THESE TWELVE SYMPTOMS MAY SIGNAL A HORMONAL IMBALANCE IN WOMEN
1. HOT FLASHES
2. DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING
Your brain has several neurotransmitters that regulate your body. Estrogen, one of the hormones, helps control serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels. Low estrogen can lead to a hormonal imbalance, making a depletion in your neurotransmitters more noticeable.
3. SKIN PIGMENT ISSUES
Dealing with pigment issues, also known as liver spots, is undesirable, yet they often emerge in one's 40s and 50s.
Hyperpigmentation, caused by the body's slower repair of sun damage and other factors, can be prevented by wearing high-strength sunscreen.
4. WEIGHT GAIN
Hormonal imbalances can lead to weight fluctuations. Many women experience "middle-age spread" as they gain weight. Since hormones regulate metabolism, an imbalance can slow it down.
As you age, your metabolism naturally decreases, so it's important to avoid overindulging in high-calorie foods like cookies, which your body now processes more slowly.
5. EXCESSIVE SWEATING
A woman's body temperature can fluctuate wildly, akin to the lyrics of a pop song, "You're hot, then you're cold," due to a malfunctioning internal thermostat. You might experience intense heat bursts or wake up drenched in sweat.
Using a fan at night can help manage the excessive heat. Remember, as soon as you dress for the heat, you may find yourself cold and reaching for a blanket.
6. FACIAL HAIR
Menopause can be tough enough without the added challenge of unexpected hair growth in unwanted places. This condition, known as hirsutism, causes male-pattern hair growth on a woman's body and can be quite bothersome. You might even find yourself able to grow a beard or mustache akin to your husband's.
When you notice these extra hairs, resist the urge to shave them. Shaving can make the hair grow back coarser and more stubbly, which is unpleasant to the touch. Fortunately, there are several permanent hair removal methods that don't involve a razor.
Would you want to sport a five o'clock shadow? In such cases, laser hair removal can be a lifesaver, helping you avoid any potential embarrassment.
7. MOODINESS
Ever find yourself so irritable that your own company becomes unbearable? This is a common experience for women undergoing menopause. It can feel like your body is betraying you, acting in ways you never anticipated.
Hormonal fluctuations can significantly affect your mood. It's important to be gentle with your family—they need you. If you find yourself on edge, ready to snap at the slightest glance, consider exploring herbal remedies for mood stabilization.
As your hormones ebb and flow erratically, it's crucial not to let your family bear the brunt of it. Natural treatments, such as St. John's Wort, may offer some relief.
8. MENSTRUAL CYCLES ARE ERRATIC
Not only might you experience a lack of focus, mood swings, and hot flashes, but you may also notice erratic periods. It's possible to feel as if you're pregnant when your periods start to skip.
Pregnancy should not be dismissed in the late 40s or even early 50s, as 'change of life' babies are a reality. If you've been regular, tracking your cycle can become difficult when it becomes unpredictable, varies in flow, and seems to follow its own rules. Many women opt for an ablation, a procedure that removes the uterine lining, when periods are too heavy.
What happens with your cycle is unpredictable. It might disappear quietly, never to bother you again, or it might end tumultuously. Avoid relying on it to schedule your months due to hormonal imbalances.
9. HAIR LOSS
Your once-reliable hair may start to fall out, leaving piles in the shower drain. Witnessing your hair thin can be distressing, another issue linked to hormonal changes.
Be aware that various factors, including thyroid issues, can affect your hair. If you notice bald patches and thinning, it may not solely be menopause. Alopecia areata is a common condition affecting both genders.
While it may be embarrassing, skilled stylists can cut your hair to camouflage thinning or bald areas. A new hairstyle might be the perfect solution. For more extensive thinning, hairpieces or wigs can offer coverage.
There are treatments that target the scalp, but often, the regrown hair falls out once treatment ceases.
10. ACNE AND SKIN BLEMISHES
You might think you're past the age of pimples and facial blemishes, but menopause can bring about adult acne. It's important to rule out rosacea, a condition that can mimic regular acne.
If it's not rosacea, it could be an external sign of hormonal imbalance. There are numerous ways to address this issue. For a natural treatment, tea tree oil is highly recommended. Incorporate a few drops into a facial mask and apply it to your skin.
Tea tree oil is celebrated for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which target the root cause of blemishes. It's a widely used natural remedy because of its effectiveness. Avoid wasting money on over-the-counter creams that may treat blemishes but also excessively dry out the skin.
11. HEADACHES
The various changes in your body can lead to headaches. There are many types of headaches, each with different causes. Stress and tension from muscle discomfort can lead to neck and back pain.
A misaligned neck can result in severe headaches. Remember, these are typical during times of hormonal fluctuation.
12. DIGESTIVE ISSUES
Digestive issues are another concern you might encounter. Symptoms such as gas, bloating, and other issues like diarrhea or constipation can arise. It's crucial to monitor your diet to address these problems. You may also need to increase your fiber intake while reducing carbohydrates and fats. This dietary adjustment may require some trial and error but can provide significant relief.
Signs Of Hormonal Imbalances In Women
Incorporating eggs, chives, baker's yeast, garlic, and dairy products into your diet can help. There are various strategies to navigate this transition, and eventually, your body will adjust, ushering in a new sense of normalcy.
