Remember that sudden spark of anger and irritation? Those days when you feel down and yet other times when you are working like a fueled rocket? your body’s hormones make you react to these situations in different ways. Hormones are chemical messengers that carry out a variety of tasks as they fluctuate and move through your bloodstream, tissues, and organs. They are potent and have the potential for imbalance (rising higher or going lower than normal ), which, if it happens, may cause havoc in a person’s life in many different ways. Hormonal problems in females can be caused by medications, eating disorders, stress, cancer, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Addison’s disease. But the good news is, balancing hormones is possible with the right vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Here are some common hormonal imbalances that occur in women and their treatments.
- Irregular periods —Irregular menstrual cycle is one of the most common hormonal problems in females. It is a sign of hormonal imbalance and can lead to diseases like PCOS, which affects many women worldwide. They can also be caused by anemia, which is a lack of iron in the blood. If not taken care of, it can affect the body’s production of reproductive hormones. Treating it is possible by following proper medication prescribed by your doctor or supplements to combat the hormonal imbalance apart from taking a healthy diet and exercising.
- Hirsutism — Hirsutism is the excessive growth of facial hair in women due to an imbalance of male sex hormones in the adrenal glands and ovaries. Treatment of hirsutism with no sign of the endocrine disorder is unnecessary. Still, it may involve treating any underlying condition, developing a self-care routine, and trying various therapies and medications. Oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, and topical creams are common treatments. Electrolysis involves inserting a tiny needle into each hair follicle and emitting an electric current to damage and destroy the follicle. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the various lasers used for this hair removal method.
- Vaginal Dryness — The vagina has a thin layer of moisture that provides an alkaline environment for sperm survival during fertilization. Without this layer, intercourse can be painful, and sperm has fewer chances of survival. A drop in estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness. It can be treated with various options, some over-the-counter and require a prescription. Research shows that estrogen cream is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for vaginal atrophy and dryness compared to a placebo. There is limited research into the long-term effects of topical estrogen, but it is more likely to be safe compared to oral hormone replacement therapy. Women with a history of breast cancer, pregnancy, or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor about its safety.
- Acne — The next pervasive hormonal problem in females is acne. Acne is often caused by fluctuations in hormones, such as PCOS, and can lead to increased levels of androgen hormones. The most important details to remember when it comes to managing hormonal acne are limiting bad food habits, eating anti-inflammatory foods having science-backed evidence to attain unblemished skin, and opting for tablets to cure hormonal problems. Thymol and terpineol are clinically proven to reduce acne. Additionally, increased stress can trigger androgens and worsen acne. Meditation and other relaxing activities can help reduce stress levels. Lastly, diversifying the skincare regimen with clinically proven ingredients can help to remove excess oil, clear clogged pores, and heal blemishes quickly.
Apart from the above-mentioned , there are other hormonal problems that women face in their day-to-day life. It’s very important for a female to recognize this problem and get treated for the same to avoid any significant health issues.