Hormonal Imbalance and Female Fertility: Causes and Solutions

It’s not uncommon for women to be diagnosed with reproductive health issues if they have hormonal imbalances. Problems that used to occur in the mid-40s have become common in a woman’s teenage and early twenties. PCOD, PCOS, and Thyroid are some common issues that many of us struggle with.

While there are many reasons behind the common occurrence of Hormonal imbalance and female fertility issues, the alarming part is the unawareness of families and women about hormonal imbalance and their complications.

In this article, we will discuss the causes and potential solutions to hormonal imbalances in women to help them improve their health and overall well-being. 

Overview of Female Hormonal Imbalance:

Hormones, which act as chemical messengers, are pivotal to the human body. They travel through the bloodstream, where they coordinate various organ and tissue functions. They primarily tell the body what to do or what not to do. 

Hormonal imbalance is the abnormal increase or decrease in these eminent hormones. When your body releases these hormones, either less or more than required, you can see changes in your body that are caused by the hormone imbalance, and  infertility is one of the health hazards you can face due to this imbalance.  

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Females

Several causes can lead to hormonal imbalance; some are internal to your body, while some are due to external factors.

Hormone imbalance that affects you adversely are – 

• Drugs for birth control or cancer treatment: Birth control drugs contain synthetic hormones. If  consumed for a prolonged period, they disrupt your body’s natural hormones, which can lead to hormonal imbalance. This imbalance can cause various side effects and can take a toll on your mental as well as your reproductive health. 
• Stress: Our body is designed to react adversely to stress, and that is what our hormones exhibit. When cortisol, generally known as the stress hormone, is secreted frequently into the bloodstream, the hormonal balance is affected, followed by anxiety, poor sleep, and unhappiness. 
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Men and women secrete two specific hormones called testosterone and estrogen, respectively in different proportions. When PCOS occurs, women start releasing testosterone in their bodies in a higher amount. This hormonal imbalance leads to irregular menstrual cycles, unusual hair growth, and weight gain or loss. 
• Anorexia: Eating disorders like Anorexia can cause your body to secrete stress hormones, which can alter your mental health and lead to hormone imbalance. 

Other common reasons for female hormone imbalance include Diabetes (abnormal insulin levels), Cushing’s syndrome (increased cortisol level), pollution, and adulteration in food and water.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

Your body changes when hormonal imbalance strikes. These are some common changes noted by women and doctors that indicate hormonal imbalance- 

• Menstrual changes: One of the most common signs of hormonal imbalance in women is a change in the Menstrual cycle. If your periods suddenly become irregular , frequent or absent or if they become suddenly heavy, then your hormones can be the reason. Other factors like mental health and diet can also change your menstrual cycle. Consulting a physician is best to understand the issue and find the right diagnosis. 
• Skin issues: If you are experiencing increased acne on your face or back, there can be an underlying hormonal imbalance in your body. Dark patches on your neck or under your breast can also indicate a hormonal imbalance. 
• Body weight: If you are experiencing sudden weight gain or loss, hormonal imbalance can be at play. Issues such as thyroid and PCOS, influenced by hormones in our body, can lead to drastic body weight changes. 
• Sleeping pattern: Your sleeping pattern speaks a lot about your health. If it has been disrupted and you find yourself tossing and turning in your bed at night, then your hormones can be causing this inconvenience. 
• Mood changes: Irritation and anger are mood changes that negatively affect you and those around you. Hormonal imbalances can also cause these changes, as your body curbs the release of serotonin, the hormone that balances your mood. 

Treatment Options for Hormonal Imbalance

If you are going through the changes mentioned in this article above, don’t panic. Hormonal imbalance can be cured with the proper diagnosis and healthy lifestyle changes. Here’s what can help:

Consult your doctor: Getting professional help is always better than speculating about your issues. Leave social stigma behind and reach out to your doctor and ask about the changes your body is going through. 

Get tests done: Don’t ignore your lab tests. They can detect underlying issues that cause adverse changes in your body. From your Vitamin D levels to Thyroid secretion, everything contributes to your health. The test results will help your diagnosis identify the root cause of your issues. 

Ultrasound: An ultrasound can see what’s inside. Cysts on your ovaries, or PCOD  for instance, can be diagnosed and treated.  This technology is a boon for your diagnosis and can help you track your illness and find the right diagnosis to recover faster. 

Drugs and Supplements: While supplements and drugs can significantly help in de-escalating hormonal imbalances, you should never rely on over-the-counter medication for hormone-related issues. It’s always best to check with a gynecologist or fertility specialist. They will prescribe medication based on your diagnosis and overall health.

Consider ART for Infertility: Hormonal imbalance makes conceiving a child difficult for women. This imbalance can trigger changes in the ovulation cycle, making it harder to predict a female fertility window. Fortunately, treatment is available for infertility. If you have tried all medications and non-invasive procedures without any promising results, you can consider Assisted Reproductive Technology, like IUI and IVF.

The effects of hormonal imbalance in females can be adverse and lead to poor physical and mental health. Changes in the body can be indicative of a poor lifestyle or hidden health issues. 

If you experience these issues, it is your wake-up call to consult your doctor and get checked, regardless of your age. A small step can take you towards a healthy body and mind. Most of these issues stem from our poor eating habits and sleep cycle, so follow the simple mantra of Eat healthy  , Sleep well   and exercise regularly to lead a healthy life. 

We at Plan B Fertility can help you navigate this tough journey with guidance and support. Reach out to our fertility specialists to figure out the cause of hormonal imbalance and an appropriate treatment for the issue.