What is hormonal imbalance, and what problems does it cause? Hormonal imbalance can wreak havoc on the body and affect almost everything from sleeping patterns to moods. This condition occurs when too much or too little hormone is in the bloodstream. Note that hormones regulate major bodily processes. This means that even slight imbalances can have widespread effects. This article will discuss the impact of hormonal imbalance and the different ways to contract it.
Weight Gain
Those living with hormonal imbalances struggle with maintaining a healthy weight no matter how much they improve their diet or work out. This happens because hormones like cortisol and insulin are not at optimal levels, which causes the body to store fat mainly in the abdomen area. When this happens, one might struggle to manage weight. If a loved one experiences these signs, they should work to restore optimal hormone levels by taking relaxation practices, dieting, regular exercise, and getting sufficient sleep. They should also eat a proper diet with omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds. They could also consider consuming dark chocolate since it contains neuromodulator phenylethylamine, which is known to support healthy energy levels and well-being.
Mood Swings
Hormonal imbalance can affect how a person feels. When hormones like serotonin, estrogen, and cortisol, responsible for regulating moods, are not balanced, one experiences an overwhelming feeling of anxiety, irritability, and sadness. Extremely low estrogen levels can negatively impact the release of chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, known as happy hormones, which means that individuals will not feel happy. Mood swings are intense, especially in women who experience hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle and menopause. However, they can increase happy hormones by going for massages. These sessions stimulate the production of oxytocin and estrogen.
Fatigue
Another common cause of hormonal imbalance is fatigue. When a person has low levels of thyroid hormones, they have a slow metabolism, reducing energy production. In turn, this makes them feel tired even though they have not done something exhausting. Another cause of fatigue is high cortisol levels. With this condition, people experience poor sleeping patterns and disruptive sleep. In turn, they feel tired during the day, negatively impacting their energy level and quality of life. Luckily, a diet change can help increase the thyroid hormone in the body. Those with low levels of these hormones should add dairy, nuts, fish, and seaweed into their diet. People can lower their cortisol levels by engaging in activities that make them happy, like swimming, hiking, making friends, or getting a pet. The idea is to do activities that will release happy hormones before the condition escalates and causes depression.
Should People Use Medication to Balance Their Hormones?
People experiencing hormonal imbalances have various ways to balance their hormones. However, if the condition is severe, most methods might not work. If this is the case, they should consider medication. Medications like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate symptoms of menopause, hypothyroidism, or other hormonal disorders. However, those affected should discuss it with a doctor before taking this step.
Hormones are used in every aspect of an individual’s health, but they are needed in a specific amount so that the body can function optimally. If a person has signs of hormonal imbalance, they should work towards keeping their body functions under control. They can do so by applying these tips and engaging in activities that will help improve their hormonal health.
