Hormone Imbalance: Signs, Causes, and Solutions

Hormones play vital roles in maintaining several crucial biological processes, including metabolic processes, mood regulation, and reproductive functions.

A hormonal imbalance can significantly impact health and often arises when endocrine glands produce too much or too little of a hormone in response to stress, poor dietary habits, lifestyle changes, or other triggers.

Learn about the common signs and symptoms of dysregulated hormones and discover how to promote hormonal balance naturally.

What are hormones?

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands that help regulate many of the body’s essential functions.

The endocrine system comprises seven primary glands:

• Pituitary gland
• Hypothalamus
• Thyroid
• Parathyroids
• Adrenals
• Pineal body
• Ovaries
• Testes

Hormones travel through the bloodstream, signalling cells and tissues to perform certain functions.

Over 50 hormones have been identified that regulate a wide range of vital processes, including the sleep-wake cycle, metabolic processes, growth and development, reproductive health, and moods.

Watch the video below to learn how to balance hormones naturally.

Signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalances occur when one or more hormones are over- or underproduced, often due to external factors inhibiting their function. 

While poor diet and lifestyle habits are common causes, natural life stages, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and aging, can also lead to hormonal changes. 

Some signs of hormone imbalance are shared by both men and women, but many are gender-specific. 

Common hormonal imbalance symptoms in women include:

• Acne
• Hot flashes
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Mood swings
• Brain fog
• Insomnia
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Low libido
• Infertility
• Digestive issues
• Anxiety
• Brittle bones
• Excessive hair growth
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Male hormone imbalances can manifest as:

• Adrenal fatigue 
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)
• Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone)
• Low libido 
• Brain fog
• Loss of muscle mass
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hair loss
• Chest tenderness 
• Andropause

In addition, certain underlying medical conditions can also trigger these symptoms. It’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider for a thorough health evaluation if you experience symptoms of hormonal imbalances. 

What causes a hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalances can have various causes, depending on which hormones and endocrine glands are affected. 

Here are five common causes of hormone imbalance.

1. Stress

Stress activates the release of adrenal hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol helps the body adapt to physical and mental stressors, while adrenaline prepares the body to fight or flee from danger. 

However, too much stress can impact adrenal function and decrease progesterone, which controls the menstrual cycle and fertility.

Cortisol imbalance can also disrupt the endocrine system by affecting the production of other adrenal hormones, sex hormones, and growth hormones. 

A study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism concluded, “As an adaptive response to stress, there is a change in the serum level of…[corticotropin-releasing hormone], cortisol, catecholamines, and thyroid hormone…long-term exposure to stress may lead… to various endocrine disorders.”¹

2. High-carb diets

Diets high in carbohydrates cause the pancreas to produce too much insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. 

Over time, this constant demand can lead to insulin resistance, a metabolic disorder characterized by cells’ decreased sensitivity to insulin, causing blood sugar levels to elevate.

Insulin resistance disrupts the body’s ability to respond to hormonal signals, increasing the risk of conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. 

Impairing how cells absorb and use glucose creates a hormonal ripple effect that can affect multiple systems throughout the body.

3. Menopause

Menopause is the natural decline of female reproductive hormones beginning between the ages of 45 and 55. 

During this natural transition, progesterone and estrogen levels drop, which elevates luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). 

Common menopausal symptoms related to high LH and FSH include mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections.

4. Autoimmune conditions 

Autoimmune conditions develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues instead of foreign pathogens. 

Graves’ and Hashimoto’s disease are two examples of autoimmune conditions that damage your body’s tissues and hormone-secreting glands, such as the thyroid. 

This immune system malfunction can disrupt normal hormone production, leading to chronic imbalances that affect metabolism, energy levels, and overall health.

5. Birth control pills

Certain contraceptives, such as birth control pills, are classified as endocrine disruptors. This means that they interfere with normal hormonal processes and ovulation to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. 

Many birth control pills contain synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone, which can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance by interacting with hormone receptors in ways that differ from naturally produced hormones.

This is likely due to the chemical makeup of synthetic hormones, leading the body to receive altered or misleading signals.

Conditions caused by hormone imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact cellular functions and interfere with how cells communicate, grow, and respond to signals, which is linked to several chronic health issues. 

Here are four of the most common hormone-related health issues.

1. Diabetes 

Abnormal insulin levels are the primary cause of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

Excess insulin secretion is associated with type 2 diabetes, while type 1 is characterized by low insulin secretion linked to an autoimmune disorder affecting the pancreatic gland.

Estrogen and progesterone have also been found to affect the body’s insulin response. Rapidly fluctuating hormone levels, such as during menopause, can reduce insulin sensitivity and elevate blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of diabetes.

2. Obesity

Obesity is linked to abnormal insulin, leptin, somatropin, and sex hormone levels. Insulin resistance promotes excess fat storage and increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain. 

Imbalanced sex hormones can also impact fat distribution, which explains why women who are estrogen-dominant are more likely to store fat in the buttocks, thighs, and hips.

