5 Signs Your Hormones Are Imbalanced (& What To Do About It)

Be it hot flushes, mind blanks or hair popping up in unexpected places, hormones can create all sorts of issues on top of the stresses and strains of daily life. But how do we know if our hormones are to blame, or if our moods, memory or metabolism are down to something else? Belle About Town spoke to hormonal health expert Mike Kocsis from Balance My Hormones who has shared his advice on when to consider that your hormones may be to blame.

Memory issues

We’re all guilty of being forgetful from time to time, especially with such packed schedules, however Mike explains that although occasional forgetfulness isn’t something to worry about, if you’re noticing you’re forgetting things more frequently then this could be a sign that something’s off.

“It is thought that low testosterone levels can cause forgetfulness or make your memory worse. Although testosterone is the main androgen in males, it is also found in females too and if your levels fall below the normal range (300 – 1000 ng/dL for males and 15-70ngl/dL for females) then you can experience a decline in cognitive abilities, specifically memory.”

So how can you increase your testosterone levels? Mike says “there are numerous ways to help increase your testosterone levels naturally. Establish a solid exercise routine (and stick to it!), maintain a balanced diet and ensure you sleep well.”

Tiredness

If you find yourself feeling more exhausted than usual, no longer able to perform your usual day-to-day activities properly or struggling to concentrate then this could be another sign that your hormones are off.

Like memory issues, feeling more fatigued that usual is a sign that your testosterone levels have fallen below the normal range. “If you’re struggling with fatigue then firstly make sure you’re having quality night’s sleep. Don’t use your phone before bed and make sure your room is at a comfortable temperature.”

Mike continues “if this doesn’t help then although it may feel counterintuitive while you’re tired, doing a light workout such as yoga or low-intensity Pilates can go a long way to making you feel more alert.”

Is your stress down to hormones?

Life can be stressful and it’s normal to get stressed about situations out of your control. Even so, with too much “exposure” to stress and chronic stress sufferers are at risk of imbalanced cortisol production which can lead to a multitude of health issues.

“Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” as it plays a vital role in the brain’s stress response,” Mike explains. “Not only that but cortisol is needed to help control your blood pressure and reduce inflammation. If your body produces too much, say when you’re overly stressed, then you’re at risk of developing conditions such as anxiety and depression.”

While stressful situations can be out of our hands, there are ways to help keep calm. “Practising mindfulness and meditation, exercising regularly and making sure you have a good night’s sleep are great ways to balance your cortisol levels. If you lead a healthy lifestyle but still find yourself struggling, then you should visit a doctor as it could be a sign of an underlying issue.”

Increased thirst or hunger

If you’ve noticed you’re drinking more water than usual but still seem to feel thirsty then this could be a sign that your body isn’t making enough anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which helps your body ADH retain a healthy amount of water. To determine if this is the case, you will simply need to visit a doctor who will offer you a blood test to check your ADH levels.

If you have periods, then it’s worth tracking your cycle to assess whether it’s a hormone imbalance or just to do with your menstrual cycle. Mike explains “both oestrogen and progesterone affects the amount of water in your body, so when these levels naturally change at the start of your period then you may find yourself more thirsty than usual.”

Facial or body hair growth (in females)

It’s totally normal for females to produce hair. However, if you notice you’re growing hair in places you didn’t usually, for example around your face, nipples, stomach etc, or hair is thicker and grows faster than before then this could be a sign that your body is producing too much testosterone.

This could also be a sign of an underlying condition, Polycystic Ovaries (PCOS) which affects how the ovaries work and is thought to be caused by hormone issues. This is a really common condition, affecting one in ten women in the UK, so if you do suspect you’re suffering with this then it’s worth visiting a doctor who can advise.

How can you balance your hormones?

Although there isn’t a one size fits all method, there are numerous natural ways you can help balance and maintain your hormones. “Ensuring you are getting enough protein in your diet is a natural and easy way to balance your hormones” Mike explains. “This isn’t just meat and fish but also pulses and lentils too.” You should also try and maintain a solid exercise routine, even if it’s low intensity. Mike also suggests “trying stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation and mindfulness can really go a long way to balancing and maintaining your hormones.”

In some circumstances you may need extra support, so either visit a doctor who can test your hormone levels or invest in an at-home test from a professional to determine your hormone levels. We’d always recommend ensuring you speak to someone credited and licensed.