In fact, doctors recognize there is an epidemic of hormonal disorders. Because modern life — with its poor diet, heavy toxins and constant stress — is essentially bad for your hormonal balance. So women are understandably dismayed when their doctors apply Band-Aid solutions to symptoms of hormonal imbalance like hot flashes, fatigue, anxiety and insomnia.

Not only are these woefully inadequate solutions — they can also be downright dangerous. Just as every woman is unique, so is her hormonal balance.

Understanding and effectively treating hormonal imbalances requires a whole-body approach, rather than looking at your health as a set of independent issues. This is especially true with hormones, which are all interrelated. Here are just a few examples of the way conventional medicine fails women suffering from symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

The study was a bombshell because, at the time, more than 10 million women were being prescribed some form of synthetic HRT, most commonly during menopause. The forms of synthetic HRT studied in the WHI included medications such as conjugated equine estrogen Premarin and synthetic progestins. Many conventional doctors backed off prescribing these drugs.

But guess what? Thanks to the powerful driving force of Big Pharma, synthetic HRT has been creeping back as a standard treatment offered to women — with the same risks! Women have so many other ways to effectively rebalance your hormones.

Medical schools train doctors to take a reductive approach to treating their patients, as though the body was a machine with separate parts. In order to truly rebalance the body and find lasting relief, you must first identify and treat the underlying causes of your symptoms. For example, there is an established connection between a high sugar diet and hormonal imbalance , but if doctors barely take any nutrition classes in med school, discussions about nutrition may elude them.

Although most people tend to focus on sex hormones related to pregnancy, menstrual periods and menopause, you actually have many types of hormones — and they control many other important functions including metabolism and weight, thyroid function, sleep cycles and your stress response.

Hormonal imbalance occurs when normal levels and production of hormones in the endocrine system, or their ratio to other hormones, is disrupted. Even though all your hormones together form the foundation of your health, you may not realize how many symptoms and health conditions are rooted in hormonal imbalance, including:.

Our free, doctor-developed hormonal imbalance quiz can help you assess your symptoms and get on the right path to whole-body healing. Take it now! A symptom-based syndrome tightly linked to the physical and emotional effects of chronic stress and excess cortisol. Being under stress day after day, week after week, forces the adrenal glands to work overtime, pumping out the stress hormone cortisol at emergency levels.

This produces symptoms including chronic fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and more. Our stance? Menopause is inevitable — but suffering through symptoms is not. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate energy levels, healthy weight, and the metabolism of each and every cell in your body. When a thyroid hormone balance develops, you see it in the form of symptoms including weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, dry skin, brittle and thinning hair, and feeling cold all the time.

Phytotherapy, or plant-based therapy, is not only equally effective as pharmaceuticals — it also produces few, if any, side effects. Because it works with your body, a natural solution can actually prevent or reduce the severity of nearly all of your symptoms rather than just smoothing them over temporarily.

New research is constantly proving that plant molecules act to balance hormones at the cellular level, just as they have for thousands of years.

Unlike pharmaceuticals, medicinal herbs rarely produce side effects. While a drug usually contains an amplified active ingredient, a whole plant or plant extract generally contains an assortment of constituents that are synergistic working together. Phytotherapy uses cell signaling to benefit our bodies early in the process of disease and imbalance, whereas pharmaceuticals are generally designed to only eradicate isolated symptoms.

This does nothing to target, and resolve, the underlying cause of hormonal imbalance symptoms. With phytotherapy — particularly those adaptogenic herbs that tonify stimulate energy flow and nourish — the body can usually get what it needs, and only what it needs. Adaptogenic herbs are normalizing to your system and can be taken safely long-term.

Synthetic drugs simply cannot mimic the brilliant adaptogenic effect of natural remedies, or the level of safety provided by medicinal herbs. The FDA has not approved it to treat PCOS, but it might help lower androgen levels and encourage ovulation. Addyi and Vyleesi are the only medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of low sexual desire in premenopausal people.

