Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: How to Identify the Symptoms

Hormones are the body’s messengers, carrying signals from your muscles, organs, and tissues to the brain and back. These messengers keep your systems in balance by controlling bodily processes like metabolism, sleep, reproduction, mood, emotions, and more.

If your body was a garden, the hormones would be the gardeners. Every day, the gardeners make sure each plant receives the proper amount of water, sun, and nutrients so that they can function, grow, and thrive.

But what happens when the gardeners don’t show up for a few days or even weeks? The once-balanced garden becomes overgrown with weeds or withered flowers.

The same is true when your hormones are out of whack. When the delicate balance of hormones in the body gets disrupted, it can cause a myriad of problems from infertility and insomnia to weight gain and hair loss.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to recognize when your internal ‘garden’ might need a little extra care and how to restore balance. First, you will learn seven warning signs of a hormonal imbalance so you can start to recognize when your hormones are out of whack. Then, you will learn three ways to test for a hormonal imbalance as well as a few natural remedies to support your body while you right the balance.

7 Warning Signs You May Have Hormonal Imbalance

Your hormones are an integral part of several major bodily functions, including your metabolism, sleep, weight, mood, emotions, and reproduction. Because your hormones play a role in so many different processes, it can be difficult to identify whether your symptoms are caused by a hormonal imbalance or something else entirely.

For example, a woman with a heavy flow, unexplained weight gain, and mood swings may be suffering from high estrogen levels but the root cause could also be a thyroid disorder or gut dysfunction.

A man with low energy and low libido may have low testosterone but these symptoms could also be caused by depression, chronic stress, or a poor diet.
So, how do you know if your hormones are out of balance?

Here are 7 warning signs you may have a hormonal imbalance:

  • Persistent Fatigue (especially if it doesn’t improve with rest)
  • Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain (particularly around the abdomen and hips)
  • Mood Swings and Irritability
  • Irregular Menstrual Cycles
  • Low Libido
  • Hair Loss
  • Sleep Disturbances (especially difficulty falling and staying asleep)

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get tested instead of trying to guess what’s going on. Testing will reveal if it’s your hormones causing the symptoms or something else entirely, and also give you a clear look at your hormone levels so you can figure out the best way to get back on track.

How to Tell if Your Hormones are Out of Whack

When it comes to testing for hormonal imbalances, Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, recommends three different tests: saliva, urine, and blood. The best one for you will depend on your specific symptoms and recommendation from your provider.

Here’s a brief overview of what each test does, the method, and when you would use it.

Saliva Cortisol Test

Method: Collect saliva samples four to five times throughout the day.

Purpose: Measures the diurnal pattern of cortisol, identifying issues like adrenal fatigue or high stress.

Saliva tests are a convenient and non-invasive way to measure cortisol levels throughout the day. This test can help identify issues with your stress response and adrenal function.

DUTCH Urine Test

Method: Collect urine samples on specific days of a woman’s menstrual cycle or over 24 hours.

Purpose: Assesses levels of sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, along with their metabolites and cortisol.

Urine tests, such as the DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones), provide detailed information on sex hormones and their metabolites. This test can help understand detoxification pathways and is especially recommended when considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Blood Tests

Method: Collect blood on specific days of your cycle or based on hormonal status. Periodic blood testing can also indicate the effectiveness of HRT and other hormonal imbalance treatments.

Purpose: Blood tests fulfill many different purposes, from monitoring cortisol levels to determining fertility. Here are a few of the most common uses:

  • Cortisol: Morning blood test for cortisol levels
  • Sex Hormones (Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, and DHEA):
    • For premenopausal women: Best tested on day 18-21 of the menstrual cycle.
    • For males and menopausal women: Levels can be checked at any time.
    • Fertility Tests (FSH, LH, and AMH): For those working on fertility, these tests are best done on day 1 of the menstrual cycle.

Blood tests are another effective way to measure hormone levels, including cortisol and sex hormones. The timing of these tests can vary depending on your specific needs and hormonal status.

Natural Remedies for Hormonal Imbalance

Before diving into specific treatments, it’s good to know that there are several natural ways to help balance your hormones. These remedies can complement medical treatments and promote overall well-being.

Diet and Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods can significantly impact hormone levels. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods high in fiber, such as leafy greens and whole grains, help regulate estrogen levels. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseeds can support hormone production and reduce inflammation.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can help maintain hormone balance by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing stress levels. Aim for a mix of cardio, strength training, and relaxation exercises like yoga or Pilates. Exercise also boosts endorphins, which can help improve mood and manage stress.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, particularly with cortisol. Incorporate stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even simple hobbies that bring you joy. Ensuring you get enough sleep is also crucial for managing stress and maintaining hormonal balance.

Herbal Supplements

Certain herbs and supplements may help support hormonal health. For example, adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola and holy basil can help regulate stress hormones, while supplements like evening primrose oil, vitex and maca root can support estrogen and progesterone balance. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure they’re right for you.

By integrating these natural remedies into your routine, you can create a supportive environment for your hormones to thrive. However, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider who understands hormonal health to tailor these approaches to your specific needs.

Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine can guide you in choosing which natural remedies will work best for you and ensure they complement your overall treatment plan. 

What About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

In some cases, Hormone Replacement Therapy can be used to relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalance, both for men and women. It involves supplementing the body with hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to restore balance and alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and low libido. HRT can take many forms, including pills, patches, topical creams, and occasionally injections. 

Working with a Hormone-Informed Provider

To right the balance of your hormones, you should choose a healthcare provider who understands hormones and how to treat hormonal imbalances. 

Our functional medicine providers are uniquely educated to help you find the right tests, interpret the results, and then use the findings to help you heal your hormones naturally with a treatment protocol unique to you. This might involve tweaking your lifestyle, adjusting your diet, adding supplements, or even considering hormone therapy.

If you’re looking for expert guidance, Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine is here to help you get your hormones back on track! Schedule an appointment today to find out how to get started.

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Dr. Amy Reidhead

Dr. Reidhead is a double board certified Chiropractic Physician and Family Nurse Practitioner. She is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture and holds a Bachelor of Science in both Nursing and Human Biology. She has spent the past 25 years honing her skills as a functional and integrative medical provider in Boulder, Colorado.

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