Hormone Imbalance:

Sex hormone imbalance consists mainly of imbalances in estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, FSH, and LH. Imbalances in these hormones can cause men and women to feel lousy and age prematurely. They are also major contributors to cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, mental health issues, and many of the chronic illnesses we see today. As you will see in the “cause” list below, we have become more inflamed, more stressed, more toxic, and unhealthier than ever. It is no surprise that hormone imbalances are affecting so many of us. If we are going to help you heal from chronic disease, get you feeling better, and achieve a healthy glow and optimal health, assessing and fixing these imbalances is critical.

Let’s look at the symptoms related to each imbalance, as well as the causes.

• Fatigue
• Dry, thin skin; droopy lids; saggy cheeks
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in skin tone
• Depression/Anxiety
• Poor mental health
• Poor focus
• Irregular periods (heavy bleeding)
• Hair loss
• Joint/muscle aches and pain
• Weight gain
• Irritability
• Craving sweets
• Belly fat
• Decreased memory
• Migraines

Low Testosterone - Women

• Muscle wasting
• Fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Memory issues
• Decreased HDL on a lipid panel
• Dry, thin skin; droopy lids; saggy cheeks

Low Testosterone - Men

• Muscle wasting
• Low energy
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low motivation/drive/vigor
• Depression
• Fatigue

High Testosterone - Women (Often seen in PCOS)

• Acne
• Male-pattern baldness
• Excess facial hair
• Infertility
• Deepening of the voice
• Weight and muscle gain

Low Progesterone

• Infertility
• Spotting
• Abdominal pain
• Low blood sugar
• Tender breasts
• Fatigue
• Vaginal dryness

Estrogen Dominance or High Estrogen

• Weight gain, especially around the belly and hips
• History of fibroids or endometriosis
• Breast tenderness
• Heavy/irregular periods
• PMS (moodiness, irritability, and teariness)
• Acne breakouts
• Difficulty sleeping
• History of PCOS
• Hot flashes/night sweats

Estrogen Dominance Effects:

• Breast cell proliferation
• Vaginal/uterine cell proliferation
• Skin, nail, and hair proliferation
• Parietal cell function, which affects HCL levels in the stomach

Low Estrogen

• Irregular or missing periods
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Sleep issues
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased sex drive
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Headaches or worsening migraines
• Hot flashes/night sweats
• Insomnia
• Thinning skin
• Thinning hair

• Inflammation: Caused by poor gut health, poor diet, chronic infections, metals, toxins, and mutated genes.
• Stress:
  a. Stress causes cortisol elevations. To compensate, the body converts hormones such as progesterone, DHEA, and pregnenolone. These become low over time due to constant conversion.
  b. Increased HPT axis activity (the brain area that regulates hormone levels) is affected by chronic stress.
• Genetic Susceptibility: Gene mutations can cause reduced enzyme production, affecting how we make, process, and clear hormones.
• Endocrine Disruptors: Found in heavy metals, toxins in household products, preservatives, detergents, cosmetics, plastics, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. These can mimic hormones, alter hormone levels, and change cellular hormone sensitivity.
• Poor Liver Function/Fatty Liver
• Poor Gut Health/Poor Diet: Causes inflammation and reduces vitamins and nutrients crucial for hormone balance.
• Blood Sugar Imbalances: High insulin can cause cortisol disruption, lower binding globulins (elevating hormone blood levels), and disrupt ovulation.
• Medication Use:
  a. NSAIDs
  b. Antacids
  c. Antibiotics
  d. Antidepressants
  e. Statins