Addyi is a pill, and Vyleesi is a self-administered injectable medication. These drugs may come with some serious side effects, such as severe nausea and changes in blood pressure.

Talk with your doctor to see if either one could be right for you. This prescription cream is designed specifically for excessive facial hair. Applied topically to the skin, it helps slow new hair growth, but it does not get rid of existing hair.

Many nutritional supplements on the market claim to treat menopause and hormonal imbalance. However, few of them are backed up by scientific evidence. Many of these supplements contain plant-derived hormones. Some people find that yoga helps ease symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

Yoga is excellent for your strength, flexibility, and balance. It may also aid in weight loss , which can help regulate your hormones. The primary cause of acne is excess oil production, which leads to clogged pores. Acne is most common in areas with many oil glands, including the:.

Acne is often associated with the hormonal changes of puberty. The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers. For many individuals, acne develops the week before they get their period and then clears up. Dermatologists recommend hormonal testing for people who have acne in combination with other symptoms, such as irregular periods and excess facial or body hair.

Children of all genders have high levels of androgens during puberty, which is why acne is so common at that time. Hormone conditions, such as Cushing syndrome , can cause you to become overweight or develop obesity.

People with Cushing syndrome have high levels of cortisol in their blood. This leads to an increase in appetite and fat storage. Hypothyroidism , if the condition is severe, can also lead to weight gain. Slight hormone imbalances can happen during menopause.

During this transition, many people gain weight because their metabolisms slow down. During a typical pregnancy, your body goes through major hormonal changes. This is different from a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalances such as PCOS are among the leading causes of infertility.

With PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with ovulation. Pregnancy is still possible if you have PCOS. If your doctor recommends it, losing weight can make a big difference in your fertility. Prescription medications are also available that can stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

As a last resort, surgery can temporarily restore ovulation. Becoming pregnant while living with PCOS does not mean an individual will definitely deal with any of the above problems. Talking with your doctor and following their advice is the best way to have a safe pregnancy and delivery.

According to research , babies born to parents with untreated hypothyroidism are more likely to have development issues. This includes serious intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most hair loss, such as male pattern baldness , is hereditary and unrelated to hormonal changes.

However, hormonal changes and imbalances can sometimes cause temporary hair loss. In AFAB folks , this is often related to:.

Hormone imbalances are associated with many chronic, or long-term, health conditions. Without proper treatment, you could be at risk for several serious medical conditions, including:.

When hormones become unbalanced, the symptoms can be extremely varied. Talking with your doctor as soon as you notice any changes in your body or energy levels is a key step in treating a hormonal imbalance early.

Read this article in Spanish. We encourage our readers to share their unique experiences to create a helpful and informative community here on Healthline.

Our editors will also review every comment before publishing, ensuring our high level of medical integrity. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common cause of infertility. We'll discuss why and what you can do. What's the best and most natural way to increase your progesterone levels? We look at the pros and cons of creams, pills, foods, and more.

Some hormonal birth control can help manage PCOS symptoms — but what options are available? Our team also offers a weight loss program to help you achieve your overall health and goals. Prioritize your optimal health and well-being and explore natural ways to down stress, balance hormones, and alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal changes.

Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you by scheduling an appointment with us today. Your journey to hormone balance now starts here. Please complete our form or call us at for general questions or to get started. Weight Gain and Other Signs of a Hormonal Imbalance When our hormones are imbalanced , we may experience varied symptoms including: Major mood swings and irritability Trouble sleeping Increased PMS symptoms Poor digestion or irregular bowel movements Decrease in sex drive Painful periods Irregular menstrual cycle Weight gain Hot flashes May feel like a decrease in overall health Loss of energy and zest for life Elevated estrogen levels as well as other hormone levels As a result, bone health, our relationships and mental health may suffer, and we may feel as if our energy levels and quality of life has suddenly dropped dramatically as well.

A Healthy Diet is Key to Hormone Balance When it comes to using supplements to balance hormones and getting all the essential macronutrients and micronutrients necessary to balance hormones, we should always turn to food first.

