Hormonal imbalance can have some serious implications on one’s overall health.  

Hormones play an extremely important role in many of the body’s functions. They act as messengers for the body’s chemicals, and help to control and regulate a number of essential processes, including one’s metabolism. When the hormones are perfectly balanced, the body can function as it should, but unfortunately, hormonal imbalances can occur. Even small changes to one’s hormonal health can have a considerable impact on the body. Read on to find out more about hormonal imbalance, and what possible warning signs to look out for…

What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance?

There are a range of possible signs and symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, and the symptoms that you experience will depend on which specific condition is affecting you. Some of the possible signs of a hormonal condition include weight gain or weight loss; fatigue; muscle aches and/or weakness; joint pain; unexplained sweating; sensitivity to heat or cold; and increased hunger and thirst. Those who suffer from hormonal imbalance may also struggle with mood-related problems, including depression, anxiety and nervousness.  

Dry skin and thinning hair are often signs of a hormonal condition, while stretch marks that are pink or purple in colour could also be possible symptoms of an underlying issue.

All of the aforementioned symptoms can affect both men and women. Some of the symptoms that affect women specifically include particularly heavy or irregular menstrual periods; excessive hair on the face and other parts of the body; acne; and hair loss. Other female-specific symptoms include vaginal dryness, pain during sex and night sweats.

Men, on the other hand, may notice issues like the development of breast tissue; erectile dysfunction; loss of muscle mass; and hot flashes.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is worth seeking professional help so that the cause can be identified, a through diagnosis can be made, and a customised treatment plan can be formulated for you. 

What causes hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance can be caused by a number of factors. The specific cause of your issue will depend on which hormones or glands are being impacted.

Some of the possible causes of hormonal imbalance include certain medications, including some cancer treatments, as well as hormone therapy; certain types of tumours; stress; and injuries. All of these factors can lead to other health issues, which can in turn exacerbate hormone-related problems. These health problems include diabetes; hypothyroidism; hyperthyroidism; thyroid nodules; and abnormally high cortisol levels.

Is it possible to manage hormonal imbalance?  

In some cases, it is possible to manage and regulate hormonal imbalance with certain lifestyle changes.

Healthy weight loss, for example, is often helpful when it comes to improving reproductive health in both men and women. A balanced diet can also promote hormonal and overall health.

Other natural ways of balancing one’s hormones include engaging in regular exercise; reducing sugar intake; and reducing chronic stress.

Although these lifestyle changes can promote better hormonal health, it is sometimes necessary to undergo medicinal or surgical treatment for a hormonal condition. In this case, your doctor may refer you to an endocrine specialist.

How can we help?

Associate Professor Navin Niles is an accomplished endocrine surgeon who specialises in thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and salivary gland surgery. If you have a concern related to your hormonal health or have been referred for an endocrine surgery, we encourage you to come in and see Associate Professor Navin Niles for a consultation. He will advise you on a treatment that suits you best and guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Some of the speciality procedures that Associate Professor Navin Niles offers include hemithyroidectomy; parotidectomy; parathyroidectomy; and thyroidectomy. To find out more about these procedures and what they involve, please have a look here.

To arrange a consultation with Associate Professor Niles, please contact us here or give us a call on (02) 9810 9839.