Here’s What Happens to Your Body When Your Hormones Are Imbalanced

From the irritability you feel during the week before your period to the night sweats and hot flashes that come with menopause, women are no strangers to the consequences of imbalanced hormones. While occasional shifts are to be expected, a chronic imbalance can wreak havoc in your life. 

Kelly Morales, MD, specializes in women’s health and helps patients at her San Antonio clinic treat and manage harmful changes in their hormone levels. The first step in treatment is getting a clear understanding of what hormones are and what happens when you produce too much of them or not enough.

What hormones are

Hormones are chemicals your body produces to regulate just about everything that goes on. Think of them as chemical messengers that control your body’s cells and systems. They dictate when you’re hungry or full, how soundly you sleep, your rate of growth, and sexual desire, just to name a few of their many roles. That’s why keeping them in balance is so crucial. 

Whether you’re going through normal phases of menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, or you’re suffering from an illness or disease that’s causing your hormones to fluctuate, Dr. Morales can help you get back to normal.

Different hormones, different symptoms

The human body produces many kinds of hormones from different organs, such as the pituitary gland, testicles, ovaries, heart, pancreas, kidneys, thalamus, and hypothalamus. Some hormones are considered proteins, others are called steroids, and yet others are called polypeptides.

But no matter their name or the gland that secretes them, they’re essential for the healthy functioning of your body throughout your lifespan. Here’s what happens to a woman’s body when there is an imbalance:

Estrogen

Responsible for:

• Changes during puberty

• Breast changes during pregnancy

• Menstruation

• Bone density

• Cholesterol levels

• Metabolism

• Insulin tolerance

Signs of estrogen imbalance:

• Mood swings

• Tender breasts

• Hot flashes

• Depression

• Irregular periods

• Painful sex

• Headaches

• Fatigue

Progesterone

The hormone progesterone is responsible for:

• Thickening your uterus so it can receive an egg

• Breast development during puberty

• Breast development during pregnancy

• Uterus maintenance during pregnancy

Signs of a progesterone imbalance:

• Periods that are abnormally heavy, light, short, or long

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Migraines

Cortisol

Often called the stress hormone, cortisol is responsible for:

• Regulating sleep cycles

• Processing fat, carbohydrates, and proteins

• Regulating blood pressure

• Controlling inflammation in the body

Signs you have too much cortisol:

• Rapid weight gain in your belly

• Flushed, red face

• High blood pressure

• Frequent urination

• Excessive thirst

• Low libido

Serotonin

You need the hormone serotonin for the proper functioning of your nerve and brain cells. Serotonin is responsible for:

• Mood

• Body temperature

• Ability to focus

• Digestion

• Breathing

• Blood flow

Serotonin imbalances are often triggered by medications and supplements. Signs of a serotonin imbalance include:

• Racing heart

• High blood pressure

• Shivering and goosebumps

• Rigid muscles

• Excessive sweating

• Confusion, agitation, and loss of coordination

Testosterone

Although commonly known as a male sex hormone, women also need small amounts of testosterone to:

• Maintain reproductive tissues

• Strengthen bone mass

• Regulate moods

If your testosterone level is too high, you might notice:

• Smaller breasts

• Acne

• Unwanted hair growth

• Deeper voice

• Larger muscles

• Balding

Of course, these are only a few of the many hormones your body produces, but this sampling gives you a good idea of how important they are and the problems they can cause when their levels are off.

Treating hormone imbalances

When you see Dr. Morales, she begins with a thorough evaluation and examines your health history. She gets to know you and your unique symptoms and then runs tests that will allow her to make an accurate diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms, she may recommend simple lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, or even vaginal rejuvenation to manage your symptoms. 

If you think you might have a hormone imbalance, book an appointment over the phone with Kelly Morales, MD, to set up a consultation today.