Magnesium is Essential to Balancing Hormones Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals to help balance thyroid hormones. Choose Dark Chocolate for Magnesium and Other Health Benefits Last but certainly not least — dark chocolate makes our magnesium-rich list of foods!

There are nine B vitamins in total, and certain foods contain specific vitamin Bs. For example, salmon is an excellent source of many B vitamins.

It contains B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, and even romaine lettuce contain B9, also known as folate.

Eggs are one of the best sources of B7, also known as biotin. They also contain B2, B5, B9, and B For vegans, a supplement is absolutely necessary. And so is nutritional yeast, which is great sprinkled on popcorn.

Nutritional yeast contains incredibly high amounts of B1, B2, B3, and B6, a fair amount of B9 and B12, and a little B5. Other foods with notable amounts of vitamin Bs are: Sunflower seeds Beef Trout Clams Mussels Oysters Turkey Chicken Milk Yogurt Beans Organ meats like liver Probiotics Probiotics are essential to healthy gut bacteria help balance out stress levels, hormone levels and hormones out.

Liver-Enhancing Nutrients Your liver is the hormone balance and primary organ that breaks down and rids the body of excess estrogen, a common cause of hormonal imbalance. Vitamin D3 Forty-one percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition Research.

Hormone Balance Supplements and a Balanced Diet vs. Thyroid Hormones For postmenopausal women, maintaining balanced hormones becomes increasingly vital for overall health and well-being. Ready to Regain Hormonal Balance and Improve Your Quality of Life? New Patients. Name Required First Last.

Phone Required.

Physical activity strongly influences hormonal health. Aside from improving blood flow to your muscles, exercise increases hormone receptor sensitivity, meaning that it enhances the delivery of nutrients and hormone signals.

A major benefit of exercise is its ability to reduce insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that allows cells to take up sugar from your bloodstream to use for energy. However, if you have a condition called insulin resistance , your cells may not effectively react to insulin.

This condition is a risk factor for diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. However, while some researchers still debate whether the improvements come from exercise itself or from losing weight or fat, evidence shows that regular exercise may improve insulin resistance independently of body weight or fat mass reduction.

Many types of physical activity have been found to help prevent insulin resistance, including high intensity interval training , strength training , and cardio. Being physically active may also help boost levels of muscle-maintaining hormones that decline with age, such as testosterone, IGF-1, DHEA, and growth hormone HGH.

For people who cannot perform vigorous exercise, even regular walking may increase key hormone levels, potentially improving strength and quality of life.

Weight gain is directly associated with hormonal imbalances that may lead to complications in insulin sensitivity and reproductive health. Obesity is strongly related to the development of insulin resistance, while losing excess weight is linked to improvements in insulin resistance and reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Obesity is also associated with hypogonadism , a reduction or absence of hormone secretion from the testes or ovaries. In fact, this condition is one of the most relevant hormonal complications of obesity in people assigned male at birth. This means obesity is strongly related to lower levels of the reproductive hormone testosterone in people assigned male at birth and contributes to a lack of ovulation in people assigned female at birth, both of which are common causes of infertility.

Nonetheless, studies indicate that weight loss may reverse this condition. Eating within your own personal calorie range can help you maintain hormonal balance and a moderate weight. Your gut contains more than trillion friendly bacteria, which produce numerous metabolites that may affect hormone health both positively and negatively.

Your gut microbiome regulates hormones by modulating insulin resistance and feelings of fullness. For example, when your gut microbiome ferments fiber, it produces short-chain fatty acids SCFAs such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Acetate and butyrate may aid weight management by increasing calorie burning and thus help prevent insulin resistance.

Acetate and butyrate may also regulate feelings of fullness by increasing the fullness hormones GLP-1 and PYY. Interestingly, studies in rodents show that obesity may change the composition of the gut microbiome to promote insulin resistance and inflammation. In addition, lipopolysaccharides LPS — components of certain bacteria in your gut microbiome — may increase your risk of insulin resistance.

People with obesity seem to have higher levels of circulating LPS. Here are some tips to maintain healthy gut bacteria which may also help you maintain a healthy hormone balance.

