menstruation, weight regulation, and metabolism.

• FSH and LH: Assess ovarian function, ovulation status, fertility, and perimenopause and menopause.

• Prolactin: Higher levels can affect ovulation and menstruation, indicating pituitary gland-related concerns.

• Cortisol: Helps evaluate adrenal function and stress response.

• Insulin and Fasting Glucose: Recognize insulin resistance, risk of PCOS, and type 2 diabetes.

Imaging tests that help identify hormonal imbalances in females are:

• Pelvic Ultrasound: Assesses the ovaries and uterus, and is usually recommended in case of PCOS. It can help detect changes in ovarian volume, structural abnormalities in the ovaries, and multiple ovarian follicles.

Let's explore the hormonal imbalance in women's treatment options:

• Thyroid medications

• PCOS treatment and management

• Hormone replacement therapy

• Birth control pills

• Insulin resistance management

Thinking about how to balance female hormones naturally? Here are the natural ways you should try:

• A nutrient-rich diet with healthy fats, whole foods, and fiber.

• Regular exercise and physical activity.

• Consistent adequate sleep.

• Yoga, breathing techniques, and meditation for stress management.

• Proper supplements, if recommended by your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, such as fatigue, mood changes, and sudden weight fluctuations, seek medical evaluation. Severe and persistent symptoms may indicate underlying conditions or unbalanced hormones. If you are finding it difficult to conceive even after several months, or in case of recurrent miscarriages, you should visit your doctor.

Moreover, if you have missed periods, irregular cycles, extremely heavy periods, or are experiencing extreme pain during periods, you should consult your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis can significantly help manage symptoms, provide accurate treatment, and prevent complications.

• Healthy lifestyle habits, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, proper hydration, and daily exercise.

• Regular hormonal screening and reproductive health checkups for timely detection.

• Proper weight and stress management through yoga and mindfulness practices.

• Avoiding endocrine-acting factors such as chemicals, cosmetics, and pesticides.

These preventive measures may not prevent hormonal imbalances, but can significantly support healthy balance and overall well-being.

Hormonal imbalances are quite common in females. Unbalance usually occurs due to sleep problems, poor diet, stress, thyroid conditions, PCOS, pregnancy, certain medications, and menopause. Most common hormonal imbalance symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods, excessive bleeding, weight changes, low libido, mood changes, and fertility issues.

Healthcare professionals usually recommend blood tests and pelvic ultrasounds to detect hormonal imbalances and underlying causes. Medical therapies and natural approaches can help restore hormonal balance in women. Early diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and proper treatment support hormone regulation, which can help prevent complications.

 ***Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).