Three Of The Most Common Hormone Imbalances

The 3 most common imbalances are:

1.) Hypothyroid

2.) Adrenal insufficiency/hypo function (Not Addison's disease)

3.) Sex hormone imbalance

Hypothyroid

Results in either low levels of circulating thyroid hormone or low relative function of apparently normal levels circulating in the blood.

May be caused by autoimmune disorders, nutritional imbalances or any other condition that either destroys the normal thyroid or reduces its normal function such as local radiation therapy, some types of chemotherapy, trauma or tumor. Low adrenal function may also impair the ability of a normal thyroid hormone level to exert its effect efficiently.

Common symptoms include fatigue, tendency to feel cold, constipation, scalp and eyebrow hair loss, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, skin thickening, depressed or unenthusiastic mood and menstrual irregularity.

Treatment of hypothyroid includes pharmaceutical grade medication such as L-thyroxin to natural glandulars (also by prescription) such as Armour Thyroid, Nature Throid or other compounded varieties. From a holistic point of view, treatment may also include mineral balancing, adrenal glandular support, dietary change and iodine supplementation.

Adrenal Insufficiency/Hypo function

Results in low total or abnormal rhythm of secretion of cortisol. Many other adrenal hormones are typically involved as well.

Is typically caused by the accumulation of stressors which include social/psychological stress, physical stress of illness, injury, operations or any chronic inflammatory or pain problem as well as dietary (in particular carbohydrate) stress.

Common symptoms include severe fatigue, cognitive impairments, mood disturbances, concurrent sex hormone (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) dysfunction, carbohydrate cravings, body fat accumulation, and tendency to allergy and recurrent infections.

Treatment for adrenal insufficiency is dependent on its severity. Lifestyle modification is always very important with the inclusion of adequate rest, reduction of life stressors and proper diet. If chronic pain or inflammation is an associated issue, these problems must be attended to. Supplementation with vitamin and mineral precursors for the production of adrenal hormones, glandular therapies and hormone precursors such as pregnenolone may also be useful.

Sex hormone imbalance

The primary sex hormones I speak of are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. While obviously a very broad topic, for simplicity I will focus on the two major forms of sex hormone imbalance; those related to normal aging (menopause and andropause) and those occurring prior to menopause.

The gradual age related decline and ultimate cessation of ovarian function results in menopause. While men also experience gradual age related decline in testosterone production, some degree of function (albeit sometimes very low) remains with the testicles. This condition is referred to as andropause.

Typical symptoms for women include night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, loss of feminine body shape, irritability, fatigue and sleep disturbance. Men suffering from andropause typically experience fatigue, loss of enthusiasm, low or loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass and mood disturbances.

Treatment for both groups also depends on severity and may include adrenal support (normal adrenal function is necessary to make a smooth transition to menopause and andropause), dietary and nutritional supplementation, herbal remedies with hormonal stimulatory action or hormone replacement therapy.

Sex hormone imbalances occurring prior to menopause are quite diverse, but are typically associated with alterations of normal menstrual function.

Causes likewise are quite variable and can be related to adrenal and thyroid dysfunction, imbalances between the relative production of estrogen and progesterone and nutritional deficiencies.

Treatment can range from natural progesterone therapy, to herbals, to addressing associated thyroid or adrenal problems along with nutritional and lifestyle choices.

While the spectrum of hormonal disturbances possible is quite broad, practical experience often finds these three general areas being encountered most frequently. Each problem has its own set of symptoms, causes and treatments. Within each category many sub categories exist making an experienced medical practitioner the best choice to seek guidance and help for these conditions.