"Stress and lifestyle factors significantly contribute to hormone imbalances by disrupting the delicate hormonal equilibrium in the body," says Deborah Grayson, a pharmacist and nutritional therapist. "Long-term or extreme stress, poor lifestyle habits, and environmental factors can trigger or worsen imbalances, leading to various symptoms and health conditions."

Sources: (Patient.info)

31 / 32 Fotos

Shutterstock

0 / 32 Fotos

What are hormones? -

Hormones are essentially chemical messengers that carry signals to different parts of the body.

Shutterstock

1 / 32 Fotos

What are hormones used for? -

The body uses hormones for a number of bodily processes, including growth, metabolism, mood, reproduction, and sexual function.

Shutterstock

2 / 32 Fotos

What does a hormone imbalance test look for? -

A hormone imbalance test looks for any irregularities in hormone levels. These imbalances may be linked to a number of health conditions.

Shutterstock

3 / 32 Fotos

Symptoms -

Shutterstock

4 / 32 Fotos

Symptoms -

Other symptoms that may trigger the need for a hormone test include hot flashes or night sweats, low libido, irregular periods, or infertility.

Shutterstock

5 / 32 Fotos

Symptoms -

Digestive issues, sleep problems, as well as hair thinning or excessive hair growth, are also common symptoms that may be related to hormone imbalances.

Shutterstock

6 / 32 Fotos

How is a hormone imbalance test performed? -

Hormone tests can be done in different ways depending on the hormones being tested. These can be performed by analyzing blood, urine, or saliva.

Shutterstock

7 / 32 Fotos

Hormone tests may need to be repeated -

Shutterstock

8 / 32 Fotos

Sex hormones -

Sex hormones are essential for both a person’s sexual development and reproductive function.

Shutterstock

9 / 32 Fotos

Sex hormones: estrogen (estradiol, estrone, estriol) -

Alternation in estrogen levels may indicate a number of health problems, namely polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fertility issues.

Shutterstock

10 / 32 Fotos

Sex hormones: estrogen (estradiol, estrone, estriol) -

Low or high levels of estrogen may also suggest menopause. Hormonal imbalances in men have also been linked to gynecomastia (male breasts).

Shutterstock

11 / 32 Fotos

Sex hormones: progesterone -

An imbalance of progesterone levels may lead to menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, and problems during pregnancy.

Shutterstock

12 / 32 Fotos

Sex hormones: testosterone -

Low testosterone in men can cause fatigue, low libido, and erectile dysfunction. High levels of testosterone in women may indicate PCOS or other medical issues.

Shutterstock

13 / 32 Fotos

Sex hormones: dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) -

Imbalances in DHEA-S can affect mood and energy, as well as sexual function.

Shutterstock

14 / 32 Fotos

Thyroid hormones -

Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating metabolism, which is the chemical process that manages energy production in the body.

Shutterstock

15 / 32 Fotos

Thyroid hormones: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (thyroxine), and free T3 (triiodothyronine) -

These tests are used to determine whether you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive one (hyperthyroidism). Both can have an impact on mood, energy levels, and body weight.

Shutterstock

16 / 32 Fotos

Thyroid hormones: thyroid antibodies (TPOAb, TGAb) -

This test is often performed to detect autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto's or Graves' disease.

Shutterstock

17 / 32 Fotos

Adrenal hormones -

These hormones play a role in a number of processes, including our metabolism, stress response, and blood pressure.

Shutterstock

18 / 32 Fotos

Adrenal hormones: cortisol -

Shutterstock

19 / 32 Fotos

Adrenal hormones: aldosterone -

Testing aldosterone levels is a way to diagnose issues related to salt balance and blood pressure.

Shutterstock

20 / 32 Fotos

Reproductive hormones -

Reproductive hormones not only play a role in one’s sexual development, but they also have an impact on fertility and the menstrual cycle.

Shutterstock

21 / 32 Fotos

Reproductive hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) -

Imbalances in either or both LH and FSH levels may indicate a wide range of issues, from ovulatory dysfunction to infertility and pituitary issues, or be a sign of menopause.

Shutterstock

22 / 32 Fotos

Reproductive hormones: prolactin -

Prolactin is often tested when a woman experiences irregular periods or unexpected milk production. High levels have also been linked to infertility.

Shutterstock

23 / 32 Fotos

Metabolic hormones -

These hormones regulate growth and development. They play a role in how the body absorbs food and uses energy.

Shutterstock

24 / 32 Fotos

Metabolic hormones: growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) -

Imbalances in GH and IGF-1 have been linked to a number of growth disorders and metabolic issues.

Shutterstock

25 / 32 Fotos

Metabolic hormones: melatonin -

Melatonin plays a crucial role in sleep patterns, so irregular levels may have an impact on sleep.

Shutterstock

26 / 32 Fotos

Treatment -

Treatment will depend on the hormone imbalance and the underlying cause of the abnormal levels. Sometimes medication is prescribed.

Shutterstock

27 / 32 Fotos

Treatment -

Some hormone imbalances may even require surgery. An example includes patients with an overactive parathyroid gland.

Shutterstock

28 / 32 Fotos

Treatment -

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also be prescribed for both male and female patients (e.g. testosterone, estrogen, etc.).

Shutterstock

29 / 32 Fotos

Treatment -

Sometimes a holistic approach including dietary and lifestyle changes is the way forward. These may include a healthy balanced diet, exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene.

Shutterstock

30 / 32 Fotos

Lifestyle changes -

Sources: (Patient.info)

Shutterstock

31 / 32 Fotos

Do you need a hormone imbalance test?

From symptoms to treatment

19/02/25 | StarsInsider

HEALTH Medical

Hormones play a crucial role in a number of bodily functions. These chemical messengers affect our bodies in several ways, from managing our metabolism and mood, to growth and sexual function, among others. That said, hormonal imbalance can manifest in many different ways, depending on the hormones in question and whether their levels are higher of lower than they should be. These imbalances often manifest through symptoms, which can indicate other underlying health issues. To identify these and treat them accordingly, sometimes tests must be performed.

In this gallery, we take you through some of the most common symptoms, the hormones that are usually tested, and treatment options. Click on for more.