Gaining weight for no reason, tired all the time, having irregular periods? All of these unpleasant symptoms can be due to a hormone imbalance. There are some significant signs you need hormone testing. Keep reading to discover what they might be.
Let’s Start With Hormones
What are they, and where do they come from? We have over 50 hormones in our body, and they come from glands in our endocrine system. They regulate our bodily functions and our metabolism. Too much of one hormone or not enough can affect our body and our health. This constitutes an imbalance.
Some Common Signs You Need Hormone Testing
Changes In Your Menstrual Cycle
Some women have very predictable menstrual cycles — their period shows up on the same day every month, no changes. If suddenly you begin to miss periods, have irregular ones not on the week you expect it, or even heavier blood flow, there could be something affecting your body. Make an appointment with Swing Women’s Health and Wellness in Metairie, LA to find out what’s going on.
Changes With Your Hair
As you get older, you may find the hair on your body is getting thinner, and it’s falling out more easily. That includes your head, arms and legs.
On the other hand, you may find that you have increased hair growth in unwanted areas, like above your lip or under your chin.
These two changes could be due to a number of imbalances:
- High or low thyroid hormones
- Low estrogen
- High testosterone
- Menopause symptoms
Acne
You thought you were through with that phase of your life, when suddenly there they are again. This is due to a decrease in ovarian estradiol production that occurs in menopause.
Gaining Weight
This is definitely the worst! You haven’t changed your diet, you still exercise, and suddenly you are packing on the pounds.
As we age, our basal metabolic rates slows down, and after menopause it slows down at an even faster rate. During perimenopause and menopause, weight gain also occurs due to a reduction in estradiol and testosterone, which leads to a subsequent increase in cortisol production by the adrenal gland. The greatest concentration of cortisol receptors is in the abdominal area; this is why women complain of the “menopausal belly”.
Perimenopause and Menopause
The Queen of hormone problems. Numerous hormonal changes occur during this time period in a woman’s life, which can sometimes last years.
Common Symptoms include:
- Night sweats
- Mood changes and irritability
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Lower libido
- Sleep disturbances
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy alleviates all of these symptoms, and improves overall health and well-being.
Contact Swing Women’s Health and Wellness at (504) 582-9010 if you are exhibiting any of the signs you may need hormone testing.