Minimizing added sugar intake may be instrumental in optimizing hormone function and avoiding obesity, diabetes, and other diseases. In addition, sugar-sweetened beverages are the primary source of added sugars in the Western diet, and fructose is commonly used commercially in soft drinks , fruit juice, and sport and energy drinks.

Fructose intake has increased exponentially in the United States since around , and studies consistently show that eating added sugar promotes insulin resistance — at least some of which are independent of total calorie intake or weight gain.

Long-term fructose intake has been linked to disruptions of the gut microbiome, which may lead to other hormonal imbalances. Therefore, reducing your intake of sugary drinks — and other sources of added sugar — may improve hormone health.

The hormone cortisol is known as the stress hormone because it helps your body cope with long-term stress. Once the stressor has passed, the response typically ends.

However, chronic stress impairs the feedback mechanisms that help return your hormonal systems to normal. Therefore, chronic stress causes cortisol levels to remain elevated , which stimulates appetite and increases your intake of sugary and high fat foods.

In turn, this may lead to excessive calorie intake and obesity. In addition, high cortisol levels stimulate gluconeogenesis — the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources — which may cause insulin resistance. Notably, research shows that you can lower your cortisol levels by engaging in stress reduction techniques such as meditation , yoga , and listening to relaxing music.

Including high quality natural fats in your diet may help reduce insulin resistance and appetite. Medium-chain triglycerides MCTs are unique fats that are less likely to be stored in fat tissue and more likely to be taken up directly by your liver for immediate use as energy, promoting increased calorie burning.

MCTs are also less likely to promote insulin resistance. Furthermore, healthy fats such as omega-3s help increase insulin sensitivity by reducing inflammation and pro-inflammatory markers. Additionally, studies note that omega-3s may prevent cortisol levels from increasing during stress.

These healthy fats are found in pure MCT oil, avocados, almonds, peanuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, fatty fish, and olive and coconut oils. No matter how nutritious your diet or how consistent your exercise routine, getting enough restorative sleep is crucial for optimal health. Poor sleep is linked to imbalances in many hormones, including insulin, cortisol, leptin , ghrelin, and HGH.

For instance, not only does sleep deprivation impair insulin sensitivity, but poor sleep is associated with a hour increase in cortisol levels, which may lead to insulin resistance. Moreover, studies consistently show that sleep deprivation results in increased ghrelin and decreased leptin levels.

In a review of 21 studies in 2, people, those assigned to a short sleep group showed higher ghrelin levels than those who got the recommended amount of sleep. Plus, your brain needs uninterrupted sleep to go through all five stages of each sleep cycle.

This is especially important for the release of growth hormone, which occurs mainly at night during deep sleep. To maintain optimal hormonal balance, aim for at least 7 hours of high quality sleep per night. Fiber is essential to a healthy diet.

Studies have found that it increases insulin sensitivity and stimulates the production of hormones that make you feel full. Although soluble fiber tends to produce the strongest effects on appetite by increasing fullness hormones, insoluble fiber may also play a role.

Your gut microbiome ferments soluble fiber in your colon, producing SCFAs that stimulate the release of the fullness hormones PYY and GLP As such, try to eat several high fiber foods each day.

Estrogen is a hormone involved in both female and male reproductive health, as well as blood sugar balance, bone and heart health, and immune and brain function. Like other homrones, estrogen levels that are either too low or too high have been linked to acute and chronic health conditions, including obesity, metabolic disorders, and various cancers.

Research shows that the Western diet — primarily composed of refined sugars and animal products — is linked to higher estrogen levels, which are a risk factor for breast and ovarian cancers.

On the contrary, following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, seeds, fish, legumes, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower may help reduce estrogen levels and, thus, cancer risk. Similarly, long-term adherence to the Mediterranean diet may reduce breast cancer risk before and after menopause — stages that are characterized by low estrogen levels.

Researchers believe that this diet increases your intake of protective plant compounds such as polyphenols and lignans.

