Hormone imbalances are connected to many problems in women, including unwanted hair growth, weight gain, period problems, difficulty sleeping, and fertility struggles. The most definitive way to know if you have a hormonal imbalance is by conducting a blood test.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
Severe hormone-related conditions may have different possible causes. The main conditions causing medically significant hormone imbalances include:
- 🔬 Adenomas (benign tumours)
- 🧬 Tumours or other growths
- ⚠️ Damage or injury to an endocrine gland
- 🩺 Autoimmune conditions
- 💊 Certain medications
- 😰 Chronic stress
Important: The most decisive way to know if you have a hormonal imbalance is by conducting a blood test. Consult with a doctor to know which tests to conduct and when.
Warning Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
1. ⚖️ Weight Gain
Hormones determine how energy is used by the body and regulate metabolism. Hormonal causes of weight gain include:
- Hypothyroidism — insufficient thyroid hormone causes considerable weight gain
- PCOS — lack of sensitivity to insulin leads to weight gain
- Low oestrogen — makes you feel hungrier, causing you to eat more
2. 📅 Irregular Periods
While a missed or delayed period may occasionally occur, it should not happen frequently with gaps of several months between periods.
- Women in their 40s-50s: Approaching menopause — irregular periods are normal
- Younger women: May indicate PCOS — warrants evaluation by a gynaecologist
3. 💕 Low Libido
Low libido is decreased interest in sex. Two hormones play a crucial role in female libido:
Oestrogen:
- Produced primarily by the ovaries
- Improves blood flow to the genitals
- Increases vaginal lubrication
Testosterone:
- Produced by adrenal glands and ovaries
- Increases blood flow to genitals
- Promotes nerve growth in the pelvic area
When these hormones go out of balance, it can cause low libido, painful intercourse, or difficulty achieving orgasm.
4. 🩺 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS occurs when small cysts with immature eggs develop within the ovaries. Women with PCOS produce higher androgen levels (male hormone). Symptoms include:
- ❌ Excessive body hair
- ❌ Weight fluctuation
- ❌ Hair loss
- ❌ Infertility
- ❌ Skin problems (acne)
Warning: If not diagnosed and treated on time, PCOS can lead to diabetes and heart disease.
5. 😴 Trouble Sleeping
Hormones play a crucial role in sleep. Insomnia can occur due to an imbalance of oestrogen, which increases the hormone norepinephrine — a stimulant that makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep.
6. 😤 Chronic Acne
A breakout before or during your period is normal. But stubborn acne that doesn't clear up can be a symptom of hormonal imbalance.
- Overproduction of androgens causes oil glands to overwork
- Androgens affect skin cells around hair follicles
- Both can clog pores and cause persistent acne
7. 💇 Hair Loss
While hair loss is a normal part of ageing, it can indicate hormonal imbalance:
- Increased androgens to oestrogens ratio — common during menopause
- Thyroid imbalance — underactive or overactive thyroid affects hair growth
8. 😢 Mood Swings
Oestrogen affects neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin (mood-boosting chemical). Fluctuations in oestrogen may lead to:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Depressed mood during perimenopause and menopause
- Sadness and irritability
- Reduced dopamine and serotonin production
9. 🤱 Breast Discharge
If you're not breastfeeding or pregnant but have milky discharge from your nipples, it might be due to unusual levels of the hormone prolactin. This may cause:
- Visual changes
- Ovulation issues
- Changes in menstrual cycle length
10. 💧 Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness usually occurs due to a fall in oestrogen levels, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Certain medications like antidepressants or contraceptive pills can also affect hormone levels and cause this issue.
11. 🥶 Cold Hands and Feet
If you constantly feel cold when others are comfortable, this may indicate hypothyroidism. Lower levels of thyroid hormone can cause:
- Persistent cold hands and feet
- Changes in skin colour
- Circulation issues
What Happens After Testing Shows Hormone Imbalance?
Most hormonal imbalances have suitable treatments:
- ✅ Low thyroid activity — can be supplemented with medication
- ✅ Low testosterone — treatment options available
- ✅ Oestrogen imbalance — hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- ✅ PCOS — lifestyle changes and medication
Women often brush aside symptoms as minor inconveniences. As they don't occur together or seem mild, seeking medical help is delayed. It is possible to treat hormone imbalances — don't suffer unnecessarily.
Hormone Tests We Offer
At Walk In Clinic London, we offer comprehensive hormone testing including:
- 🔬 Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, T3, T4)
- 🔬 Female Hormone Panel (Oestrogen, Progesterone, FSH, LH)
- 🔬 Testosterone Levels
- 🔬 Prolactin
- 🔬 PCOS Screening
- 🔬 Menopause Profile
👉 View Hormonal Analysis Package
👩⚕️ Book Your Hormone Test at Walk In Clinic London
Speak with our specialists who can conduct private blood tests to identify any hormonal imbalances. We also offer comprehensive Well Woman health screenings.
Don't ignore the symptoms — get tested and find the right treatment.