Hormones should exist within harmony of each other as they affect everyday health and well-being.  Body systems are stable when hormone levels are proportional and although present in small amounts, hormones act on every cell of the body.  Hormones have individual effects while also interacting with each other to produce dramatic effects in the body and due to these interactions, they are able to trigger multiple body systems. When balance is lost, hormone deficiencies and excesses can cause chronic symptoms and disorders, as well as increase disease risk.

In women, the ovaries produce many hormones.  The most influential hormones are estrogen and progesterone, which interact to coordinate a woman’s menstrual cycle during her reproductive years, along with testosterone. The brain produces follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the ovaries.  When any of the above hormones are imbalanced, symptoms may occur.  Imbalances are most common during puberty and menopause, but can occur at any age. Several conditions are well known to be associated with hormonal imbalance including: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, breast disease, and menstrual irregularities.

Symptoms of female hormone imbalance

• Acne or oily skin
• Bloating
• Bone loss
• Decreased fertility
• Depression
• Excess facial and body hair
• Hot flashes
• Heavy or painful periods
• Irregular periods
• Irritability
• Loss of muscle mass
• Loss of scalp hair
• Low libido
• Memory lapses
• Mood swings 
• Nervousness
• Night sweats 
• Poor concentration
• Sleep disturbances
• Tender or fibrocystic breasts
• Urinary incontinence
• Vaginal dryness 
• Weight gain
  

The adrenal glands produce three types of steroid hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA/DHEAS). Cortisol enables the body to respond and adapt to daily life stresses along with blood sugar maintenance and healthy immune system promotion.  Aldosterone maintains the body’s salt and water levels. Androgens, which are secreted by the adrenal glands, provide the majority of DHEA for both men and women.

For women, the adrenal glands are the major source of testosterone. Adrenal imbalance can contribute to nervous and immune system dysfunction, body composition difficulties, blood sugar irregularities, and high androgen levels. 

Knowing your hormone levels through testing is the important initial step in determining if you are out of balance. To take full advantage of hormone testing, it is important to work with your medical professional.

The following questions can help you determine if a medical professional is suited for your needs. 

• What are your views on HRT since the Women’s Health Initiative?
• What is your treatment protocol since the WHI study was halted?
• Do you use natural alternatives?
• Do you recognize the signs and symptoms of hormone imbalance?
• Do you support a patient’s choice to test bioavailable (free) hormone levels in saliva? In blood spot? In serum?
• Do you support a patient’s choice to use bioidentical hormones (BHRT) if needed, instead of conventional HRT?
• Are you trained in the use, efficacy and dosing of bioidentical hormones to meet the needs of the individual?
• Do you ever work/consult with a compounding pharmacist regarding physiological dosing of BHRT?
• Do you integrate complementary treatments into the course of treatment for symptoms of menopause and andropause?
• How often do you monitor hormone levels in your patients who are supplementing with hormones?
• Do you adjust hormone dosages according to tested hormone levels and reported symptoms?
• Who is available to answer my questions?
• Are you interested in learning more about natural menopause/andropause management?
• Do you keep up with the scientific literature on the differences in conventional synthetic hormone re-placement and bioidentical hormone replacement?

Achieving optimal hormone balance is often a matter of trial and error. You may wish to begin your physiologic hormone balance journey with self education. Your practitioner or pharmacist can recommend subject literature as well. Don’t be inhibited to ask questions of your heath care team and don’t be afraid of hormones. Remember, it is your body and health!