Author: Hannah

What are the main causes of hormonal imbalance? What are the main causes of hormonal imbalance? Short answer: Hormonal imbalances most commonly arise from dysfunction of endocrine glands (thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, pancreas, ovaries/testes), age-related physiological changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause) and lifestyle or environmental factors such as stress, obesity, certain medications and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Tumors, chronic […]

How do you feel when your hormones are out of balance? How do you feel when your hormones are out of balance? Short answer: Hormone imbalances commonly cause mood changes (irritability, anxiety, low mood), physical symptoms (fatigue, sleep disruption, weight or appetite changes), and reproductive or sexual changes (irregular periods, low libido). Symptoms vary by […]

How do doctors test for hormone imbalance? Short answer: Doctors test for hormone imbalance by combining a medical history and physical exam with laboratory tests (blood, urine, or saliva) and, when needed, targeted imaging or dynamic stimulation/suppression tests. Timing of samples (e.g., morning or specific day of the menstrual cycle) and repeat measurements help confirm […]

Does a woman’s body change in her 20s? Does a woman’s body change in her 20s? Short answer: Yes. In the 20s many gradual physiological changes occur—hormonal patterns settle after adolescence, bone mass typically increases toward a peak, and metabolism and body composition can shift depending on genetics and lifestyle. Explanation During the 20s a […]

How does a woman feel when her estrogen is low? How does a woman feel when her estrogen is low? Short answer: Low estrogen commonly causes hot flashes, night sweats, irregular or missed periods, vaginal dryness and decreased libido, along with mood changes, fatigue and sleep disturbance. Over time it can also impair concentration and […]

What are the 34 symptoms of perimenopause? Short answer: Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause when fluctuating estrogen and progesterone cause many bodily changes; it can produce a broad set of symptoms across menstrual, vasomotor, urogenital, emotional, cognitive, musculoskeletal, and metabolic systems. The following lists 34 commonly reported symptoms, which vary in presence and […]

Why am I itchy all over but no rash? Why am I itchy all over but no rash? Short answer: Generalized itch without a visible rash (pruritus) is common and often due to dry skin, medication side effects, or internal conditions such as liver, kidney, thyroid disease, or blood disorders. Neuropathic or psychogenic causes can […]

Does low estrogen make your skin itchy? Does low estrogen make your skin itchy? Short answer: Yes. Falling estrogen levels (for example around menopause) commonly lead to drier, thinner skin and reduced barrier function, which often causes itching; however, itching can also come from many other conditions, so evaluate other causes if it is severe […]

What hormone causes an upset stomach? What hormone causes an upset stomach? Short answer: Progesterone is a common hormone that causes an upset stomach, particularly during pregnancy and the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Other hormones such as gastrin and serotonin (in the gut) can also provoke acid-related discomfort, nausea, or altered motility. Explanation […]

Does lack of sleep cause hormonal imbalance? Does lack of sleep cause hormonal imbalance? Short answer: Yes. Short-term and especially chronic insufficient sleep disrupts the circadian regulation of multiple hormones (for example cortisol, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, growth hormone and sex hormones), and is linked with metabolic and reproductive changes. Explanation Sleep and the circadian system […]