Hormone imbalance is an umbrella term for medical conditions caused by a disorder of the endocrine system. These range from diabetes to thyroid disorders to delayed puberty. Hormone imbalance can affect both men and women. Hormone imbalance occurs when the body produces too much of one particular hormone such as oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Causes

Hormones regulate functions in the body such as growth, fertility, sex drive, menstruation etc. When hormones become imbalanced, typically due to age, they can begin to affect these functions and health in general. Hormone imbalance can begin from early 20's into your 40's and 50's and can affect men as well as women.

Hormone imbalance in women tends to begin later in life with the menopause being a particularly difficult time. During the menopause, the development of the hormone 'oestrogen' begins to fall causing detrimental effects to the body. Oestrogen protects the heart and bones and keeps the womb, bladder, vagina and breasts in a healthy condition. When oestrogen levels fall, health problems occur.

Hormone imbalance in men can result in higher levels of oestrogen which causes breast enlargement (known as gynecomastia or 'man boobs'). As men get older, levels of testosterone can fall resulting in sexual problems such as impotence (erectile dysfunction) and low self-drive.

Symptoms of hormone imbalance vary depending on the hormone, its level, the sex of the person etc.

Symptoms of hormone imbalance can include:

• Weight Gain

• Bloating

• Allergies

• Fertility Problems

• Low Sex Drive

• Facial Hair Growth (in women)

• Enlarged Breasts

• Mood Swings

• Depression

• Chronic fatigue

• Acne

• Impotence

• Enlarged Prostate (men)

• Diabetes

• Insomnia

• Headaches

• Muscle Weakness

• Hot Flushes

• Night Sweats

Diagnosis 

Hormone imbalance can be diagnosed by a hormone imbalance test which is taken using the blood or saliva. A GP will also take into consideration the physical and psychological symptoms as mentioned above.

*Source: GoToSee.co.uk

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