How to Know If Your Hormones Are Out of Whack
- Breanne Pflanz, APRN-BC
- Jun 14, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 28
Hormones play a vital role in nearly every function of the human body—from regulating metabolism and energy levels to controlling mood, reproductive health, and sleep. When these chemical messengers fall out of balance, the consequences can be profound. If you're feeling "off" but can't pinpoint why, your hormones may be the culprit.
This article will guide you through the most common hormone imbalance symptoms, the causes, the effects on daily life, and how Balanced You Medical Wellness in Omaha, Nebraska can help you restore equilibrium and vitality.
What Are Hormones and Why Do They Matter?
Hormones are biochemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. They travel through your bloodstream to organs and tissues, orchestrating essential functions such as:
Metabolism and appetite regulation
Growth and development
Sexual function and reproduction
Sleep cycles and mood
Body temperature and heart rate
Key hormones include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, insulin, and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Even slight imbalances in these can result in widespread symptoms that impact both physical and emotional health.
Common Causes of Hormonal Imbalance Hormonal fluctuations are natural throughout life, but certain factors can trigger or worsen imbalances:
Aging and menopause: Especially in women over 40, declining estrogen and progesterone can lead to significant hormonal shifts.
Thyroid dysfunction: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt metabolism, energy, and mood.
Chronic stress: Prolonged stress leads to elevated cortisol, which can interfere with other hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Poor diet and nutrition: Excess sugar, processed foods, and nutrient deficiencies can hinder hormone production and regulation.
Environmental toxins: Chemicals like BPA and phthalates are endocrine disruptors that mimic or block hormones.
Medical conditions: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, adrenal fatigue, and pituitary disorders are known contributors.
Addressing the root causes is key to sustainable hormone health, not just masking the symptoms.
Think your symptoms may be hormone-related? Take our free online hormone assessment to get a better understanding of your hormonal health.
Want to learn more about treatment options? Read our blog on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to explore natural solutions.
Hormone Imbalance Symptoms in Women
Women often experience a wide range of symptoms when their hormone levels become unbalanced. These can include:
Irregular or missed periods
Intense PMS symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and mood swings
Anxiety, depression, or irritability
Insomnia or poor-quality sleep
Low energy and chronic fatigue
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Reduced sex drive or painful intercourse
Hair thinning or hair loss
Brain fog and forgetfulness
Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can significantly exacerbate these symptoms. A 2022 Mayo Clinic study found that nearly 85% of women in perimenopause report sleep disturbances and mood instability, underscoring how pervasive these imbalances can be.
Hormone Imbalance Symptoms in Men
While less commonly discussed, hormone imbalance in men—especially declining testosterone—can also lead to serious health and lifestyle disruptions, such as:
Low libido and erectile dysfunction
Muscle loss and increased abdominal fat
Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
Mood changes like depression, irritability, or anxiety
Trouble concentrating or memory issues
Decreased motivation or drive
Sleep disturbances including insomnia or sleep apnea
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism revealed that nearly 40% of men over 45 experience some level of testosterone deficiency. Recognizing the signs early allows for more effective intervention.
How Hormonal Imbalance Affects Daily Life
Hormonal imbalance isn’t just a set of physical symptoms—it can affect every aspect of your life. Emotionally, you may feel like a different person. Mentally, it may be difficult to focus or remain productive. Physically, the constant fatigue or weight gain can impact your confidence and social life. Common day-to-day issues include:
Difficulty keeping up at work or school
Strain on personal relationships
Increased susceptibility to infections or illness
Heightened anxiety or depressive episodes
Reduced enjoyment of hobbies and activities
These disruptions can build over time, leading to a significant decline in quality of life if left untreated.
Ready to regain control of your health and well-being? Contact Balanced You Medical Wellness today to schedule your personalized consultation.
Related: Curious about how hormone testing works? Read our blog on Hormone Testing for Women to find out how we personalize care at every step.
When to See a Professional:
Key Warning Signs While occasional fatigue or mood swings may not signal anything serious, there are definite red flags that suggest it's time to consult a hormone specialist:
Persistent or worsening symptoms over several months
Menstrual irregularities or early signs of menopause
Rapid, unexplained changes in weight or energy levels
Mood instability that interferes with daily functioning
A family history of hormonal disorders such as thyroid issues, diabetes, or PCOS
Tracking your symptoms with a journal or using a symptom checklist can help you determine when to seek professional care. The earlier you get evaluated, the better your outcome.
