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Larry Palmiter FNP-C

A Simple Guide to Hormone Imbalance and the Symptoms They Cause

If you've ever felt like your body is sending mixed signals, you're not alone!

Navigating the intricate world of hormone health can often feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle with pieces that don't always seem to fit. Hormones, the chemical messengers of our body, play a pivotal role in regulating our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Yet, when they fall out of balance, the symptoms can be as varied as they are perplexing. From the unrelenting fatigue that no number of espresso shots can cure, to the mysterious weight fluctuations that leave you questioning the accuracy of your scale, the signs of hormonal imbalance can be both subtle and overwhelmingly evident!


At Gershon Preventative Medicine, we understand how the complexity of hormone health can leave individuals feeling lost in a sea of symptoms and diagnoses. Our practice is dedicated to cutting through this confusion, providing a grounded, professional, and caring guide to identify and understand the potential hormonal imbalances you may be experiencing. To clarify these complex signals, we've put together an in-depth guide that highlights the common symptoms linked to hormone imbalances.


Here is a simple guide to hormone imbalances and their common symptoms:



 

Thyroid Imbalance Symptoms


Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid):

  • Fatigue

  • Weight Gain (especially in Mid Section)

  • Cold Intolerance

  • Dry Skin

  • Hair Loss

  • Joint Pain

  • Muscle Weakness

  • Brain Fog

  • Depression


Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid):

  • Insomnia

  • Difficulty Falling Asleep

  • Difficulty Staying Asleep

  • Heat Intolerance

  • Sensitivity to Temperature Change








 

Estrogen Imbalance Symptoms


High Estrogen:

  • Fibroids

  • Fibrocystic Breasts

  • Weight Gain (especially in Mid Section)

  • Mood Swings

  • Anxiety


Low Estrogen:

  • Hot Flashes

  • Night Sweats

  • Vaginal Dryness

  • Brain Fog

  • Decreased Libido

DID YOU KNOW that as women transition into menopause, their estrogen levels can decrease by up to 80%? This significant hormonal shift manifests through symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido, signaling the body's adjustment to lower estrogen levels.

 

Progesterone Imbalance Symptoms


Low Progesterone:

  • Unexpected Spotting

  • Emotional Fluctuations

  • Nervousness

  • Migraines

  • Period Variabilities (like alterations in cycle timing)


Progesterone plays a crucial role in preventing estrogen from overstimulating the endometrium, thereby protecting women from conditions such as endometrial cancer and resuming their menstrual periods. It is recommended that women use natural bio-identical compounded progesterone, often in conjunction with estradiol (if necessary), not only to alleviate symptoms but also to lower the risk of age-related, hormonally induced diseases and conditions.


 

Testosterone Imbalance Symptoms


Low Testosterone:

  • Loss of Muscle Composition

  • Low Endurance

  • Mood Swings

  • Low Sex Drive or Loss of Desire

  • Sexual Dysfunction - ED

  • Exhaustion

  • Change in Appearance

  • Weight Gain

  • Lower Stamina

  • Irregular Sleep Patterns-

  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep

  • Diminished Overall Health Perception



Testosterone plays a CRUCIAL role in both #Men and #Women's health. Women can experience a decline in vital testosterone levels or its usability as early as their 20s, while men may face this change in their 30s. This gradual decline may necessitate supplementation, overseen by a hormone health provider.



 

Insulin Resistance Symptoms


Metabolic Syndrome:

  • Weight Gain (especially in Mid Section)

  • Fatigue

  • Brain Fog


Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of medical conditions and risk factors that, when occurring together, increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes and more. One in Five Americans have Metabolic Syndrome.









 

Adrenal Insufficiency Symptoms


Adrenal Fatigue:

  • Fatigue

  • Body Aches

  • Breast Pain and Tenderness

  • Lack of Energy

  • Dizziness/Dizzy Spells

  • Mood Swings

  • Sleep Disturbances



 

Other Symptoms and Possible Associations

Skin Conditions:

  • Acne (can be linked to hormone imbalance, especially testosterone)

  • Dry Skin (can be linked to thyroid issues)

Neurological Symptoms:

  • Memory Lapses (can be linked to both thyroid and cortisol imbalances)

  • Sensitivity to Temperature Change (thyroid imbalance)



We are here to support you in navigating the path to a healthier lifestyle, equipped with the right tools and strategies. For more information on how we can assist you, contact us at (757) 693-9367 or email info@gershonpreventative.com.




 

Contact us at (757) 693-9367



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