In contrast, aging men and women often accumulate fat around the abdomen, likely due to declining levels of estrogen and testosterone.

3. PCOS

PCOS is a hormonal disorder characterized by the development of immature ovarian follicles, which hinders ovulation. 

Common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, rapid weight gain, abnormal body hair growth, and enlarged ovaries.

More research is needed to determine the exact cause of PCOS. However, hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance play a key role in its development. 

A study published in Cureus found that insulin resistance alters female hormonal patterns that can lead to smaller or delayed egg production and is the most significant trait in patients with PCOS.²

4. Acne

High testosterone levels are commonly associated with acne, a hallmark of hormonal imbalances. 

Testosterone increases the production of sebum, an oily substance secreted at the base of hair follicles to protect and lubricate the skin. The overproduction of sebum can trap harmful bacteria, leading to inflammation and blocked pores. 

Teenagers typically experience acne during puberty as testosterone levels rise, while adult acne is associated with metabolic imbalance, likely due to stress or poor dietary habits.

Natural ways to balance your hormones

A healthy diet and lifestyle are crucial to restoring and maintaining hormone balance and may reduce the risk of developing or worsening health complications. 

Here are six natural and effective ways to promote optimal endocrine function.

1. Follow a ketogenic diet 

The ketogenic diet limits carbohydrate consumption to below 50 grams daily, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels. This steady balance improves insulin sensitivity, making the body more efficient at regulating glucose.

Keto also emphasises healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, fatty meats, and olives, which are vital for producing and maintaining steroid hormones. These include testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and aldosterone.

According to evidence published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, a ketogenic diet may contribute to hormone equilibrium in women with elevated testosterone levels.³

2. Practice intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting involves time-restricted periods of eating and fasting, which may help maintain hormone health by reducing the frequency of insulin secretion. 

Eating triggers insulin release, which explains why constant grazing and snacking contribute to insulin resistance and associated hormonal issues. 

“Insulin resistance can inhibit the cells’ ability to synthesize and respond to hormones,” explains Dr. Berg. “Only eating at meal times reduces the demand for insulin, which may improve hormone regulation over time.” 

3. Prioritize nutritious whole foods 

Nutrient intake has direct impacts on hormone production, secretion, and metabolism. 

To support hormonal health, it’s crucial to avoid conventional and ultra-processed foods that contain endocrine disruptors, such as pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and growth hormones.

Instead, focus on organic, nutrient-rich options, such as pasture-raised eggs and wild-caught seafood. These foods are rich in arginine, a key amino acid for optimizing growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and peptide hormone levels. 

In addition, incorporating zinc-rich foods like red meat and oysters can support healthy testosterone levels, while potassium- and calcium-rich foods contribute to the balance of stress hormones such as cortisol. 

Prioritizing these nutrient-rich choices helps maintain optimal hormonal function and overall well-being.

4. Adopt stress-reduction strategies

Chronic stress disrupts the secretion of cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones involved in metabolic, reproductive, and immune function. 

Lowering stress levels through practices such as deep-breathing exercises, spending time outdoors, and connecting with loved ones while engaging in activities you enjoy can help restore hormonal balance. 

Prioritizing stress reduction is essential for supporting overall hormonal health and well-being.

5. Stay physically active

Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which can help manage stress. It also promotes growth hormone synthesis, which helps build muscle mass and maintains body structure. 

Regular physical activity has also been shown to regulate metabolic and sex hormones, potentially improving reproductive health and metabolism. 

Furthermore, research published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that exercise improves insulin sensitivity, highlighting the crucial role of physical activity in maintaining hormonal balance.⁴

6. Prioritize quality sleep

Quality sleep helps regulate growth hormone, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and hormones that increase appetite, such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin. 

As a result, poor sleep can inhibit repair and recovery, suppress the immune system, interfere with thyroid health, and lead to intense cravings for highly palatable foods. 

Aim for at least eight hours of quality sleep each night by practicing good sleep hygiene, such as minimizing screen time before bed, creating a quiet environment, and keeping your bedroom cool and comfortable.

When to talk to your doctor

If you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance and are experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Doctors diagnose hormone imbalances with blood tests and may prescribe medication, such as vaginal estrogen, or recommend treatments such as testosterone therapy or hormone replacement therapy.

If you prefer a more natural approach, your doctor can also guide you in making effective dietary and lifestyle changes to support your endocrine health and restore hormonal balance.

Key takeaways

Hormones are chemical messengers that control several biological functions, including metabolic processes, reproductive health, growth, and development. 

A hormonal imbalance can develop when hormone levels are too high or too low and can be triggered by factors such as poor nutrition, chronic stress, menopause, and contraceptive pills. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by incorporating intermittent fasting, a balanced nutrient-rich diet, quality sleep, regular exercise, and effective stress management can support hormone balance and promote overall well-being.

FAQ

Sources

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3079864/ ?
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665922/ ?
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10484165/ ?
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10683091/ ?