Sudden weight gain or loss

Are you gaining weight even though you do not have any new lifestyle changes? This may be caused by a drop in estrogen levels. This generally occurs in menopausal women, but can also be caused by other factors. Changes in estrogen levels affect your mood and appetite as well as your levels of leptin, the hunger hormone. As a consequence, you eat more and gain weight.

Unexplained weight loss can indicate a malfunction of the thyroid gland, which starts producing too much or too little hormone. If you have lost five pounds or more abruptly, it is worth seeing an endocrinologist.

Irregular periods

If you are far from menopause and your periods come every month at different times or sometimes don't come at all, it may be because your progesterone and estrogen levels are too high or too low. This, in turn, can be a sign of polycystic ovaries.

Problems with sleep

This is another symptom of hormonal failure. Progesterone and estrogen levels may be decreasing.

Acne

The appearance of pimples before or during menstruation is normal. But if they do not disappear after menstruation, it can be a symptom of hormonal problems. An excess of androgens (male hormones), which are present in both men and women, can lead to overactive sebaceous glands and acne.

Constant fatigue

Sluggishness and sleepiness — even when you are well-rested — can occur due to insufficient production of thyroid hormone. You can check its level with a simple test.

Stomach discomfort

Our intestines also respond to levels of progesterone and estrogen, and if they change, you may experience discomforts such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Profuse night sweats

A common companion of menopause, which caused by low estrogen levels. If you're a long way from menopause but still sweat at night, there is likely a hormone issue.

Dry skin

Skin unable to retain moisture can indicate a disorder in the thyroid gland. If this is the case, cosmetic products will only have a temporary impact and will not solve the issue.

Mood swings

Fluctuations in hormone levels cause a dramatic change in our mood and may even lead to depression.

Deteriorating hair quality

Thinning and loss of hair signal an increase in testosterone.

Headaches

Almost half of women experience headaches before and during menstruation because of changes in estrogen levels, which trigger a complex chain of reactions. The cause of hormonal migraine, in addition to menstruation, can be the taking of hormonal drugs, fertility treatment, and menopause.

Vaginal dryness

Occasional dryness or discomfort is normal. But if the sensation recurs regularly, a drop in estrogen, which is responsible for moisturizing and releasing lubrication, may be to blame.

Loss of libido

Although testosterone is considered a male hormone, women also have it and it is responsible for libido. A decrease in libido levels is a common cause of reluctance to have sex.

Thirst

Estrogen and progesterone regulate the body's fluid content. If these levels change, you may be drinking more than usual. Also, thirst can be a sign of insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps retain water. This can cause a condition called non-sugar diabetes.

Each of these symptoms can have many causes. However, if you have more than one, you should be examined by an endocrinologist.

26 April 2022