The Diagnostic Process:
How We Identify Hormonal Imbalance At Balanced You Medical Wellness, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to hormone health.
Your diagnostic process begins with a detailed consultation that includes:
An in-depth symptom review
Full medical and family history
Discussion of lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and stress
From there, we utilize state-of-the-art hormone testing through blood, saliva, or urine samples—depending on the complexity of your symptoms.
These tests assess levels of key hormones such as:
Estrogen and progesterone
Testosterone
Cortisol
DHEA
Thyroid hormones (T3, T4, and TSH)
Our providers use this data to create a holistic view of your hormone profile and guide your customized treatment plan.
Available Treatments for Hormonal Imbalance
Treating hormone imbalance is not one-size-fits-all. At Balanced You, we offer evidence-based, integrative therapies tailored to your specific needs. These include:
Lifestyle Interventions: Nutritional guidance, sleep coaching, and stress-reducing strategies like meditation and exercise
Nutraceutical Support: Supplements that help optimize hormone production naturally
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): A natural, plant-derived alternative to synthetic hormones with precise dosing based on your lab results
Thyroid Optimization: Targeted treatment for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
Adrenal Support: Protocols for managing cortisol imbalances caused by chronic stress
Each plan is reviewed and adjusted regularly to ensure the best possible outcomes, with a focus on long-term wellness rather than temporary fixes.
Take the first step toward balanced health. Complete our free online hormone assessment today.
Want to understand how BHRT can fit into your treatment plan? Read our blog: BHRT vs. HRT—What’s the Difference and Why It Matters.
Why Ignoring Hormonal Symptoms Is Risky
Ignoring hormone imbalance can have serious long-term consequences. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of:
Cardiovascular disease
Osteoporosis and bone fractures
Type 2 diabetes
Infertility and sexual dysfunction
Severe mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
Early intervention can prevent many of these complications and help you maintain a higher quality of life well into older age.
The Balanced You Approach to Hormonal Health
At Balanced You Medical Wellness, we believe in treating the whole person—not just isolated symptoms. Our approach includes:
Customized treatment plans based on comprehensive lab work
Continuous follow-up and optimization
Compassionate, patient-centered care
Evidence-based solutions that work naturally with your body
We empower our patients to become active participants in their health journey. You’re not just getting a prescription—you’re gaining a wellness partner.
Lifestyle Tips to Support Hormonal Balance
While medical care is essential, lifestyle changes also play a major role in maintaining hormonal health. Simple, daily adjustments can make a big difference:
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean proteins
Avoid sugar, caffeine, and alcohol excess
Practice stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and mindfulness
Prioritize 7–9 hours of restorative sleep per night
Exercise regularly with a mix of strength training, cardio, and flexibility work
Eliminate endocrine disruptors by choosing clean personal care and household products
FAQ: Quick Answers About Hormonal Imbalance
Can birth control cause hormone issues?
Yes, hormonal contraceptives can sometimes suppress or alter your body’s natural hormone cycles.
Is it normal to feel this tired all the time?
Persistent fatigue could be a sign of adrenal dysfunction, thyroid issues, or low sex hormones.
How long does it take for hormones to rebalance?
With proper treatment, many people see improvements within 4 to 12 weeks.
Are bioidentical hormones safe?
When prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider, BHRT is generally safe and well-tolerated.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing the signs of hormonal imbalance is the first step toward reclaiming your vitality. From mood swings and brain fog to weight gain and fatigue, your body could be telling you something important. Don’t ignore the signals.
Take the free online hormone assessment today and get clarity on what your symptoms might mean. For expert help, compassionate care, and personalized hormone therapy in Omaha, contact Balanced You Medical Wellness. We’re here to help you feel like yourself again.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Perimenopause and sleep disruption: Survey findings.
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. (2023). Prevalence of testosterone deficiency in aging men.
Hormone Health Network. (2021). What are hormones and how do they work?
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Common causes and symptoms of hormone imbalance.
Endocrine Society. (2021). Environmental endocrine disruptors and hormone health.
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