When women hit menopause, they experience a whole range of symptoms, among them irregular periods, chills, night sweats, thinning hair, and breast-shape changes.
Most women worry about menopause because of these bodily changes.
Many of us know that menopause is a gradual process, and it includes perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
What a lot of people don't realize, though, is that these symptoms can occur for other reasons, too.
The reason menopause causes many of these symptoms is because women's hormone levels change during this time. When hormone levels get off balance for reasons other than menopause, they can cause many of the same changes in the body.
The truth is, women of all ages experience hormone imbalances for all sorts of reasons, though they may not necessarily recognize the signs.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance below!
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Symptoms Of Hormone Imbalance Hormone Imbalance Symptom #1: Hair Loss
According to the Mayo Clinic, one common symptom of a hormone imbalance is hair loss.
They explain:
Hormonal changes and imbalances can cause temporary hair loss. This could be due to pregnancy, childbirth, or the onset of menopause.
Hormone levels are also affected by the thyroid gland, so thyroid problems may cause hair loss.
Hormone Imbalance Symptom #2: Sudden Weight Gain
If you realize you're suddenly gaining weight out of nowhere, it may actually be a sign of a hormone imbalance.
The New York Times reports that studies done on mice indicate that hormone levels may have a huge impact on weight redistribution and weight gain.
Hormone Imbalance Symptom #3: Jawline Acne
According to an article published in Teen Vogue, when women break out on the lower third of their face (like the jawline, chin, and neck), it's usually due to hormones.
When we have hormone imbalances, it stimulates oil production, which causes bacteria and acne.
Hormone Imbalance Symptom #4: Hot Flashes
Another common symptom of hormone imbalance is hot flashes.
Many women associate hot flashes solely with menopause, but they can actually be due to any hormone changes.
Hormone Imbalance Symptom #5: Night Sweats
Similarly, night sweats can also be caused by a change in your hormones.
According to the American Osteopathic Association, night sweats can be caused by menopause, but they can also be a result of a hormone imbalance or disorder.
Hormone Imbalance Symptom #6: Painful Cramping
According to Christiane Northrup, MD, many women suffer from menstrual cramps. However, when your hormones get off balance, they may cause your menstrual cramps to get worse.
A significant hormone imbalance could lead your cramps to become unbearable.
Hormone Imbalance Symptom #7: Moodiness
According to the Women In Balance Institute, "hormone imbalances cause many women to overreact to things that never used to faze them."
If your hormones aren't balanced, this can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and more. It sounds like a stereotype, but if your mood is all over the place, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels might be to blame.
Hormone Imbalance Symptom #8: Heavy Periods
Just as hormone imbalances may lead to more severe menstrual cramps, they may also lead to heavier periods.
The Mayo Clinic explains that hormones, which regulate the buildup of the uterine lining, can cause excess menstrual bleeding when they get off balance.
What To Do
If you think you're experiencing a hormone imbalance, talk to your doctor — they can help you come up with a treatment plan.
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