Health Wellness

5 Signs Your Hormones Could Be Off Balance

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By Siobhan Fildes from Ashaya Wellness

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system. They travel in your bloodstream and control many biological processes including growth, metabolism, mood, sleep and reproduction. An imbalance essentially occurs when there is too much or too little of a particular hormone in your system.

Levels of hormones naturally fluctuate at various life stages, most noticeably in women during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause. If you experience any symptoms, it’s important to consult a qualified health professional so they can recommend the most appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes to restore balance to your hormones and overall health and wellbeing. 

5 signs your hormones could be off balance include:

Mood Swings

Fluctuations in the female hormone estrogen throughout the menstrual cycle and during perimenopause can affect neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin (a chemical that boosts mood). If you’re experiencing sudden mood swings, like feeling anxious or irritable without a clear cause, it could be due to a hormonal imbalance. 

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Weight Gain

Unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen, can be linked to hormonal issues and common for women during perimenopause due to the drop in estrogen during this phase. 

Irregular Periods

For women, irregular periods or significant changes in menstrual cycle length could indicate hormonal imbalance. If you are in your forties, irregular periods coupled with a change in flow, can be the first signs of perimenopause due to lower levels of progesterone (another female hormone).

Skin Issues

Skin issues such as oiliness, acne, dryness and sensitively may signal an imbalance in hormone levels. Acne or breakouts can be caused by high level of androgen hormones, like testosterone, creating an overproduction of oil and an environment for inflammation. Dryness and sensitivity can also be a sign of hormonal imbalance and common in perimenopausal women. Estrogen is linked to keeping the skin barrier strong and hydrated, so the decrease in estrogen during perimenopause can cause the skin to become dry, rough and flaky.

Fatigue

Persistent fatigue or difficulty sleeping despite adequate rest could be a sign of hormonal disruption. The second half of the menstrual cycle is around the time women start experiencing PMS symptoms as estrogen levels spike and then fall rapidly, causing sluggishness and fatigue. During perimenopause, changes in ovulation and the patterns of estrogen and progesterone levels can influence circadian rhythms, affecting sleep and leading to fatigue.

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Kate Kendall from Flow Athletic, Siobhan Fildes from Ashaya and renowned Ayurvedic Practitioner and Author, Chasca Summerville have just recently a women’s wellness day retreat on Sunday, June 16 in Sydney. Discover how to balance mind, body, and spirit through personalised self-care routines and nourishing practices. Connect with like-minded individuals and learn from experienced practitioners in a supportive and empowering environment. Click here to Book.

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