If you’ve been feeling a little more tired than usual and your mood has been off-kilter, a possible culprit could be your hormones.
The human body has more than 50 different hormones that affect various aspects of how we function.
These chemical messengers determine how well we sleep, how energetic we feel, and even our moods and emotions.
The occasional mood irregularity and not-so-restful night of sleep is normal.
But if you’ve been suffering from these issues longer than usual without explanation, then it might be time to take a deeper look at your adrenal system.
Understanding the role your hormones play can help you determine if an imbalance might be the culprit.
Let’s take a look at what hormones are, how they’re regulated, and which hormonal imbalance symptoms you should be on the lookout for.
We’ll also explain how hormones shift as we age and what you can do to help your body find balance and help you find relief.
What Are Hormones and Why Are They Important?
Our hormones are responsible for controlling and regulating biological processes.
Some of the primary functions of our hormones include:
- Blood sugar regulation (insulin and glucagon)
- Growth
- Metabolism
- Sleep
- Reproductive organs (testosterone (T) and estradiol)
- Energy production (growth hormone and thyroid hormone)
- Emotions and mood
The hormone delivery process usually begins with the pituitary gland, which acts like the “boss.” It tells the other glands what to release and where to send it [2]. You can think of your hormones like messengers delivering instructions to the different parts of your body, with each being tasked to perform a specific role. The glands receiving these messages create or release their respective hormone, which then travels through the bloodstream to its destination.
The endocrine glands, which regulate hormones, vary slightly for males and females and include:
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary
- Pineal
- Thyroid and Parathyroid
- Thymus
- Pancreas
- Adrenal
- Ovaries and Placenta (in females)
- Testicles (in males)
What's The Difference Between a Hormonal Shift and a Hormonal Imbalance?
Why Do Hormonal Shifts Occur?
Shifts in hormone levels can be triggered by various factors, both internal and external.
Internal factors can include natural bodily processes, while external stressors like medications, environmental pollutants, diet, stress, or sleep irregularities can also influence hormone levels.
Hormonal shifts can differ between men and women. For instance, women experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives during key events like ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Men, on the other hand, typically experience testosterone levels that peak in the fall and decline in the spring, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “Irritable Male Syndrome” [3].
Age is another key factor.
Young women experience a hormonal surge in their 20s as their menstrual cycles stabilize, but by their 30s, testosterone and growth hormone levels begin to decrease.
By age 40, women may notice irregular periods and changes in weight distribution. In their 50s, menopause causes a drop in estrogen and progesterone, often resulting in hot flashes, irritability, decreased libido, and sometimes depression.
For men, testosterone levels are highest in their 20s, contributing to a high libido.
However, these levels decline gradually starting in their 30s, at a rate of about 1.6% per year [4]. By their 60s and beyond, roughly 20% of men may experience andropause (male menopause) [5], with symptoms such as low libido, irritability, fatigue, depression, memory fog, sleep disturbances, and hot flashes.
If you believe you’re experiencing hormonal imbalance symptoms, it’s worth discussing a hormone test with your doctor.
They may assess one or more of the five most common hormonal culprits [6].
The Most Common Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms and Their Causes
Cortisol
Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” plays an important role in regulating various body functions. Imbalances in cortisol levels can affect your overall well-being. Here are some potential symptoms related to high or low cortisol levels:
High levels: High blood pressure, increased thirst, irregular periods, oood swings, muscle weakness, decreased libido, weight gain
Low Levels: dizziness, fatigue, mood swings, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a key hormone that plays a significant role in reproductive health and other bodily functions. When estrogen levels are high or low, it can result in various symptoms that may impact overall well-being.
High Levels: For women, elevated estrogen levels may sometimes be associated with symptoms like breast tenderness or changes, fatigue, mood changes, and weight fluctuations. For men, higher estrogen levels can sometimes lead to effects such as changes in sexual function or the development of breast tissue (gynecomastia).
Low Levels: In women, estrogen levels naturally decrease during menopause, and some common symptoms may include changes in skin hydration, irregular periods, hot flashes, mood fluctuations, and changes in sexual desire. In men, a decrease in estrogen levels may sometimes be associated with weight fluctuations or changes in sexual function.
Insulin
High Levels: Elevated insulin levels can sometimes lead to abnormally low blood sugar levels, which may be associated with symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, increased hunger, pale skin, sweating, or tremors. It’s important for individuals, especially those with diabetes, to monitor insulin levels and manage fluctuations.
Low Levels: Low insulin levels can sometimes be linked to symptoms like dehydration, dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination, hunger, or unintentional weight loss. If you experience these symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended for further evaluation.
Progesterone
High Levels: Elevated progesterone levels in men can sometimes be associated with symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and potential heart-related concerns. In women, high progesterone levels may be linked to feelings of anxiety, depression, decreased sex drive, bloating, or weight fluctuations.
Low Levels: Low progesterone levels in men can occasionally contribute to symptoms like bone loss, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, hair loss, or weight gain. For women, low progesterone levels may result in symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, irregular periods, increased risk of miscarriage, discomfort during pregnancy, low sex drive, or weight gain. It’s always advisable to speak with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Testosterone
High Levels: Elevated testosterone levels may be associated with symptoms like infertility. Both men and women could experience acne, mood swings, or weight gain. In men, higher testosterone levels may lead to increased sex drive, elevated blood pressure, and headaches. In women, elevated levels may cause a reduced sex drive, excess hair growth, or irregular periods.
Low Levels: Low testosterone levels in men may result in symptoms such as a low sperm count, mood swings, and a reduced sex drive. For women, low testosterone levels might lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, or a decrease in sex drive. As always, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and guidance.
