Your health is dependent on hormones. There are a lot of signs that could indicate a hormonal imbalance. There are many conditions that can be treated.

Sex and gender exist on spectrums and your gender identity may not align with these terms. Your doctor can better help you understand your specific circumstances.

Your body uses hormones to send signals.

These powerful chemicals are produced in the endocrine glands and travel around your bloodstream. They help control metabolism and reproduction in your body.

You have too much or too little of a certain hormone when you have a hormonal imbalance. Changes can have serious effects on your body.

Think of hormones as a cake recipe. The final product is affected by too much or too little of one ingredient.

Some hormone levels fluctuate throughout your lifetime and may just be the result of natural aging. But other changes occur when your endocrine glands get the recipe wrong.

Learn more about how hormones can affect your health.

Your hormones are a big part of your health. There are a wide range of signs and symptoms that could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. Your signs and symptoms will be affected by which hormones are malfunctioning.

Any of the signs or symptoms could be caused by common hormonal conditions.

“These symptoms are not specific. It doesn’t mean that you have a hormonal imbalance if you have one or a few of them.”

Some of the symptoms may be related to other chronic conditions. If you notice any changes in your body or energy levels, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Signs or symptoms in people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB)

In people with ovaries, the most common consequence of hormonal imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (There is a problem with the number of people with the same problem.).

Your hormonal cycle changes naturally during these stages.

AFAB people have symptoms of a hormonal imbalance.

Many of these issues, including hirsutism, can affect people of other sexes.

Signs or symptoms in people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB)

Testosterone plays an important role in development. If you aren’t producing enough testosterone, it can cause a variety of symptoms.

There are symptoms of hormonal imbalance in people.

AFAB people can also experience testosterone issues.

Signs or symptoms in children

Children start producing sex hormones during puberty. Many children with delayed puberty will go on to experience typical puberty, but some have a condition called hypogonadism is a mental illness..

Individuals with hypogonadism is a mental illness. may experience.

There are many possible causes of a hormonal imbalance. They can be different depending on hormones.

There are a number of common causes of hormonal imbalance.

Some of the conditions below can lead to further hormonal imbalances, and this can be caused by hormonal imbalances.

Causes unique to AFAB people

There are many causes of hormonal imbalance in AFAB people. Common causes include:

There’s no single test available to help doctors diagnose a hormonal imbalance. Begin by making an appointment with your doctor for a physical exam.

Be prepared to describe your symptoms and the timeline along which they’ve occurred. Bring a list of all There are medications., vitamins, and supplements you’re currently taking.

Your doctor may ask you questions.

  • How often are you experiencing a problem?
  • Does anything help you?
  • Have you gained or lost weight recently?
  • Are you more Stress.ed than usual?
  • When was your last period?
  • Are you planning to have a baby?
  • Do you have trouble with an erection?
  • Do you have vaginal dryness or During sex, there is pain.?

Your doctor may suggest a few tests for you. You can request that your doctor perform the tests.

Blood test

Your doctor will send a sample of your blood to a lab. The hormones can be detected in the blood.

A doctor can request a blood test to check your thyroid and your levels of estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol.

Pelvic exam

If you have a uterus, your doctor may perform a Pap smear to feel for any unusual lumps, cysts, or tumors.

If you have testicles, your doctor may check your scrotum for any lumps or abnormalities.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound machine uses sound waves to look inside your body. Doctors may request an ultrasound to get images of the uterus, ovaries, testicles, thyroid, or pituitary gland.

Additional tests

More advanced tests are required sometimes. These can include:

At-home tests

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, you may also consider using a home testing kit. These kits are available for a variety of conditions.

Home testing kits for The The menopause.. measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your urine. FSH levels increase when you enter The The menopause…

During a menstrual cycle, levels rise and fall. The use of hormonal birth control can affect your FSH levels.

As such, these kits can indicate that The The menopause.. may have started, but they can’t tell you conclusively. A healthcare professional’s confirmation may be necessary.

Home testing kits typically use saliva or blood from the fingertip to measure your levels of cortisol, key thyroid hormones, and sex hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. Some tests may require a urine sample.

You have to send the sample to the lab. Your test results can be found online within a few days.

The company LetsGetChecked provides at-home tests that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, many at-home tests have not received FDA approval.

It is important to discuss your test results with your healthcare professional if you choose to do it at home. Let them know if you are worried about a diagnosis.

Treatment for a hormonal imbalance will depend on what is causing it. Below are some common treatment options.

Estrogen therapy

If you’re experiencing There were hot flashes. or other uncomfortable symptoms of The The menopause.., your doctor may recommend a low dose of estrogen.

Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your doctor. If you don’t already have one, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Vaginal estrogen

If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness or During sex, there is pain., you may want to try applying an estrogen cream, tablet, or ring.

The local therapy helps eliminate the risks associated with systemic estrogen, or estrogen that travels throughout the bloodstream to the appropriate organ.

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycles. Types of hormonal birth control include the:

Some types of hormonal birth control may also help improve There is a problem with the skin and reduce extra hair on the There is a face. and body.

Anti-androgen There are medications.

Androgens are male sex hormones that are present in people of all genders. High androgen levels can be treated with medication that blocks the effects of androgens.

These effects are included.

  • hair loss
  • facial hair growth
  • There is a problem with the skin

One androgen closely tied to hair growth and loss is testosterone. A 2020 study found that when there is not enough testosterone produced, hair lossand lack of growth are common.