Your hormones are involved in every aspect of your health. You need them in very specific amounts for your body to function optimally. Hormone imbalances may increase your risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions.

Although aging and other factors that affect hormones are beyond your control, you can take several steps to help manage your hormone levels. Consuming nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and engaging in other health-promoting behaviors such as meditating and getting enough sleep may go a long way toward improving your hormonal health.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. These include changing levels of the hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. While the hormone levels may be different, they are not necessarily unbalanced during pregnancy.

This can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes during pregnancy. Learn more about gestational diabetes here. Male pattern hair loss has links to reduced androgen hormones , such as testosterone.

For this reason, doctors also call male pattern hair loss androgenetic alopecia. This condition causes hair loss in the front and crown of the head.

However, not all males experience androgenetic alopecia even though their hormone levels change as they age. Doctors interpret this to mean that some men are genetically predisposed to hair loss.

Learn about female pattern hair loss here. Testing for hormonal imbalances depends largely on what condition your doctor may think is causing your condition.

Some of the tests a doctor may use include:. Some at-home testing kit companies may offer products that allow a person to take a test at home. These could include urine or blood tests.

A person should ensure the company is reputable and uses certified laboratories to evaluate testing samples. Learn about taking a hormone test at home. Everyone will experience natural periods of hormonal imbalance or fluctuations at particular points in their lives.

But hormonal imbalances can also occur when the endocrine glands are not functioning properly. Endocrine glands are specialized cells that produce , store, and release hormones into the blood. There are several endocrine glands located throughout the body that control different organs, including the:.

Several medical conditions can impact the endocrine glands. Certain lifestyle habits and environmental factors can also play a role in hormonal imbalances. Learn more about endocrine disorders here. Medical conditions that can affect hormone production may but are not limited to:.

Other causes of hormonal imbalance may include:. Females naturally experience several periods of hormonal imbalance throughout their lifetime, including :. Females are likely to develop different hormonal imbalance disorders than males because they have different endocrine organs and cycles.

Causes of hormonal imbalance in women include:. Males also experience natural periods of hormonal imbalance during their lifetime, including :. Men may develop different hormonal imbalances than women because they have different endocrine organs and cycles.

Learn how to balance hormones here. Treatment for hormonal imbalances may vary depending on the cause. Every person may require different types of treatment for hormonal imbalances. Treatment options for females with hormone imbalances include:.

Metformin extended-release tablets should be taken with care and under the advice of a doctor. In May , the Food and Drug Administration FDA recommended that some makers of metformin extended-release remove some of their tablets from the U. Further, in June , Viona Pharmaceuticals, a maker of extended-release Metformin pulled their tablets from pharmacy shelves.

Each concern was because an unacceptable level of a probable carcinogen cancer-causing agent was found in some extended-release Metformin tablets. If you currently take this drug, call your healthcare provider.

They will advise whether you should continue to take your medication or if you need a new prescription. People have used natural supplements to treat hormonal imbalances for thousands of years.

However, clinical studies have not proven that any natural remedies can treat hormonal imbalances and their causes. Before taking any natural or herbal treatment, a person should check with their doctor to ensure safety and avoid interaction side effects when taking with other medications.

Lifestyle changes that may help reduce the likelihood and symptoms of hormonal imbalances include:. Most people will experience at least one or two periods of hormonal imbalance during their lifetime.

Hormonal imbalances are more common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and aging. But some people experience continual, irregular hormonal imbalances.

Medical conditions that affect or involve the endocrine system or glands can lead to a hormone imbalance. However, external factors, such as stress or hormone medications, can also be a cause. A person should speak to a doctor about long-term unexplained symptoms, especially those that cause pain, discomfort, or interfere with everyday activities.

Read this article in Spanish. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is an uncommon condition that affects people during their menstrual cycle and can cause symptoms such as irritability…. Acne is also called hormonal acne because it is often a feature of adolescent years when rapid hormonal changes affect the body and, critically, the….

Hormones play a role in many bodily functions and can affect weight. Learn more about the causes of a hormonal belly and their treatment options, here. Premenstrual syndrome PMS can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional or mental issues, including some that are similar to the symptoms of….

