Symptoms and Causes of the Main Hormonal Problems

The causes of certain hormonal problems are many and varied. And so, they can sometimes even be caused by various factors: from a genetic disposition to problems in your diet. Thus, it's important to know all of the information for the good of your health.

Reviewed and approved by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Written by Valeria Sabater

Last update: 27 May, 2022

Hormones are essential substances in your body. They regulate development, give you energy, are in charge of your menstrual cycles, regulate salt and sugar levels in the blood. Any small alteration to your hormones can lead to certain symptoms that you should be able to recognize in the future. Do you want to know the common symptoms of hormonal problems?

What Are Hormonal Problems?

• Hormones are chemical elements synthesized by the endocrine glands in your body. And so, they have a regulatory function in your body which affects different areas from your physical appearance, weight, and emotional and organic aspects.
• They travel through your bloodstream and activate different body organs, coordinating them and facilitating changes. They also regulate metabolism, cardiac rhythm, menstrual cycles, the production of milk if you are a mother.
• Hormonal problems happen when there is an excess (hyperfunction) or a shortage (hypofunction) of the functionality of hormones. Thereby, causing certain problems.

Symptoms

• Skin problems: acne, rashes, changes in color and shape, it becoming harder or wrinkled.
• Weight gain or loss
• Mood swings
• Sudden and quick hair loss
• Vision problems
• Mood changes
• Sudden depression or sadness
• Abundant or long menstrual flows
• Stomach pain or abdomen inflammation
• Very painful menstrual cramps
• Irregular periods or not even having any periods
• Menstrual blood clots
• Pain in the lower stomach or ovaries
• Dark spotting after your period

Types of Hormonal Problems

• Hyperthyroidism: it is a hormonal, metabolic problem where your thyroids produce an excess of the hormones in your body, which produces pretty serious disorders. Consequently, it is common to lose weight with this disease, for example.
• Hypothyroidism: the opposite happens in this case. Therefore, you have a low production of thyroid hormones, gain weight, and sometimes suffer from what’s called goiter, a characteristic bulge in the neck.
• Estrogen imbalance: women sometimes suffer from an imbalance or increase in estrogen levels. And so, the symptoms will be many of the aforementioned ones. It can also be the cause of the appearance of uterine fibroids and cysts in the breasts. You should keep this in mind.
• Excess cortisol: this is the stress hormone. And so, your daily obligations, anxiety, and nerves cause excess cortisol in your body that causes serious hormonal problems. Consequently, you should be cautious and treat it as soon as possible with techniques on how to deal, relaxation, and habit changes.

Causes

• There is often a genetic predisposition to suffering these types of changes in your hormones. Thus, it is common for thyroid problems to be hereditary.
• The stress component and emotional problems is another thing to keep in mind. Your lifestyle directly influences your health and the endocrine system is the main focus of your body that will first feel it. When you have a very high-stress level, you will release cortisol and other toxins in your body. In turn, this will make you have some of the following problems:
  • Problems in menstruation
  • Gain or lose weight
  • Have difficulty falling asleep
  • Start to lose hair
    Therefore, you should keep in mind that your way of life and the way in which you take on every day will influence your health.
• Diet: experts say that one of the main causes of hormonal problems is insulin resistance. And so, the way you eat is essential to not suffering from a metabolic disorder. Therefore, you should avoid eating food that has excess conservatives, salt, saturated fat, energy or caffeinated drinks, refined sugar, alcohol, or foods that are very allergenic like milk, sugar, eggs, etc.

Recommendations on Avoiding Hormonal Problems

• Eat antioxidants like orange, lemon, or cranberry juice
• Increase vitamin A, B, folic acid, and vitamin D
• Increase your dose of calcium, magnesium, chromium, selenium, zinc, iodine, and also Omega-3
• Eat linseed oil
• Also try to maintain a healthy lifestyle with exercise, stress management.
• Additionally, avoid spending a lot of hours in front of the computer or television because the waves also alter your cycles and the endocrine system. Therefore, get some sun and enjoy the fresh air.