Many of you will already know that I am big on letting women know hormonal imbalance means more than the typical PMS or Menopausal symptoms we tend to think of when we think hormones.
But what CAN hormonal imbalances look like? Here are some common symptoms you may not have known about:
Weight Gain
Yep, this can be all about the hormones, and a big reason those pounds are impossible to lose! Hormones regulate your appetite, your metabolism, your body composition {where you store fat}, and your digestion. All big components of losing weight.
Low Energy
Do you ever have one of those days where you feel like you just can't get going? Ok, maybe it's EVERY day? Maybe you have energy dips in the afternoon? You aren't alone. I'd say probably 90% of the women who come see me complain of low energy. All of this can be about your hormones!
Insomnia or other sleep problems
Watching the clock all night, or waking at certain times most nights mean something isn't quite right with your hormones. For example, if you have an imbalance with your stress hormones - you will have a tough time sleeping, especially between 1-3AM.
Anxiety and/or Depression
Do you struggle with anxiety or depression? Are you feeling like life is just to overwhelming to deal with? Your hormones may be telling you something. This is another common one I see with a cortisol imbalance.
Cravings
I know you feel like you 'don't have any self control'. I hear this all of the time from women, and want you to know that your cravings are just another way your body is telling you something isn't quite right with your hormones. Let's listen to it instead of beating yourself up ok? 🙂
Puffiness, Bloating, & Water Retention
Do you feel 'thin' when you wake up, but like you are 4-months pregnant by the end of the day? Do you have a hard time fitting into your shoes or getting your rings on anymore? These are all very related to your hormones.
Mood Swings
Ok, so we have been blaming this on hormones for years. And we were right! Mood swings are a very common sign of hormonal imbalance.
Acne {on face & back}
Acne is something we, as women, struggle with beyond our teenage years. It is very hormone-relates, as well as linked to food intolerances. Exploring, and working on both can produce clear, glowing skin again!
Memory & Concentration Problems or "Brain Fog"
Are you constantly forgetting things on your 'to-do' list, or feel like you need to shake the cobwebs out of your head? You may not be losing it completely - you may be just be a little imbalanced {hormonally, I mean}. 🙂
Chronic Headaches or Migraines
Many factors contribute to headaches for both men and women, including family history and age. Women, however, often notice a relationship between headaches and hormonal changes around their cycle. This is not a coincidence, it is your hormones.
Excessive Hair on Your Face/Arms or Thinning Hair on Your Head
Emotionally, both of these are extremely hard to deal with for most women. The good news is, by understanding what is going on, and getting to the root cause of why, and what hormones are not working quite right, both can be improved a lot.
Thin, Dry, or Dull-Looking Skin
Your skin needs happy hormones too. Stop paying thousands of dollars for chemical-filled lotions & potions and look a little deeper here.
Ovarian Cysts or Abnormal Pap Tests or Reproductive Cancers
It's emotionally draining to have health problems where you feel completely out of control. But remember, there is always something you can do! These symptoms have been linked to Estrogen imbalances. It's time to look a little deeper here too.
Painful, Lumpy, or Fibrocystic Breasts or Breast Cancer
You find that lump. You panic. I know this isn't a time you really feel like concentrating on anything but getting it taken care of. Just know that again, you have power here. There are so many things you can do to take back control, and feel like you are actually doing something instead of just sitting, waiting and having people tell you what they will do.
Infertility/Fertility Concerns
Wanting a baby is an instinct for most women, a desire we can't even explain. Unfortunately, many women struggle with conceiving, and each month that goes by is another one with disappointment. Hormones are really big here, and the right balance is essential. I see many women who have been diagnosed with PCOS who are having troubles conceiving. There are many ways that you can help support your body, and your hormones, to improve your chances having a baby.
PMS
Whether it is a couple of days, or even for weeks prior to getting your period, PMS can completely alter the way you see & experience life. You may even have to stay in bed with horrible pain. This is NOT something you have to live with. Trust me, I used to, but not anymore.
Hot Flashes, Night Sweats & Menopausal Symptoms
You feel it coming on, creeping slowly up your face, and you know you are about to be bombarded with yet another hot flash. Menopause is a difficult transition in a woman's life. You can make it a little easier by becoming friends with your hormones instead of enemies. You can change how they react. I have seen women who are having hot flashes every 20 minutes go to barely noticing them in a day. What a huge change in their life!
What it all comes down to with hormones is finding your balance. The AMAZING thing with your body is that when you give it what it needs, it can give you what you need - relief from what you are struggling with.
Check out my Facebook Group where I post daily about what you can do to help balance your hormones!
[…] October 10: Not sure if you have a hormonal imbalance? CSNN graduate Marie Tower outlines what this really means here: https://marietower.com/common-symptoms-of-hormonal-imbalance/ […]
I do have some of these issues, and I’m also having sibo symptoms, that has been tested and yes my hormones are all low! what’s next?
Hi Carrie!
It’s definitely important to work on your digestion (SIBO can create lot of digestive symptoms as I’m sure you already know too well!), as well as your hormones together. Probiotics, and fermented foods can be great tools for this!
I post lots of tips about both digestion and hormones in my private Facebook group (link is at the top of this page), if you want to come join us there. I also have my Happy Habits program starting next week, which is a great budget-friendly way to start creating change for your hormones & health ( https://marietower.com/upcoming-workshops/happy-habits/ ) Or feel free to send me a message if you would like to chat further about a personalized plan for you!
I hope this helps!
Marie
Hi Marie
I struggle with a soft watery midsection and I have been saying for years it must be a hormone imbalance. the rest of my physique is lean and muscular. I also struggle with moodiness, anxiety and the feeling of being overwhelmed on a daily basis and I hate the feeling 🙁
I am a fitness competitor and I eat clean 90% of the time and I still struggle with a soft watery midsection. any help would greatly be appreciated please
Hi Renae!
Thanks for the comment. Yes, this definitely sounds like it could be a hormone imbalance – more specifically an imbalance with your stress hormones. I see this often with women, but even more so with women who compete in fitness competitions.
I would definitely suggest looking at your stress levels, ways to help you deal with stress, and possible plans to reduce stress if possible. I’d check into making sure you are getting enough protein, how your digestion is working (make sure you are chewing food properly, adding in fermented foods like kombucha, sauerkraut, and kefir (in small amounts), and looking at a possible B100 complex to start with. If you like meditation or yoga, this is a great thing too right now!
I hope this helps a little, please feel free to reach out if you would like to book an appointment to get to the bottom of what is going on with you!
Marie
Hey Marie
I took a course from you about hormones and would love info again. I’m having some of the symptoms you have outlined. Especially I need help with digestion as I’m prone to diverticulitis. I’m careful what I eat but would appreciate some more help.
I have low energy and would like to lose some weight!
Hi Sharon!
I’d love to chat with you about this – feel free to email me at marie@marietower.com and we can decide what will work best for you!
Marie