Signs of hormonal imbalances in women may start from the age of 20, and may show up well up to the 40. These symptoms are likely to increase as women grow older. Many women may have a tendency to ignore the symptoms when they are young. If left untreated, the symptoms may manifest themselves into a more serious disease in later years. To ensure hormonal balance it is very important that there is a perfect equilibrium maintained between the two primary female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.
Commonly Noticed Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
Some of the commonly noticed signs of hormonal imbalance in women are reactions to allergies, increased stress and anxiety levels, fatigue and exhaustion, a feeling of gloom and depression, endometriosis, emergence of fibro cysts in the breasts, loss of hair, and appearance of facial hair. In addition to these, some of the other prominent symptoms that are often noticed are nagging headaches, giddiness, haziness, poor sexual drive, osteoporosis, PMS, urinary tract diseases and bladder incontinence, the presence of fibroids in the uterus, unusual increase in weight, water retention in the body, and lines and wrinkles on the skin.
Premature Menopause or Erratic Periods
If there is a pattern of erratic and improper periods under the age of 40, the woman should immediately consult with a doctor. The doctor will conduct a preliminary analysis, which will usually include ascertaining the patient’s family history of premature menopause, and testing for any hormonal imbalance in the body.
The estrogen and progesterone balance will be tested by taking a sample of blood from the patient. Additional tests may also be performed to find out the causes of hormonal imbalance. Premature ovarian failure (POF) is usually the most common explanation of hormonal imbalance. Hormone therapy may be used in such cases, whereby the estrogen levels in the blood are increased. This is considered to be an ideal solution in this condition. Increasing the estrogen levels in the body by using the hormone therapy is considered as the best healing option in such cases.
However, estrogen intake in isolation may increase the probability of cancer of the uterus. As a result, it is essential to ensure that estrogen is taken along with another hormone inducer called progestin. The rightly administered combination of estrogen and progestin will ensure that the inner lining of the uterus is well protected. However, an exclusive estrogen therapy should be the favoured option in patients whose uterus has been removed.
Correlation Between Hormonal Imbalances and Headache
The imbalance of estrogen and progesterone may also result in persistent headaches for the patient. A drop in the degree of estrogen in the blood may intensify the headaches, while an increase may result in getting the headaches becoming less severe. Headaches are often affected by irregular hormonal levels. Decrease in estrogen levels just before the periods often brings about headaches and aggravates the pain. A majority of women suffering from migraine may experience headaches either prior to or during their menstrual periods.
Pain reliever medications may provide respite from headaches during the menstrual periods. Some of the factors that can lessen the headaches are an energetic lifestyle, physical exercise, healthy diet, sound sleep, and above all, a stress-free mind.
Sources:
Healthguidance.org "Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Women" (accessed May 10, 2010)
Hormone.org "Diseases and Conditions" (accessed May 10, 2010)
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