Do I have a hormone imbalance?
Hormones are chemical messengers that tell your body what to do and when to do it. Produced in the endocrine glands, hormones travel through your bloodstream to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissue. Hormones control major processes in the body, including metabolism, reproduction, growth and development, and sexual function. A hormone imbalance can significantly affect a woman’s health, so our San Antonio OBGYNs may recommend hormone testing for some women.
Natural hormone changes during a woman’s life
There are three times a woman will experience natural fluctuations and changes in her hormones.
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
Although hormone changes are expected during these stages of life, they can still be disruptive. If hormone fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy or menopause are negatively affecting your life, discuss it with your OBGYN.
Other causes of hormone change or imbalance
Hormones can also fluctuate as a result of other influences, both internal and external.
- Hormone therapy (for menopause or birth control)
- Medications
- Chemotherapy
- Tumors
- Eating disorders
- Injury or trauma
- Autoimmune conditions
Signs of a hormone imbalance
With 50 different hormones in your body, there are many possible effects and symptoms of unbalanced hormones.
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Thinning or brittle hair
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Excessive hair on the face or other parts of the body
- Acne on the face, chest or upper back
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Skin tags
- Hyperpigmentation of the skin in specific areas
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in the joints
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to heat or cold
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
Most of these symptoms are not unique to hormone imbalance. They could have many causes and do not necessarily indicate an imbalance. Addressing symptoms with an OBGYN is the first step in identifying the cause and correcting the problem.
Hormone testing
Hormone imbalance can indicate existing health concerns and cause further complications, so it is important to have it evaluated.
Your doctor will take your medical history and do a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Based on the symptoms you are experiencing, our San Antonio OBGYNs may determine you need hormone testing.
There is no single test that indicates whether your hormones are out of balance. A woman’s hormone levels vary daily, making it difficult to get an accurate result from blood tests. Other testing, such as glucose or insulin tolerance tests, may be done to gather additional information. Your doctor may also order an ultrasound of your organs and lymph node imaging.
The results of the testing will determine if treatment is necessary. Several potential treatments are available.
- Medication
- Referral to an endocrinologist or other specialist
- Lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet and exercise
If you are experiencing any symptoms noted here, are concerned about your hormone levels, or would like to discuss hormone testing, contact Legacy Women’s Health for an appointment. Our San Antonio OBGYNs can determine whether there is a hormone imbalance and if treatment is needed.