These changes could have a structural cause — having to do with your cervix or uterus — or a hormonal cause. Your doctor will likely want to perform a physical exam and may also check specific hormones on a specific day of your menstrual cycle. Another common time women ask for a hormone checkup is when trying to conceive.
To learn more, read our extensive article about fertility challenges here. Keep in mind that your partner should also be tested for structural or hormonal issues if you have been trying to conceive for some time. If your periods are too far apart 6 weeks and longer , your ovaries may not be releasing eggs often enough into your fallopian tubes.
Typically, a girl will begin her period at a similar age to when her mother began getting hers. Some girls have their first period as early as 10 or If you or your daughter are outside those age ranges and are concerned about that first period, it is worth a visit to her Pediatrician, Family Doctor or OBYGN. Common factors that affect when a girl begins her period are weight changes, environmental factors that stimulate the hormones, or adrenal gland problems. Pre-teens and teenagers have very irregular periods as their bodies mature.
When women approach their mid- to lates, their cycles may become irregular as they enter the perimenopausal stage. You can read more about what to expect in perimenopause in our recent article. Signs that you may be experiencing perimenopause include skipping periods and having lighter periods.
If your periods are becoming heavier, more frequent, prolonged, or with spotting between periods, you should mention this to your doctor. These changes could indicate menopause, but they could also be caused by abnormalities in your cervix or uterus. PCOS causes ovaries to produce higher levels of androgens male-type hormones , which can cause anovulation—lack of egg release each month from your ovaries.
Instead of releasing eggs, the ovaries of women with PCOS produce multiple small cysts that further contribute to a hormonal imbalance. Women with PCOS often have greater challenges managing their blood sugar, which can turn into Type 2 diabetes if a healthy diet is not followed.
July 7, What Causes Hormonal Imbalance? Treating Imbalance with Medications Treatments for hormonal imbalance are often specific to the type of hormone in question and its related effects. Surgical Treatments In some cases, medication therapies may not be effective enough and you may need surgery to treat hormonal imbalance. Healthy Lifestyle Taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle can treat hormonal imbalance.
A Word of Caution Be careful when seeking out hormone imbalance treatments, especially self-medicating cures. Recent Posts. Living with Diabetes: How to Manage Fatigue 1 min read. Categories Knowledge. Health Tips. Health Education. Breast Cancer.
Gynecologic Oncology. Bariatric Surgery. Patient Stories. Newsletter New posts straight to your inbox. According to a study , the adverse effects of sleep disturbance on hormones may contribute to:.
Exposure to blue light, such as from cell phones or computer screens, can disrupt the sleep cycle. The body responds to this light as if it were daylight and adjusts hormones in response. A study notes that exposure to any bright artificial lighting at night may confuse the body, causing it to suppress the hormone melatonin, which can negatively affect many functions. A study points to a link between stress, the endocrine system, and hormone levels.
The researchers argue that the link is strong, with even a low level of stress causing an endocrine response. Stress leads to an increase in adrenaline and cortisol. If levels of these hormones are too high, it can disrupt the overall balance and contribute to factors such as obesity, changes in mood, and even cardiovascular issues.
For this reason, it is important to find ways to reduce stress. A study suggests that the simple act of listening to music reduces stress, especially if the person intends to relax. The hormonal effects of regular exercise may prevent overeating.
A study notes that even short exercise sessions help regulate hormones that control appetite. A article points out that regular physical activity reduces the risk of insulin resistance , metabolic syndrome , and type 2 diabetes.
Findings of a review support the idea that sugar plays a role in issues such as metabolic disease and insulin resistance. This suggests that eliminating sugar from the diet may help keep levels of hormones, including insulin , in check.
Some people avoid specific sugars. However, research found that table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and honey caused similar responses. A person may, therefore, benefit from avoiding all added sugars rather than specific types. Healthy fats may help maintain a balance of hormones involved in appetite, metabolism, and feeling full. Meanwhile, a study found that olive oil may balance levels of a hormone that regulates the appetite and stimulates the digestion of fat and protein.
Separate research from showed similar results. Fiber may play an important role in gut health, and it may also help regulate hormones such as insulin. A study notes that some types of fiber work to balance levels of other hormones as well, which may help a person maintain a healthy weight.
The high levels of fats in some fish can contribute to heart and digestive health and may also benefit the brain and central nervous system. A study indicates eating a diet rich in oily fish may help prevent mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
In some cases, adding oily fish to the diet may contribute to treating the disorders. The omega-3s in fatty fish may play a particularly significant role in balancing mood, though fully understanding the link will require further research. Regularly overeating may lead to metabolic issues in the long term, but a study found that even short-term overeating changes circulating levels of fats and increases oxidative stress.
The researchers also pointed to an increase in ceramides, which are fat cells in the skin, noting that a significant increase may promote insulin resistance.
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