Feel like your hormones are driving you up the wall? Hormones are crucial in managing and coordinating many bodily functions. They act as the body's chemical messengers, influencing everything from mood to metabolism. In fact, they can swing your emotions from happy to sad, and even make you feel stressed or anxious. Here are some signs that you might have experienced, or are currently experiencing, when your hormone levels fluctuate.
1) Sudden Mood Swings
Don't stress if you find yourself shifting from happy to sad or angry within moments, especially around your period or menopause. This is often linked to fluctuating estrogen levels, which impact neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that regulate mood. Research indicates that hormonal changes in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can exacerbate mood disturbances due to elevated androgen levels and insulin resistance, further complicating emotional regulation in affected women [2].
2) Low Sexual Desire
Did you know that women produce testosterone too? It's true! When those testosterone levels dip, your libido can take a hit. This is particularly common in peri and postmenopausal women. Additionally, declining estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness and other uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue. A systematic review has shown that flavonoid supplementation can be beneficial in managing symptoms of PCOS, potentially helping with sexual dysfunction and hormonal balance [1].
3) Sleeplessness
Are you tossing and turning, struggling to catch some Z's? Low levels of progesterone and estrogen might be to blame. These hormones are vital for a good night's sleep, and when they're low—especially in peri and postmenopausal women—you might experience night sweats and hot flashes that keep you awake. Studies have shown that hormonal fluctuations can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, particularly in women with PCOS, who may also experience sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances [5].
4) Problems With Period
Irregular periods, light bleeding, or missed cycles could indicate high male hormone and insulin levels, often seen in conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Heavy menstrual bleeding or painful cramps might signal fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and are linked to metabolic disorders, highlighting the importance of monitoring hormonal health [3].
5) Weight Gain
If weight gain is becoming a concern, it might be time to look at your estrogen levels. A drop in estrogen can ramp up your appetite because it affects leptin, the hormone that tells you when to stop eating. Plus, mood swings can lead to cravings for high-calorie sweets. Conditions like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and menopause may also contribute to weight issues. Research indicates that women with PCOS have a higher prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, further complicating weight management [1].
6) Difficulty in Getting Pregnant
If you've been trying to conceive for over a year without success, a hormonal imbalance could be a factor. Low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, along with conditions like PCOS or early menopause, can impact your fertility. The interplay of hormonal changes in women with PCOS can hinder ovulation and contribute to infertility, emphasizing the need for thorough hormonal assessment in such cases [1].
Hormonal imbalances can often be managed and corrected. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and steering clear of harmful habits can help prevent many issues, including hormonal imbalances. However, if you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. Addressing these issues early can help avoid more serious complications down the line.
If you find yourself wondering about your health or experiencing any of these symptoms, you might want to consider an online doctor consultation. You can easily talk to a doctor online, and if you're looking for quick answers, our AI doctor can help. Whether it's a chat doctor or an online AI doctor, getting the right advice is just a click away!
References:
- Yiting Jiang, Weihuan Hu, Hanyue Zhu, Chang Liu, Fan Qu, Jue Zhou. Flavonoid Supplementation Is Beneficial for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.. PubMed. 2024.
- Jianmei Yang, Chen Chen. Hormonal changes in PCOS.. PubMed. 2024.
- Nidhi Makhija, Surekha Tayade, Shikha Toshniwal, Hard Tilva. Clinico-Metabolic Profile in Lean Versus Obese Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Women.. PubMed. 2023.
- Maria Forslund, Johanna Schmidt, Mats Brännström, Kerstin Landin-Wilhelmsen, Eva Dahlgren. Reproductive Hormones and Anthropometry: A Follow-Up of PCOS and Controls From Perimenopause to Older Than 80 Years.. PubMed. 2021.
- Nafiye Helvaci, Bulent O Yildiz. The impact of ageing and menopause in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.. PubMed. 2022.