Female Hormone Imbalance

Female Hormone Imbalance

The ovaries produce many hormones. Chief among them are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone interact to coordinate a woman’s menstrual cycle during her reproductive years. The brain produces the hormones follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the ovaries. When any of the hormones coming from the brain or the ovaries are imbalanced, symptoms may occur. Imbalances are most common in puberty and menopause, but imbalances can happen at any age. Several conditions are well known to be associated with hormonal imbalance including: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, breast disease, and menstrual irregularities.

Download, print and complete this Female Symptoms Checklist (PDF) to take to your healthcare provider.

Male Hormone Imbalance

Male Hormone Imbalance

The testes produce nearly 95% of all male testosterone. The balance is supplied by the adrenal glands. They also produce small amounts of estrogen. The brain produces the pituitary hormones follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the testes. As a man gets older, testosterone levels fall and estrogen levels tend to rise. Lower testosterone levels may affect bone density, muscle strength, body composition and sex drive. The imbalance that occurs when testosterone is low in relation to estrogen may also contribute to prostate problems.

Download, print and complete this Male Symptoms Checklist (PDF) to take to your healthcare provider.

Adrenal

Adrenal Imbalance

The adrenal glands produce three types of steroid hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA/DHEAS). Cortisol enables the body to respond and adapt to the stresses of daily life. It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels and promote a healthy immune system. Aldosterone works to balance salt and water in the body. Androgens secreted by the adrenals provide the majority of DHEA for both men and women. For women, the adrenal glands are the major source of testosterone. Imbalances in the adrenal system can contribute to problems with the nervous and immune systems, body composition difficulties, blood sugar irregularities, and high androgen levels.

Symptoms of adrenal imbalance

• Allergies / asthma
• Arthritis
• Bone loss
• Chemical sensitivities
• Morning/evening fatigue
• High blood sugar
• Increased abdominal fat
• Memory lapses
• Sleep disturbances
• Sugar cravings

Thyroid Function

Thyroid Function Imbalance

Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism. The brain produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which triggers the thyroid gland to produce two types of hormones – T4 and T3. In hypothyroidism, the body has inadequate levels of the thyroid hormones. This often leads to imbalances in relation to other hormones. Hyperthyroidism is a less common condition that exists when excess thyroid hormones are present. Because every cell of the body is affected by thyroid hormones, symptoms of imbalances are often varied and affect multiple body systems.

Insulin

Insulin Imbalance

Insulin is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin “unlocks” the cells to allow glucose (sugar) from food to enter and be converted into energy. When too much glucose is present in the body, the pancreas increases the amount of insulin being produced. High insulin as well as high glucose may contribute to multiple symptoms. A number of conditions are associated with insulin and glucose imbalances and regulation problems. These include chronic stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Symptoms of insulin imbalance

• Abnormal blood cholesterol
• Fatigue
• High blood triglycerides
• Increased abdominal fat
• Increased hunger / sugar cravings
• Low/high blood sugar
• Poor circulation to extremities
• Skin changes

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency

Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency

In childhood, growth hormone (GH) controls a child’s height. It is normal for GH levels to decline as a person reaches adulthood, but new research suggests that some adults may have too low a level. Low levels of GH are linked to poor muscle tone, increase body fat, low energy levels, and cardiovascular changes. GH insufficiency is associated with pituitary gland problems, brain injury, autoimmune disorders, and nervous system conditions.

Symptoms of adult growth hormone deficiency

• Abnormal blood cholesterol
• Bone loss
• Decreased muscle mass
• Decreased stamina and exercise ability
• Fatigue
• Increased abdominal fat
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Lower life expectancy