These include heavy or irregular periods, acne, hair loss, skin darkening, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, headaches, and more. There are lots of different possible causes of a hormonal imbalance. It depends on which hormones or glands are affected in the body. Some common causes of a hormonal imbalance include medications, cancer treatments, eating disorders, stress, injury or trauma, hormone therapy, and more.

Unique to women, hormonal imbalances may be related to reproductive hormones, including common causes of menopause, premature menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, PCOS, and hormone drugs. To determine if you have a hormonal imbalance, meet with an obgyn in Lake Success to answer questions and take one or more diagnostics tests.

Blood tests, pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and more may be used to diagnose you with a hormonal imbalance. For many people, small and simple lifestyle changes can help restore proper levels of hormones in the body. A well-balanced diet and healthy habits may improve your hormonal health and allow you to feel your best.

Here are some ways to naturally balance your hormones. Your hormones are involved in almost all aspects of your health. They need to be in good standing for your body to optimally function and feel good. Contact Women for Women today to schedule your appointment and get your hormones balanced and feeling right.

Found women for women during my final and fourth pregnancy. I have had the best care and pregnancy due to this practice of super smart and personable doctors. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Thank you so much Women for Women! Hirschhorn delivered our kids via caesarian section and we had a great experience.

She explained everything to us adequately and made us feel very comfortable. We saw Dr. Smizer a few times in the office, too. We really recommend her, as well. They both took their time with us and were very friendly. Wait times were longer sometimes more than 1 hour with Dr. Smizer, but it was worth it by the end.

The office staff is courteous, as well. Yes, spouses do need to be vaccinated for COVID in order to accompany pregnant women for the visit, and the receptionists do check. Likely due to poor health and science literacy. Seriously people, get vaccinated!

I had a great experience with all the doctors and staff at this facility. I was always treated with respect and courtesy. With the exception of one visit my wait time was always kept at a minimum. If I had an emergency and contacted the emergency line there was always a doctor to talk to.

Unfortunately my plans for a vaginal delivery was thwarted and I had to get a Csection after an induction but I have no complaints….

Bell did an amazing job and I am eternally grateful to her for delivering our baby girl. Some common treatment options are described below. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy HRT with your doctor. This local therapy helps eliminate many of the risks associated with systemic estrogen, or estrogen that travels throughout the bloodstream to the appropriate organ.

Hormonal birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycles. Types of hormonal birth control include the:. Some types of hormonal birth control may also help improve acne and reduce extra hair on the face and body. Androgens are male sex hormones that are present in people of all genders.

High androgen levels can be treated with medication that blocks the effects of androgens. One androgen closely tied to hair growth and loss is testosterone. A study found that when there is not enough testosterone produced, hair loss and lack of growth are common.

Testosterone supplements can reduce the symptoms of low testosterone. In adolescents with delayed puberty, it stimulates the start of puberty. If you have hypothyroidism, the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid can bring hormone levels back into balance.

Metformin is a type 2 diabetes medication that may help some individuals with PCOS symptoms. The FDA has not approved it to treat PCOS, but it might help lower androgen levels and encourage ovulation.

Addyi and Vyleesi are the only medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of low sexual desire in premenopausal people.

Addyi is a pill, and Vyleesi is a self-administered injectable medication. These drugs may come with some serious side effects, such as severe nausea and changes in blood pressure.

Talk with your doctor to see if either one could be right for you. This prescription cream is designed specifically for excessive facial hair. Applied topically to the skin, it helps slow new hair growth, but it does not get rid of existing hair. Many nutritional supplements on the market claim to treat menopause and hormonal imbalance.

However, few of them are backed up by scientific evidence. Many of these supplements contain plant-derived hormones. Some people find that yoga helps ease symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Yoga is excellent for your strength, flexibility, and balance. It may also aid in weight loss , which can help regulate your hormones.

The primary cause of acne is excess oil production, which leads to clogged pores. Acne is most common in areas with many oil glands, including the:. Acne is often associated with the hormonal changes of puberty. The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers.

