WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY "HORMONE IMBALANCE"?
Quite simply, our hormones do not exist in isolation from each other. Each hormone plays a very complex role in our bodies. And the hormones interact with each other as well.
Much like a scale, our hormones help balance each other out. Some work together and some work "against" each other- this occurs in a complex mechanism called a negative feedback loop. When our hormones are perfectly balanced, we have optimal functioning in our bodies. When we have too much of one or more hormones, or too little of one or more hormones, the scale starts to tip unevenly. This change in our hormone levels is what can cause symptoms of hormone imbalance. Depending on which hormone we have too much or too little of, depends on which symptoms we experience.
What causes hormone imbalances?
Quite simply. LIFE! Life happens. Stress, aging, dietary habits, genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding and birth control. All of these play a role in affecting our hormones.
Common symptoms of hormone imbalances include:
hot flashes
mood swings
irritability
weight gain
acne
period problems- heavy and/or irregular cycles
PMS
fatigue
brain fog
appetite problems
low libido
painful intercourse
What can be done about this?
Listen. We all know our bodies. We are the expert of our own bodies. If we know something is off, the chances are, we are right.
The first thing anyone should do if they suspect they have a hormone imbalance is make an appointment with a trained healthcare provider who specializes in hormone imbalance and treatment. Not all providers specialize in this field. Some are less willing to investigate what is going on and prescribe appropriate therapies.
At your first visit, your provider will take a detailed medical history from you. Then it is likely they will order blood work on you. Depending on what hormones are being tested, some may order a saliva test to check certain hormone levels. When these results come in, your provider will make treatment recommendations for you based on your symptoms and blood work.
Depending on your symptoms, the severity of your symptoms, your blood work and your treatment regime, they may recommend following up with you in a month. Sometimes you may repeat blood work. This will help determine your response to your treatment. Sometimes you may need a medication adjustment- usually an increase in your medication.
Once you are at optimal functioning, ie: you feel great/balanced, your blood work shows you have optimal functioning, your provider will keep your on a maintenance regime. Usually they will need to see you every 3-6months and may have you follow up with blood work around every 6 months.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
You don't need to struggle with symptoms of hormone imbalance. There are a lot of treatment options out there to help you live a more balanced life!
Carol Rademeyer is a highly regarded Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with a wealth of experience in women's health. With over 25 years of professional practice and a Master of Science Degree in Midwifery from the Midwifery Institute at Philadelphia University, she is a respected expert in her field. Her rigorous academic and professional background has earned her board certification in her specialty, and she has fulfilled the requirements in Florida for Autonomous Practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
In addition to her clinical practice, Carol has also made significant contributions to the broader medical community. She has been published in several prestigious medical journals and has been a speaker at the national conference for the American College of Nurse Midwives, where she has shared her expertise and insights with her peers.