Which Parts of the Body are Affected by Hormonal Shifts?
Some of the most noticeable symptoms of hormonal imbalances include fatigue, changes in weight (either gain or loss), joint swelling or stiffness, muscle aches, restlessness during sleep, and even changes in vision. These are among the most common signs, but it’s important to remember that there are over 50 hormones in the body, each impacting various aspects of your health.
If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, exploring potential hormonal imbalances could be a helpful starting point.
Always consult a healthcare professional for proper guidance and diagnosis.
3 Ways You Can Support Your Hormones
Whether you’re looking to rebalance your hormones or simply maintain a healthy balance, there are straightforward steps you can take today.
In many cases, achieving hormonal balance comes down to making good lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, and ensuring you’re getting the right vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support your body’s needs.
Diet
It’s essential to consume 20-30 grams of high-quality, complete protein each day to provide your body with the amino acids it can’t produce on its own [7]. This supports the production of peptide hormones necessary for functions like growth, metabolism, appetite regulation, stress response, and reproduction.
Additionally, maintaining gut health is key. Supporting your gut microbiota through fiber-rich foods, dark leafy greens high in magnesium, and reducing sugar intake can help prevent uncomfortable symptoms of hormonal imbalances and promote overall body balance.
Exercise
Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining hormone balance for several reasons. First, it helps regulate insulin levels, preventing rapid spikes and drops. Regular movement promotes healthy blood circulation, which aids in the delivery of hormone signals throughout the body.
Additionally, exercise boosts the production of hormones like testosterone, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass that naturally declines with age [8].
Dietary Supplements
In addition to diet and exercise, you can maximize your body’s ability to maintain a healthy hormonal balance with nutritional supplements. Look for formulas that are designed to be more bioavailable for the body. Studies show that zinc helps hormones bind to their receptors and help regulate insulin levels [9].*
For superior absorption, our Liposomal Zinc utilizes a technology that creates a protective shield as it travels through your body, allowing it to survive and deliver more zinc to your cells.* Nutrients like Magnesium are also critical for hormone regulation and excellent in supporting hormonal balance [10,11].
In addition to a balanced diet and regular exercise, nutritional supplements can help your body maintain a healthy hormonal balance. When selecting supplements, look for formulas that are designed for better bioavailability to ensure optimal absorption.
For example, zinc plays an important role in helping hormones bind to their receptors and regulating insulin levels [9].*
For enhanced absorption, our Liposomal Zinc uses advanced technology to create a protective shield as it moves through your body, allowing more zinc to reach your cells.*
Nutrients like magnesium are also essential for hormone regulation and can significantly support hormonal balance [10,11].
FAQ
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various biological processes in the body, such as blood sugar levels, growth, metabolism, sleep, reproductive functions, and mood. They are produced by endocrine glands and play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being by sending signals to different parts of the body to perform specific functions.
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, or irregular periods, it may be due to a hormonal imbalance. Consulting with a healthcare provider for a hormone test can help determine if your symptoms are related to hormone levels and identify which hormones might be out of balance.
Common symptoms of hormonal imbalances include unexplained weight gain or loss, fatigue, mood swings, muscle weakness, irregular periods, low sex drive, and digestive issues. Specific symptoms can vary depending on which hormone is imbalanced, such as high cortisol causing high blood pressure and low cortisol leading to dizziness and fatigue.
A hormonal shift refers to the natural fluctuations in hormone levels that occur as part of the body’s normal functioning, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. A hormonal imbalance, on the other hand, occurs when hormone levels are consistently too high or too low, leading to symptoms that may require medical attention, such as unexplained weight changes, mood swings, or fatigue.
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and possibly get a hormone test. They can recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes, such as diet modifications, exercise routines, or supplements, to help restore hormonal balance.
- Hormones and the Endocrine System. (2019, November 19). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hormones-and-the-endocrine-system
- Carmichael, J. D. (2022, April 18). Overview of the Pituitary Gland. MSD Manual Consumer Version. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-gland-disorders/overview-of-the-pituitary-gland
- Lincoln, G. A. (2001). The irritable male syndrome. CSIRO PUBLISHING. https://www.publish.csiro.au/rd/RD01077
- Dove Press. (2008, March 7). Testosterone for the aging male; current evidence and recommended practice | CIA. https://www.dovepress.com/testosterone-for-the-aging-male-current-evidence-and-recommended-pract-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CIA
- Singh P. Andropause: Current concepts. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2013;17(Suppl 3):S621-S629. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.123552
- Internal Medicine, Oncology, H., U., D., P., & D. (2021, March 30). 5 Hormone Imbalances to Be Aware Of. Duly Health and Care. https://www.dulyhealthandcare.com/health-topic/five-hormone-imbalances-to-be-aware-of
- Layman DK, Anthony TG, Rasmussen BB, et al. Defining meal requirements for protein to optimize metabolic roles of amino acids. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(6):1330S-1338S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.114.084053
- Sabag A, Chang D, Johnson NA. Growth Hormone as a Potential Mediator of Aerobic Exercise-Induced Reductions in Visceral Adipose Tissue. Front Physiol. 2021;12:623570. Published 2021 Apr 26. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.623570
- Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R, Baltaci SB. Review: The role of zinc in the endocrine system. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2019 Jan;32(1):231-239. PMID: 30772815.
- Tardy AL, Pouteau E, Marquez D, Yilmaz C, Scholey A. Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):228. Published 2020 Jan 16. doi:10.3390/nu12010228
- Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy–A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. Published 2016 Jan 27. doi:10.3390/nu8020068
