We often hear the word “hormones” thrown around in conversations about mood swings or skin breakouts, but these chemical messengers do so much more than regulate our emotions. Produced by the endocrine glands, hormones travel through your bloodstream to tell your tissues and organs what to do. They control your metabolism, sleep cycles, reproductive health, and even your body temperature.
When you have a hormonal imbalance, you have too much or too little of a certain hormone. Even tiny changes can have serious effects throughout your whole body.
If you’ve been feeling “off” lately but can’t quite put your finger on why, it might be time to look at your endocrine health. Here are seven common signs that your hormones might be out of sync.
1. Persistent Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight
While diet and exercise are the pillars of weight management, hormones like insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones play a massive role in where your body stores fat and how efficiently you burn it.
High Cortisol: Often called the “stress hormone,” chronically high levels can lead to weight gain specifically around the midsection (visceral fat).
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid slows down your metabolism, making weight loss feel like an uphill battle.
2. Chronic Fatigue and Sleep Issues
If you’re getting eight hours of sleep but still waking up exhausted, your hormones may be to blame.
Progesterone: This hormone has a calming effect. If levels are too low, you might find it hard to fall or stay asleep.
Adrenal Fatigue: Overworked adrenal glands can disrupt your natural circadian rhythm, leaving you “tired but wired” at night.
3. Persistent Acne and Skin Changes
While we associate acne with puberty, adult acne is a significant red flag for hormonal shifts.
Androgens: An excess of “male” hormones (like testosterone) can cause your oil glands to overproduce sebum, clogging pores and leading to deep, cystic acne along the jawline.
Estrogen: Low estrogen levels, particularly during menopause, can lead to thinning skin and a loss of elasticity.
4. Mood Swings, Anxiety, and Depression
Because hormones interact with brain chemistry, they have a direct line to your mood.
Estrogen & Serotonin: Estrogen helps regulate serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When estrogen drops suddenly (such as during the premenstrual phase or perimenopause), it can lead to irritability or “brain fog.”
Thyroid Disorders: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause feelings of anxiety and restlessness, while an underactive one is often linked to depression.
5. Digestive Issues
The digestive tract is lined with tiny receptors for estrogen and progesterone. When these hormones are imbalanced, you might experience:
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Changes in bowel habits
Nausea
This is why many women experience digestive shifts right before or during their menstrual cycle
6. Hair Thinning or Unusual Hair Growth
Your hair is often a mirror of your internal health.
Thyroid: Changes in thyroid function can cause hair to become brittle, dry, or thin out on the scalp.
PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome often involves high androgen levels, which can cause hair loss on the head but unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) on the face or chest.
7. Night Sweats and Hot Flashes
While most commonly associated with menopause, night sweats can occur due to various hormonal imbalances. Low estrogen can confuse the hypothalamus, the body’s “thermostat”, causing it to think the body is overheating, which triggers a hot flash to cool it down.
When to See a Professional
Because many of these symptoms overlap with other health conditions, it is vital not to self-diagnose. If you are experiencing several of these signs consistently, consider asking your doctor for a hormone panel (blood, saliva, or urine testing).
Simple Ways to Support Hormonal Health
While medical intervention is sometimes necessary, you can support your endocrine system through:
Prioritizing Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest.
Managing Stress: Practice meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to lower cortisol.
Balanced Nutrition: Focus on healthy fats (omega-3s), fiber, and adequate protein.
Regular Movement: Avoid overtraining, which can actually spike stress hormones, and focus on consistent, moderate exercise.
DISCLAIMER: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional regarding any health concerns.
Her Wellness notes 