If you’re a woman, chances are you’ve dealt with or are dealing with hormonal imbalances. “Statistics show that 80 percent of women suffer from hormonal imbalance,” Christine Mullin, MD, FACOG, tells Northwell Health. “Some women live with these imbalances without even realizing it; in fact, 70 percent are unaware of conditions like PCOS that may have manifested due to hormonal irregularities.” Hormonal issues can show in a number of symptoms—here are 7 warning signs your hormones are out of balance, according to experts.
RELATED: Hormone Doctor Shares 3 Things He Avoids.
1. Hot Flashes
iStock
Random hot flashes could be a sign of hormonal imbalance. “Are you experiencing random hot flashes throughout the day, or waking up covered in sweat? These symptoms are a major red flag for hormone imbalance and are mostly likely due to a drop in estrogen levels,” says Dr. Mullin. “Although it's rare, these symptoms could also be a sign of ovarian failure. Don’t put off seeing your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms.”
2. Skin Issues
Shutterstock Hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on your skin. “Though acne is usually left behind once you emerge from your teen years, adult acne results when the balance between estrogen and androgen hormones changes,” says Alexandra Pellicena, MD, FACOG. “It’s a common sign of polycystic ovary syndrome. On the other hand, menopause can cause dry, itchy skin.”
3. Infertility Issues
Shutterstock
Struggling with fertility could be linked to hormonal imbalance. “Hormonal imbalances are one of the primary reasons for female infertility,” says Dr. Pellicena. “Certain hormones signal to the ovaries when to release an egg, so when they’re in low supply, that communication chain may be disrupted.”
4. Weight Gain
ShutterstockStruggling to lose weight is another sign of possible hormonal imbalance. “Weight gain or trouble losing weight is one of the many uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms of hormonal imbalance,” says Dr. Mullin. “Many women experience this issue even if they workout four or five times a week and are mindful of their calorie intake. This can be attributed to stressed out adrenals or an imbalance associated with PCOS.”
RELATED: 10 Supplements for Your PMS Symptoms.
5. Sleepless Nights
Shutterstock
Hormonal issues could disrupt your sleep. “If it’s been a while since you had a restful sleep, it could be due to hormonal imbalances,” says Dr Chin Yue Kim Lisa via Mount Elizabeth Hospitals. “In most cases, decreased levels of the hormone progesterone which is produced by the ovaries could be a cause of sleeplessness. Additionally, low levels of estrogen can result in profuse sweating and night sweats that get in the way of a good night’s rest.”
6. Heavy Periods
Shutterstock
Heavy menstrual cycles could be a sign of hormonal issues. “Unusually heavy menstrual cycles are fairly common and often become the norm for most women, but they still warrant an evaluation,” says Dr. Mullin. “Heavy periods can be due to fibroids, benign masses in the uterus fueled by estrogen. These can be controlled through medical and surgical treatments.”
7. Libido Issues
Shutterstock
Low or no libido could be a sign of hormonal issues.“Though generally thought of as a male hormone, testosterone is also present in women, and when it falls out of balance, your libido may be a victim,” says Dr. Pellicena. “Low sex drive is common during perimenopause and early menopause as your body settles into its new hormonal state.”
