The human body hosts a complex ecosystem of organs, systems, and processes. One of the key systems is the endocrine system, which has glands that produce hormones. Although these chemicals are synthesized in very small quantities, they play a crucial role in regulating diverse processes in the body. Even the slightest imbalance may have a far-reaching impact on your health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, hormonal troubles happen out of the blue and you don’t even know you have a problem until things get worse. It makes sense to be aware of the red flags so that you can get timely diagnosis and treatment. Here are the warning signs of hormonal issues that you shouldn’t ignore.
Constant fatigue
A constant feeling of fatigue is something that you should take seriously. If adequate rest, a healthy diet, and good hydration don’t make the fatigue go, it is most likely to be caused by a hormonal issue. Adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism are the most common problems related to consistent exhaustion and lethargy. Consider getting a comprehensive assessment of your hormone levels sooner rather than later.
Anxiety
If you think that your stress and anxiety are related to your mental health, you will be surprised to know that your hormones may be at fault. Women are at high risk because fluctuations in estrogen levels during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, or menopause are linked with worsening depression. Anxiety is also common in men suffering from low levels of testosterone.
Weight woes
Surprisingly, weight woes may be closely linked with hormones rather than your dietary habits or lifestyle. If you are not able to shed pounds and inches despite hard work, seeing a specialist is a good idea. An expert Endocrinologist Houston, TX will be able to explain the role of cortisol, the stress hormone, in weight gain. Eating too little and exercising too much can be detrimental for your weight loss efforts as it causes higher than normal levels of cortisol. The body goes into fight or flight mode and ends up holding on to fat.
Insomnia
Another red flag that indicates hormonal imbalance is insomnia. Troubled sleeping can cause more health problems than you may think. The condition can be attributed to a problem with the pituitary gland, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle with hormones like melatonin and cortisol. Low levels of melatonin can disturb the sleep patterns while excessive cortisol levels result in trouble falling asleep.
Poor digestion
Surprisingly, your gut has more neurotransmitters than your brain. For this reason, anxiety and depression are closely followed by digestive issues. Hormones can disrupt the gut function by affecting the microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria that aids digestion. A hormone imbalance kills good bacteria, which can cause problems such as diarrhea, bloating, and nausea.
Apart from these subtle symptoms that indicate poor hormonal balance, some visible signs that are easier to notice. These include sudden acne outbreaks and excessive hair loss. A low sex drive is also a reason to worry. If you suspect an issue with your endocrine system, the right time to take action is now.
