Saturday, October 11, 2008

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Hormones have a profound effect on your everyday health and well-being. Although present in only tiny amounts, hormones act on every cell of your body. Hormones have individual affects, but also interact with each other to produce dramatic effects in the body. Because of these interactions, they are able to trigger multiple body systems. If you need help locating a healthcare practitioner who can further assess hormone imbalances you may be experiencing, go to ZRT's new Find A Provider locator.

Types of Hormone Imbalance
There are a number of common symptoms associated with hormone imbalance(s):
Female hormone imbalanceThe ovaries produce many hormones. Chief among them are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone interact to coordinate a woman’s menstrual cycle during her reproductive years. The brain produces the hormones follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the ovaries. When any of the hormones coming from the brain or the ovaries are imbalanced, symptoms may occur. Imbalances are most common in puberty and menopause, but imbalances can happen at any age. Several conditions are well known to be associated with hormonal imbalance including: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, breast disease, and menstrual irregularities.
Symptoms of female hormone imbalance (in alphabetical order)Acne or oily skinBloatingBone lossDecreased fertilityDepression Excess facial and body hairHot flashesHeavy or painful periodsIrregular periodsIrritabilityLoss of muscle mass Loss of scalp hairLow libidoMemory lapsesMood swings NervousnessNight sweats Poor concentrationSleep disturbancesTender or fibrocystic breastsUrinary incontinenceVaginal dryness Weight gain

Male hormone imbalanceThe testes produce nearly 95% of all male testosterone. The balance is supplied by the adrenal glands. They also produce small amounts of estrogen. The brain produces the pituitary hormones follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the testes. As a man gets older, testosterone levels fall and estrogen levels tend to rise. Lower testosterone levels may affect bone density, muscle strength, body composition and sex drive. The imbalance that occurs when testosterone is low in relation to estrogen may also contribute to prostate problems.
Symptoms of male hormone imbalance (in alphabetical order)Bone lossDecreased mental clarityDecreased muscle strengthDecreased staminaDecreased urine flow DepressionErectile dysfunction Hot flashesIncreased abdominal fatIncreased urge to urinateIrritabilityLow sex driveMood swingsNight sweatsPoor concentrationSleep disturbances
When hormones are out of balance, these imbalanced interactions may provoke a wide range of symptoms.

Conditions of Hormone Imbalance
Adrenal ImbalanceThe adrenal glands produce three types of steroid hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA/DHEAS). Cortisol enables the body to respond and adapt to the stresses of daily life. It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels and promote a healthy immune system. Aldosterone works to balance salt and water in the body. Androgens secreted by the adrenals provide the majority of DHEA for both men and women. For women, the adrenal glands are the major source of testosterone. Imbalances in the adrenal system can contribute to problems with the nervous and immune systems, body composition difficulties, blood sugar irregularities, and high androgen levels.
Symptoms of adrenal imbalance (in alphabetical order)Allergies / asthmaArthritisBone lossChemical sensitivities Morning/evening fatigueHigh blood sugarIncreased abdominal fatMemory lapsesSleep disturbances Sugar cravings

Thyroid Function ImbalanceThyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism. The brain produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which triggers the thyroid gland to produce two types of hormones – T4 and T3. In hypothyroidism, the body has inadequate levels of the thyroid hormones. This often leads to imbalances in relation to other hormones. Hyperthyroidism is a less common condition that exists when excess thyroid hormones are present. Because every cell of the body is affected by thyroid hormones, symptoms of imbalances are often varied and affect multiple body systems.
Symptoms of low thyroid function (in alphabetical order)Brittle hair and nailsCold temperature intolerance Cold hands and feetConstipation Decreased sweatingDepressionDry skinFatigueInability to lose weightLow libidoMenstrual irregularities Shortness of breathSluggishnessWeight gain
Symptoms of high thyroid function (in alphabetical order)AnxietyDiarrheaEye/vision changesFatigueHair lossInsomniaPalpitationsRapid heart beatSweatingWeaknessWeight loss
Insulin imbalanceInsulin is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin “unlocks” the cells to allow glucose (sugar) from food to enter and be converted into energy. When too much glucose is present in the body, the pancreas increases the amount of insulin being produced. High insulin as well as high glucose may contribute to multiple symptoms. A number of conditions are associated with insulin and glucose imbalances and regulation problems. These include chronic stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), coronary artery disease, high blood
pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
Symptoms of insulin imbalance (in alphabetical order)Abnormal blood cholesterolFatigueHigh blood triglyceridesIncreased abdominal fatIncreased hunger / sugar cravingsLow/high blood sugarPoor circulation to extremities Skin changes
Adult growth hormone deficiencyIn childhood, growth hormone (GH) controls a child’s height. It is normal for GH levels to decline as a person reaches adulthood, but new research suggests that some adults may have too low a level. Low levels of GH are linked to poor muscle tone, increase body fat, low energy levels, and cardiovascular changes. GH insufficiency is associated with pituitary gland problems, brain injury, autoimmune disorders, and nervous system conditions.
Symptoms of adult growth hormone deficiency (in alphabetical order)Abnormal blood cholesterolBone lossDecreased muscle massDecreased stamina and exercise abilityFatigueIncreased abdominal fatIncreased risk of heart disease Lower life expectancy
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