For many individuals, acne develops the week before they get their period and then clears up. Dermatologists recommend hormonal testing for people who have acne in combination with other symptoms, such as irregular periods and excess facial or body hair.

Children of all genders have high levels of androgens during puberty, which is why acne is so common at that time. Hormone conditions, such as Cushing syndrome , can cause you to become overweight or develop obesity. People with Cushing syndrome have high levels of cortisol in their blood. This leads to an increase in appetite and fat storage.

Hypothyroidism , if the condition is severe, can also lead to weight gain. Slight hormone imbalances can happen during menopause. During this transition, many people gain weight because their metabolisms slow down.

During a typical pregnancy, your body goes through major hormonal changes. This is different from a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalances such as PCOS are among the leading causes of infertility.

With PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with ovulation. Pregnancy is still possible if you have PCOS. If your doctor recommends it, losing weight can make a big difference in your fertility.

Prescription medications are also available that can stimulate ovulation and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

As a last resort, surgery can temporarily restore ovulation. Becoming pregnant while living with PCOS does not mean an individual will definitely deal with any of the above problems.

Talking with your doctor and following their advice is the best way to have a safe pregnancy and delivery. According to research , babies born to parents with untreated hypothyroidism are more likely to have development issues.

This includes serious intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most hair loss, such as male pattern baldness , is hereditary and unrelated to hormonal changes.

However, hormonal changes and imbalances can sometimes cause temporary hair loss. In AFAB folks , this is often related to:. This condition causes hair loss in the front and crown of the head.

However, not all males experience androgenetic alopecia even though their hormone levels change as they age. Doctors interpret this to mean that some men are genetically predisposed to hair loss.

Learn about female pattern hair loss here. Testing for hormonal imbalances depends largely on what condition your doctor may think is causing your condition. Some of the tests a doctor may use include:. Some at-home testing kit companies may offer products that allow a person to take a test at home.

These could include urine or blood tests. A person should ensure the company is reputable and uses certified laboratories to evaluate testing samples.

Learn about taking a hormone test at home. Everyone will experience natural periods of hormonal imbalance or fluctuations at particular points in their lives. But hormonal imbalances can also occur when the endocrine glands are not functioning properly.

Endocrine glands are specialized cells that produce , store, and release hormones into the blood. There are several endocrine glands located throughout the body that control different organs, including the:. Several medical conditions can impact the endocrine glands.

Certain lifestyle habits and environmental factors can also play a role in hormonal imbalances. Learn more about endocrine disorders here.

Medical conditions that can affect hormone production may but are not limited to:. Other causes of hormonal imbalance may include:. Females naturally experience several periods of hormonal imbalance throughout their lifetime, including :.

Females are likely to develop different hormonal imbalance disorders than males because they have different endocrine organs and cycles. Causes of hormonal imbalance in women include:.

Males also experience natural periods of hormonal imbalance during their lifetime, including :. Men may develop different hormonal imbalances than women because they have different endocrine organs and cycles.

Learn how to balance hormones here. Treatment for hormonal imbalances may vary depending on the cause. Every person may require different types of treatment for hormonal imbalances.

Treatment options for females with hormone imbalances include:. Metformin extended-release tablets should be taken with care and under the advice of a doctor. In May , the Food and Drug Administration FDA recommended that some makers of metformin extended-release remove some of their tablets from the U.

Further, in June , Viona Pharmaceuticals, a maker of extended-release Metformin pulled their tablets from pharmacy shelves. Each concern was because an unacceptable level of a probable carcinogen cancer-causing agent was found in some extended-release Metformin tablets. If you currently take this drug, call your healthcare provider.

They will advise whether you should continue to take your medication or if you need a new prescription. People have used natural supplements to treat hormonal imbalances for thousands of years.

However, clinical studies have not proven that any natural remedies can treat hormonal imbalances and their causes. Before taking any natural or herbal treatment, a person should check with their doctor to ensure safety and avoid interaction side effects when taking with other medications.