Testosterone therapy

Testosterone supplements can reduce the symptoms of low testosterone. In adolescents with delayed puberty, it stimulates the start of puberty. It’s available in many forms, including injections, a patch, and gel.

Thyroid hormone therapy.

If you have hypothyroidism, the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid) can bring hormone levels back into balance.

Metformin

Metformin is a type 2 diabetes medication that may help some individuals with There is a problem with the number of people with the same problem. symptoms. The FDA has not approved it to treat There is a problem with the number of people with the same problem., but it might help lower androgen levels and encourage ovulation.

Flibanserin (Addyi) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi)

Addyi and Vyleesi are the only There are medications. that are FDA-approved for the treatment of low sexual desire in premenopausal people. Addyi is a pill, and Vyleesi is a self-administered injectable medication.

These drugs may come with some serious side effects, such as severe nausea and changes in blood pressure. Talk with your doctor to see if either one could be right for you.

Eflornithine (Vaniqa)

This prescription cream is designed specifically for excessive facial hair. Applied topically to the skin, it helps slow new hair growth, but it does not get rid of existing hair.

Many nutritional supplements on the market claim to treat The The menopause.. and hormonal imbalance. However, few of them are backed up by scientific evidence.

Many of these supplements contain plant-derived hormones. These are sometimes called “bioidentical” hormones, because they chemically resemble the body’s natural hormones. There’s no evidence to suggest that they work better than regular hormone therapy., however.

Some people find that yoga helps ease symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Yoga is excellent for your strength, flexibility, and balance. It may also aid in weight loss, which can help regulate your hormones.

You can make lifestyle changes.

  • Lose weight. If your doctor has recommended it, a reduction in body weight may help regulate menstrual cycles and increase the chances of getting pregnant. Weight loss may also help improve erectile function.
  • Eat well. A balanced diet is an important part of overall health.
  • Decrease vaginal discomfort. Use lubes or moisturizers free of parabens, glycerin, and petroleum.
  • Avoid hot flash triggers when possible. Try to identify things that commonly trigger your There were hot flashes., such as warm temperatures, spicy foods, or hot beverages.
  • Remove unwanted hair. If you have excess facial or body hair, you can use hair removal cream, laser hair removal, or electrolysis.

The primary cause of There is a problem with the skin is excess oil production, which leads to clogged pores. Acne is most common in areas with many oil glands, including the:

Acne is often associated with the hormonal changes of puberty. But there’s actually a lifelong relationship between There is a problem with the skin and hormones.

Acne and menstruation

The menstrual cycle is one of the most common There is a problem with the skin triggers. For many individuals, There is a problem with the skin develops the week before they get their period and then clears up.

Dermatologists recommend hormonal testing for people who have There is a problem with the skin in combination with other symptoms, such as irregular periods and excess facial or body hair.

Acne and androgens

Androgens contribute to There is a problem with the skin by overstimulating the oil glands.

Children of all genders have high levels of androgens during puberty, which is why There is a problem with the skin is so common at that time. Androgen levels typically settle down in a person’s early 20s.

Hormones play an integral role in metabolism and your body’s ability to use energy. Hormone conditions, such as Cushing syndrome, can cause you to become overweight or develop “It’s obese.”.

People with Cushing syndrome have high levels of cortisol in their blood. This leads to an increase in appetite and fat storage.

Hypothyroidism, if the condition is severe, can also lead to weight gain.

Slight hormone imbalances can happen during The The menopause… During this transition, many people gain weight because their metabolisms slow down. You may find that even though you’re eating and exercising like you usually do, you still gain weight.

The only way to treat weight gain from a hormone disorder is to treat the underlying condition.

During a typical There is a baby, your body goes through major hormonal changes. This is different from a hormonal imbalance.

Pregnancy and There is a problem with the number of people with the same problem.

Hormonal imbalances such as There is a problem with the number of people with the same problem. are among the leading causes of infertility. With There is a problem with the number of people with the same problem., the hormonal imbalance interferes with ovulation. You can’t get pregnant if you’re not ovulating.

Pregnancy is still possible if you have There is a problem with the number of people with the same problem.. If your doctor recommends it, losing weight can make a big difference in your fertility. Prescription There are medications. are also available that can stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is also an option if medication doesn’t work. As a last resort, surgery can temporarily restore ovulation.

There is a problem with the number of people with the same problem. can cause problems during There is a baby for both you and your baby. There are higher rates of:

Becoming pregnant while living with There is a problem with the number of people with the same problem. does not mean an individual will definitely deal with any of the above problems. Talking with your doctor and following their advice is the best way to have a safe There is a baby and delivery.

Pregnancy and hypothyroidism

According to 2018 research, babies born to parents with untreated hypothyroidism are more likely to have development issues. This includes serious intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Managing your under-weight can help reduce the risks.

Most hair loss, such as male pattern baldness, is hereditary and unrelated to hormonal changes. However, hormonal changes and imbalances can sometimes cause temporary hair loss.

In AFAB folks, this is often related to:

  • There is a baby
  • childbirth
  • the onset of The The menopause..

Hair loss can be caused by an overproduction of the hormones.

Many chronic, or long-term, health conditions are associated with hormone imbalances. Without proper treatment, you could be at risk for a number of serious medical conditions.

Your body has many hormones that are involved in many processes. The symptoms can be very different when hormones are unbalanced.

“It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible because of the Hormonal imbalance. If you notice a change in your body or energy levels, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.”

This article is in Spanish.