Potential Causes of Hormonal Imbalances in Women

Causes of Hormonal Imbalances in Women

Age Related Hormonal Imbalance is a Fact of Life for Women

There are multiple causes of hormonal imbalances in women. Menopause is the most common cause. Menopause is a normal, natural transition in life that women begin to experience between the ages of 35-55. Symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women become gradually noticeable over time. Although many of us do not notice the symptoms at first, they become more apparent and increase in severity over time. Adequate levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol are vital. There is greater risk of disease associated with low hormone levels in women. Most women experience symptoms related to hormone deficiency that reduce quality of life.

The most common causes of hormonal imbalances in women are related to Menopause — often called the change of life. Other potential causes of hormonal imbalances in women that impact vitality at any age are related to problems with thyroid health.

Menopause – The Change of Life

Menopause is experienced as women grow older and hormone levels naturally decline. Menopause is the most common cause of hormonal imbalances in women. There are three stages of Menopause we progress through as we age:

Perimenopause – Before

In the 3-5 year period before menopause, your estrogen and other hormone levels begin to drop. This first stage is called Perimenopause. It is the first common cause of hormonal imbalances in women. We typically enter into perimenopause in our late 40’s. Perimenopause can last up to 10 years. It can start as early as the late 30’s in some women. The average age is 51 years old for menopause. We begin to experience irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms such as:

Menopause – During

Most women typically enter Menopause in their early 50s. You are considered in Menopause once you’ve missed your period for 12 straight months. We can perform blood testing (FSH/LH) to confirm the diagnosis of menopause, so you do not actually have to wait for 12 months of amenorrhea. Confirmation may provide you relief as far as potential pregnancy risk. It may also impart clarity in choosing how to move forward with treatment.

A diagnosis of menopause excludes other potential causes of missed periods such as: illness, medication, pregnancy or breastfeeding. The transition from perimenopause through menopause to postmenopause can last 1-3 years. Every woman is unique and will experience menopause differently. Some women experience few symptoms. Most women experience symptoms that vary widely.

Hypothyroidism, fluctuations in the estradiol level during perimenopause, followed by the decreased level in post menopause can negatively affect the thyroid. Healthy estrogen levels helps support healthy thyroid functioning.

Postmenopause – After

Postmenopause begins after one year has passed since your last menstrual cycle. Symptoms that you may have started experiencing in Perimenopause sometimes continue through Menopause and Postmenopause. These symptoms may continue to impact your quality of life.

Due to the decrease in estrogen, there’s an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Early Menopause

There are conditions other than natural aging that can result in an Early Menopause:

• Hysterectomy – Removal of the Uterus – Symptoms Gradually Appear
• Oophorectomy – Removal of the Ovaries – Symptoms Immediately Appear
• Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) – ovaries are under-active or inactive due to genetics, surgery, cancer treatments or other medical issues.

Next: Solution – Integrated Age Management Program for Women

Thyroid Health

Two other potential causes of the symptoms women experience as a result of hormonal imbalances result from problems with thyroid health. Problems with the thyroid gland typically result in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to produce necessary levels of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is more common (up 1 in 7 adults) than Hyperthyroidism. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include: fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, constipation and intolerance to cold temperatures. Hypothyroidism symptoms overlap with some of the “normal symptoms” of Menopause and thyroid hormone levels are tested to rule out thyroid health issues before hormone replacement therapy begins.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is produces greater than necessary levels of thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is less common than Hypothyroidism. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: muscle weakness, anxiety, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, breathlessness, heart palpitations, hair loss, trembling hands, insomnia, intolerance to heat, increased bowel movements and in severe cases Osteoporosis. Some hyperthyroidism symptoms overlap with the “normal symptoms” of Menopause and thyroid hormone levels are tested to rule out thyroid health issues before hormone replacement therapy begins.

Next: Solution – Integrated Age Management Program for Women

Can you tell me more? How do I get started?

Are you feeling an impact to your quality of life due to the symptoms of aging? You can take your first step to feeling good again and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Radiance Age Management offers an Integrated Age Management Program for Women. Review our age management services to see how we can help you maintain your quality of life as you age:

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

Peptide Supplementation for Women

Nutraceuticals for Women

O-Shot Palm Beach Gardens

More information:

Anti-Aging for Women

Solution: Integrated Age Management Program for Women