[Biology Class Notes] on Hormonal Imbalance Pdf for EXAM

What Are Hormones and What Is the Role of Hormones?

Many glands, which are essential for growth, development, reproduction, etc., secrete hormones in the body. These are the chemical substances that coordinate the activities of living organisms and also their development. They are secreted by endocrine glands from different tissues in our body.

Different hormones affect body shape differently. Some of these hormones work fast to start or stop a cycle and some will work continuously over a long period of time to fulfill their functions. They assist in body growth, growth, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, etc.

• Thyroid—energy is regulated

• Estrogen—it modulates mood

• Progesterone— known as nature’s anti-anxiety hormone

• Testosterone—mood, motivation, sexuality, strength

What are the Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormones play an integral part in all of our wellbeing. There is a wide range of symptoms that could signify a hormonal imbalance, because of that. Your symptoms can depend on which hormones or glands are not functioning correctly.

Common hormonal conditions that affect men and women may cause one of the following symptoms:

• Weight gain

• Fatigue

• Increased sensitivity to cold or heat

• Constipation or more frequent bowel movements

• What are the causes of hormonal imbalance?

• Frequently asked questions on hormonal imbalance

• Dry skin

• Puffy face

• Unexplained weight loss (sometimes sudden)

• Increased or decreased heart rate

• Muscle weakness

• Frequent urination

• Increased thirst

• Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness

• Pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints

• Thinning hair or fine, brittle hair

• Increased hunger

• Depression

• Decreased sex drive

• Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability

• Blurred vision

• Sweating

• Infertility

• A fatty hump between the shoulders

• Rounded face

• Purple or pink stretch marks

Causes of A Hormonal Imbalance

A hormonal imbalance can have many possible causes. The causes vary according to which hormones or glands are affected. Hormone imbalance is commonly caused by:

• Diabetes

• Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid

• Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid

• Hypogonadism

• Cushing syndrome

• Thyroiditis

• Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules

• Hormone therapy

• Tumors (benign or cancerous)

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

• Eating disorders

• Medications

• Stress

• Adrenal insufficiency

• Pituitary tumor

• Injury or trauma

• Cancer treatments

• Causes unique to women

• Numerous causes of women’s hormonal imbalance are linked to reproductive hormones.

Common Causes Include

• Menopause

• Pregnancy

• Breastfeeding