5 Potential Signs of a Hormone Imbalance

The most dramatic hormone changes occur during puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause. But hormone imbalances can occur in men and women at any stage of life and trigger a variety of problems.      

At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, Syed Farhat Zaidi, MD, and Saba Jafri, MD, identify and treat hormone imbalances resulting from many causes, such as aging, health conditions, and medications. In this blog, they explain some of the common signs of hormone imbalances.  

1. Trouble with your sex life

When your hormone levels are out of whack, your sex life can suffer. Many people with imbalanced hormones experience some form of sexual dysfunction. This can manifest as decreased libido for men and women, erectile dysfunction for men, and a lack of lubrication as well as discomfort or pain during sex for women. 

2. Problematic menopause symptoms

Menopause is a natural part of aging, and many women go through it without trouble. But for some women, the symptoms associated with this change can be very difficult to deal with. If hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and other menopausal symptoms are making it difficult for you to function, your hormones may be imbalanced.

3. Low bone density

Though we don’t think about hormones as part of the skeletal structure, they play an important role, sending out signals that trigger your bone cells to renew. When your hormones are out of balance, this process is interrupted and can cause low bone density. If not treated, over time this condition can lead to osteoporosis, which can increase your risk for bone fractures. 

4. Extreme PMS symptoms

If you’re getting closer to perimenopause and have noticed extreme premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, you may have a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD affects about 8% of women, and it can cause significant mental and emotional distress as well as physical pain. A customized hormone replacement plan may help.  

5. Changes to mood or personality

One of the signs most frequently linked to hormone imbalances is changes in mood and personality. If you’ve felt moodier than what’s normal for you, or if people have commented that you seem different, it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. This can include the worsening of pre-existing conditions, such as anxiety or depression. 

How hormone replacement therapy can help

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) balances your hormones by giving you hormones from another source, such as plants or animals. These replacement hormones have a chemical structure identical to your own, and by getting them, you can restore your body’s functions.

To best understand if you’re a candidate for hormone replacement therapy, it’s important to discuss any symptoms you have with your provider at Integrative Primary Care. 

Our team checks your hormone levels using a blood or saliva test. We then use the results of your test and the information you provide during your appointment to create a customized hormone replacement plan.  

If you recognize any of the signs of a hormone imbalance, we can test you. And if you have an imbalance, we can design a treatment plan to help you feel like yourself again. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Integrative Primary Care today.