What is a hormone imbalance?

Female Hormone Imbalance: Understanding, Implications, and Management for Optimal Well-being

Female hormone imbalance is a complex issue that can have significant implications for a woman's overall wellbeing. Understanding the role of hormones such as estradiol, estriol, progesterone, and testosterone is crucial, as they play a vital role in reproductive health, mood regulation, and bone density. There are various factors that can contribute to hormone imbalances in women.

Menstrual cycle irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, menopause, and chronic stress are some common causes. These imbalances can manifest in a range of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, mood changes, fatigue, weight fluctuations, changes in libido, and skin problems. Diagnosing hormone imbalances involves tests to measure hormone levels. Once diagnosed, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medication, or rebalancing therapy, depending on the severity of the imbalance. It is important to recognise that hormonal fluctuations occur throughout a woman's life, and understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining optimal hormonal health. This includes being aware of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause/menopause. Factors such as lifestyle choices, reproductive health conditions, and the use of hormonal contraceptives can also influence women's hormonal health. Hormonal imbalances can have far-reaching effects on a woman's health.

They can lead to reproductive health problems, such as difficulties conceiving or managing symptoms of menopause. Imbalances can also impact bone health, increasing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis during menopause. Mental health problems, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and perimenopausal mood swings, can also be linked to hormonal imbalances. Given the complexity of women's hormonal health, it is essential to prioritise it for overall wellbeing.

Maintaining hormonal balance involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep. It is also important to seek professional advice and properly identify any imbalances for effective therapy and management when necessary.

We can test for the following marker in a saliva sample: Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone, Cortisol and DHEA.

You can read more detailed information on each of these hormones in our A-Z.

References:

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3. 3. Davis SR, Lambrinoudaki I, Lumsden M, Mishra GD, Pal L, Rees M, et al. Menopause Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15004. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2015.4.