Are You Showing Signs of Hormonal Imbalance?

When you hear the words “hormonal imbalance,” you probably think of mood swings and hot flashes. The truth is, there are numerous signs of hormonal imbalance, such as sleepless nights, weight gain, joint pain, low sex drive, depression, skin irritations, and more. These conditions can often be mistaken for a host of other ailments, leading to medications that may only resolve the symptoms, without treating the underlying issue. Bioidentical hormone replacement, from a qualified physician, puts back exact replicas of the hormones our bodies made during our prime. In my opinion, it’s a far better option than a lifetime of antidepressants, sleeping pills, and dangerous diet pills.

Here are a few of the key signs that your hormones may not be at optimal levels:

• Digestive and metabolic issues. Hormonal imbalances can cause bloating, constipation, heartburn, and — more seriously — insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.
• Emotional and sleep issues. In addition to the mood swings, you may feel depressed or stressed. Additionally, insomnia is a common symptom of a spike in cortisol, one of your key stress hormones. Fatigue and insomnia often walk hand in hand.
• Reduced resistance to illness. Low levels of thyroid can weaken your immune system.
• Low libido. Just not in the mood? Women in perimenopause (13 years before menopause) and menopause often report a decrease in sex drive. This is due to a drop in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
• Cognitive decline. Suboptimal levels of the sex hormones can lead to that “foggy brain” feeling in which you can’t find the glasses sitting atop your own head.
• Weight gain. Hormonal shifts are major contributors to weight gain. The big issue is that much of that weight is gained around the abdomen, where excess weight is more likely to be a precursor to heart disease.

If you’ve developed any of these ailments, consider having a qualified doctor who is an expert in bioidentical hormone replacement run a few tests to get a baseline for your hormones. That way, if a hormonal imbalance is the problem, you can fix it at the source instead of taking a handful of different medications to temporarily stave off symptoms. Possessing this knowledge may be the key to a healthier, sexier, leaner, and more energetic you.