Risks of Hormone Deficiency in Women
Our bodies are incredible, beautiful systems. They do a great job of balancing our hormones – estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone, and thyroid, to name a few. Still, many factors can disrupt this delicate balance, leaving us feeling “off” and confused about what’s wrong.
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, you might be wondering if you should see a doctor. After all, a few hot flashes or nights without sleep isn’t so bad – right?
Wrong. Unfortunately, unchecked imbalances can lead to serious health risks, including cancer.
At SynergenX, we believe in a proactive approach to your health. Understanding the risks of hormone deficiency in women is an essential step in your health journey. Armed with this knowledge, you can better understand your symptoms and decide if hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes might improve your quality of life.
What are the risks associated with a hormone deficiency in women?
Is it dangerous to have low or high hormone levels? The short answer is yes. The risks depend on the type of hormone imbalance and the specific health condition associated with the imbalance.
In general, there are three categories of risks associated with hormonal imbalances in women:
- The undiagnosed, underlying medical condition
- Additional symptoms that can hinder your quality of life
- The development of new medical conditions
Undiagnosed, underlying medical conditions
Our bodies speak to us when something is wrong. Usually, it begins with a whisper, like a headache. Ignore it long enough, and you get used to living with symptoms that most people would find intrusive to their daily lives.
The problem with ignoring symptoms of hormonal imbalance is that you might be overlooking an underlying health condition. This reason is one of the significant risks of hormonal imbalances.
With the proper tests, you might discover that you have Low Testosterone levels or low estrogen levels. The specific deficiency or imbalance you have can then lead to further tests that reveal your final diagnosis.
Low Testosterone levels might indicate adrenal disease, while an underactive thyroid could suggest that you have an autoimmune disorder. The sooner you find out what’s wrong, the sooner you can begin treatment.
Some common underlying medical conditions that cause hormonal imbalances include:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Adrenal insufficiency & Addison’s Disease
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Hashimoto’s disease (underactive thyroid)
- Grave’s disease (overactive thyroid)
- Ectopic pregnancy (low progesterone)
- Gallbladder problems
- Diabetes
- Cushing syndrome
Additional symptoms
Along with discovering an underlying health condition, another risk associated with a hormonal imbalance is experiencing more unwanted symptoms.
From irregular, painful periods to severe mood swings and fatigue, an unchecked hormonal imbalance comes with bothersome symptoms that can reduce your quality of life. Untreated, these symptoms can increase in number or intensity.
Some severe symptoms of a hormonal imbalance in women include:
- Irregular, painful periods
- Weight gain
- Hair growth on the face
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints
- Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
- Chronic acne
- Memory Fog
- Breast changes
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Skin tags and abnormal growths
Illnesses and medical conditions
While certain underlying health conditions indicate hormonal imbalances, others can develop due to the same imbalances.
Untreated hormonal imbalances in women can lead to:
- Elevated cholesterol
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Sleep deprivation
Hormone Replacement Therapy for female hormone deficiencies
Hormone deficiencies are common in women, but it’s never a good idea to ignore our bodies. You’re here for a reason. If you feel that something is off, it’s time to get tested and discover if you have low or high hormone levels. We can let you know if your hormone levels are too high or too low with the proper tests.
Lifestyle changes and stress management
At SynergenX, we understand that there’s more to hormonal imbalances than medical conditions. Often, women face many lifestyle factors that throw off hormones and cause severe symptoms. Chronic stress, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise can all wreak havoc on your hormones. The good news is that we consider these factors and help you with lifestyle modifications to reduce stress, improve your eating habits, and help you feel your best.
Ready to regain your life again? Want your energy and your sex drive back? We can help. Our goal is to provide you with the best hormone replacement therapy option. With medical history and lifestyle in mind, we help women regain their lives with our unique hormone replacement therapy programs. Call us now to request an appointment.