Hormone Imbalance

What causes a hormone imbalance?

Hormones control many of your body’s essential functions, including metabolism, mood, and temperature. When you have too much or too little of a hormone, your body may not function as it should, leading to significant symptoms.

Lifestyle, food intolerances, gut health, chronic stress, and environmental toxins may all contribute to hormone imbalance. Other common causes include:

Thyroid disorder

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that regulates digestion, temperature, metabolism, and more. Thyroid disorders may include Hashimoto’s (autoimmune thyroiditis), hypothyroidism (low hormone production), and hyperthyroidism (overproduction).

Adrenal dysfunction

Your adrenal glands sit atop your kidneys and produce essential hormones, including cortisol, which regulates stress. When adrenal hormone production becomes imbalanced, it can lead to fatigue and other symptoms. Dr. Kapoor evaluates your cortisol levels throughout the day to identify adrenal dysfunction.

Low hormone production

As you age, your body naturally reduces production of key hormones like insulin, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This decline can cause symptoms related to premenopause, perimenopause, and low testosterone.

Dr. Kapoor works closely with you to identify the unique underlying factors contributing to your hormone imbalance.

What conditions are associated with hormone imbalance?

Hormone imbalances can contribute to a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic stress and fatigue
• Obesity
• Infertility
• Premature ejaculation
• Anxiety and depression
• Acne

Additional conditions linked to hormone imbalance include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Cysts, elevated androgens, irregular cycles, and poor ovarian function
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Mood swings, fatigue, irritability, food cravings, and physical discomfort
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A severe form of PMS
• Menopause and perimenopause: Often associated with declining estrogen
• Erectile dysfunction (ED): Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

How is hormone imbalance diagnosed?

When you show signs of hormone imbalance, Dr. Kapoor conducts a thorough evaluation. This includes a physical assessment, a review of your health history, and specialized lab testing, including nutrigenomic testing when appropriate. She gathers detailed data to diagnose your condition and create a personalized treatment plan.

What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a treatment designed to restore hormonal balance using hormones that are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces. These customized formulations offer a more natural alternative to conventional hormone therapies.

Dr. Kapoor may recommend BHRT if lab results show low levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or other hormones. BHRT is often used to relieve symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause, and low testosterone, such as hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and decreased libido.

At ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine, BHRT is tailored to each individual. Treatment options include creams, gels, patches, or pellets placed under the skin for sustained release. With careful monitoring and adjustments, BHRT can help restore balance, support long-term wellness, and improve overall quality of life.

What are the signs of a hormone imbalance?

Common symptoms of hormone imbalance include:

• Night sweats
• Hot flashes
• Weight gain or loss
• Fatigue
• Anxiety or depression
• Muscle weakness
• Body aches
• Joint pain
• Irregular heart rate
• Low libido
• Mood changes

The symptoms vary based on which hormones are out of balance. For example, insufficient insulin production can lead to insulin resistance or diabetes, resulting in chronically elevated blood sugar.

For a customized hormone imbalance treatment plan, call ARA Integrative and Functional Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.