Dr Michelle O'Driscoll: What happens when you have a hormonal imbalance?

Hormones, the body’s chemical messengers, play a vital role in regulating many functions, including metabolism, mood, reproductive health, and energy levels.

We tend to associate hormonal issues with moody teenagers, or premenstrual/perimenopausal women – but that’s just a sliver of the whole contributions of hormones to our functioning and health.

All is well until hormone levels come out of kilter in some way. Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a particular hormone in the bloodstream, disrupting the body’s natural processes.

In women, hormonal imbalances can stem from various factors such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders. 

These imbalances can lead to significant physical, mental, and emotional health challenges, making it essential to recognize and address the underlying causes to maintain overall well-being. 

Understanding the impacts, and taking proactive steps to restore balance will improve quality of life.

Hormonal imbalance can lead to some or many of the following symptoms, depending on the issue in question:

Weight and metabolism issues

Noticing a change in how quickly your body is burning off fat, despite no specific changes to your diet or lifestyle, is a good reason to wonder about hormones. This is most commonly weight gain, but depending on the imbalance in question, it could be weight loss too. Any unintended changes warrant further investigation, and hormones might be the reason that comes back.

Fatigue and low energy

Hormones like thyroid hormones, cortisol, and insulin regulate energy production and usage in the body. 

Imbalances in these hormones can cause chronic fatigue, sluggishness, and a persistent feeling of being ‘run down’, even with adequate rest.

Skin and hair changes

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in androgens (like testosterone) and oestrogen, can affect skin and hair health. Women may experience acne break-outs, oily skin, thinning hair, or excessive hair growth (hirsutism). Oestrogen and progesterone imbalances can also lead to dry skin or changes in skin elasticity.

Bone health issues

Hormonal imbalances, especially in oestrogen and cortisol levels, can negatively impact bone density. Low oestrogen levels during menopause or due to conditions like premature ovarian failure increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, weakening the bones over time.

Here are some actions you can take to work towards identifying and addressing an imbalance of hormones.

Get checked out

If you have reason to suspect a hormonal issue of some kind is at play, a blood test and chat with your GP is probably a good idea.

Not every issue is identifiable via a blood test alone, but it’s a good way to rule out some potential reasons for how you’re feeling, and to begin the road getting you back on track with your health.

Mind your mind

Stress has a direct impact on our hormones, as our brain sends signals to the body to deal with what’s in front of it. If the environment or your thought processes are always in fight or flight, your body’s hormones will reflect this. Take time and space where possible. Try alternating working hard with resting deeply to recharge your system and keep balance present.

Fuel your body

Food choices don’t need to be good all of the time, but every choice contributes to your hormonal health. Sufficient protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals boost us, while sugars and refined carbohydrates cause inflammation and imbalance. There’s no need to take an all or nothing approach here, but chip away at making little changes where possible, and feel the difference in yourself.

Sleep

Hormones affect sleep, and in turn are affected by sleep. Getting sufficient amounts of it, and blocks of it can help to dampen down the immune response and regulate the che

mical production in may of the body’s systems. This can be an important element of bringing our hormones back into sync.

Hormonal imbalances can have a profound effect on women’s overall health, influencing everything from mood and energy levels to metabolism and reproductive function.

Recognising the signs of imbalance and taking proactive steps - such as maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep - can help restore harmony in the body.

By prioritising hormonal health and seeking professional guidance when needed, women can mitigate the negative impacts of imbalances and support long-term wellbeing.