5 Signs Your Hormones Are Imbalanced (& What To Do About It)

Hormones like cortisol are a bit of a buzzword in the health and beauty sphere right now, with hormone imbalances particularly in the spotlight. Affecting weight, fatigue, digestion, menstruation, hair growth, mood swings and so much more, hormone health is important for everyone to get on top of.

So what might a hormone imbalance look like? We picked the brain of Hormonal Health Expert Mike Kocsis from Balance My Hormones who shared five of the most missed signs, plus how we can balance and maintain our hormone health.

5 Easily Missed Signs Of Hormone Imbalance

Memory Issues

Everyone forgets things from time to time, and while occasional forgetfulness isn’t anything to worry about, if you’re noticing you’re forgetting things more frequently, this could be a sign that something’s off.

‘It is thought that low testosterone levels can cause forgetfulness or make your memory worse,’ says Mike. ‘Although testosterone is the main androgen in males, it is also found in females too and if your levels fall below the normal range (300 – 1000 ng/dL for males, and 15-70ngl/dL for females) then you can experience a decline in cognitive abilities, specifically memory.’

How can we increase our testosterone levels? ‘There are numerous ways to help increase your testosterone levels naturally,’ Mike says. ‘Establish a solid exercise routine (and stick to it!), maintain a balanced diet and ensure you sleep well.’

Tiredness

If you are feeling more exhausted than usual – that is, you are no longer able to perform your usual day-to-day activities properly or are struggling to concentrate – then this could be another sign of a hormone imbalance. Again, this is down to testosterone.

‘If you’re struggling with fatigue then, firstly, make sure you’re having a quality night’s sleep,’ says Mike. ‘Don’t use your phone before bed and make sure your room is at a comfortable temperature.’

‘If this doesn’t help then, although it may feel counterintuitive while you’re tired, doing a light workout such as yoga or low-intensity Pilates can go a long way to making you feel more alert,’ Mike suggests.

Increased Thirst Or Hunger

If you’ve noticed you’re drinking more water than usual but still seem to feel thirsty, then this could be a sign that your body isn’t making enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps your body retain a healthy amount of water. To see if this is the case, you will need to visit a doctor who will offer you a blood test to check your ADH levels.

If you have periods, then it’s worth tracking your cycle to see whether you have a hormone imbalance or your hunger/thirst are tied to your menstrual cycle. ‘Both oestrogen and progesterone affect the amount of water in your body,’ says Mike. ‘So, when these levels naturally change at the start of your period, then you may find yourself more thirsty than usual.’

Feeling Stressed

It’s normal to feel stressed, but too much exposure to stress can lead to imabalanced cortisol levels, which can lead to a multitude of health issues.

‘Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” as it plays a vital role in the brain’s stress response,’ Mike explains. ‘Not only that, but cortisol is needed to help control your blood pressure and reduce inflammation. If your body produces too much – say, when you’re overly stressed – then you’re at risk of developing conditions such as anxiety and depression.’

While stressful situations can be out of our hands, there are ways to help keep calm. ‘Practising mindfulness and meditation, exercising regularly and making sure you have a good night’s sleep are great ways to balance your cortisol levels,’ suggests Mike. ‘If you lead a healthy lifestyle but still find yourself struggling, then you should visit a doctor as it could be a sign of an underlying issue.’

Facial Or Body Hair Growth (In Females)

It’s totally normal to grow hair. However, if you notice you’re growing hair in places you didn’t usually – for example, around your face, nipples or stomach – or hair is thicker and grows faster than before, then this could be a sign that your body is producing too much testosterone.

This could also be a sign of an underlying condition like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which affects how the ovaries work and is thought to be caused by hormone issues. This is a really common condition, affecting one in 10 women in the UK, so if you do suspect you’re suffering with this, then it’s worth visiting a doctor who can advise.

How To Balance Your Hormones

Although there isn’t a one size fits all method, there are numerous natural ways you can help balance and maintain your hormones. ‘Ensuring you are getting enough protein in your diet is a natural and easy way to balance your hormones,’ Mike explains. ‘This isn’t just meat and fish but also pulses and lentils, too.’

You should also try and maintain a solid exercise routine, even if it’s low intensity. ‘Trying stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation and mindfulness, can really go a long way to balancing and maintaining your hormones,’ Mike recommends.

In some circumstances you may need extra support, so either visit a doctor who can test your hormone levels or invest in an at-home test from a professional to determine your hormone levels. Always ensure you speak to someone accredited and licensed.

DISCOVER

Learn more about Balance My Hormones at balancemyhormones.co.uk