What Is Hormonal Imbalance? (Definition)
Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a particular hormone in the body. It causes symptoms such as PMS, hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Hormonal imbalance is a health condition in which there is too much or too little of a particular hormone circulating in the bloodstream. Because hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate the body's most important functions, even small changes in their concentration can cause significant physical and emotional symptoms. In women, this most commonly refers to an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone, which can occur during PMS, perimenopause and menopause.
What Is a Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance occurs when endocrine glands (the ovaries, thyroid and pituitary gland) do not produce the right amounts of hormones. In women, the most common imbalance is between oestrogen and progesterone.
Hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate the function of almost every organ in the body. They are produced in endocrine glands such as the ovaries, thyroid, adrenal glands and pituitary gland, and affect the menstrual cycle, fertility, metabolism, sleep, mood, energy, body temperature and many other processes. Read more about what hormones are and how they work in a separate article.
Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a particular hormone in the body, or when the balance between individual hormones is disrupted. Even small changes can cause noticeable physical and emotional changes in some women.
Hormonal imbalance can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common include:
- puberty,
- the menstrual cycle,
- pregnancy and the postpartum period,
- perimenopause and menopause,
- long-term stress,
- lack of sleep,
- an inadequate diet,
- thyroid disorders,
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),
- endometriosis,
- taking certain medicines or using hormonal contraception,
- chronic illnesses and lifestyle.
Hormonal imbalance presents differently in every woman. The most common symptoms include:
- menstrual cramps and painful periods,
- irregular menstrual cycles,
- premenstrual syndrome (PMS),
- hot flashes and night sweats,
- mood swings,
- anxiety or feelings of depression,
- fatigue and lack of energy,
- reduced libido,
- dryness of the skin or mucous membranes,
- bloating,
- unexplained weight gain or loss,
- sleep disturbances,
- difficulty conceiving.
Hormonal balance depends on many factors and cannot be attributed to just one hormone. Oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, insulin and other hormones all play an important role in a coordinated system. When the balance between them is disrupted, various difficulties that affect quality of life may occur.
What Happens to Hormones in Women?
In women, hormonal balance changes continuously throughout life. During perimenopause, progesterone declines before oestrogen, causing PMS, hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
Hormonal balance in women changes continuously throughout life. Hormone function is influenced by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, stress, diet, physical activity, ageing, perimenopause and menopause.
The greatest changes begin during perimenopause, which can start several years before menopause. At that time, ovarian function gradually begins to decline and hormonal balance becomes less predictable.
During this period, progesterone usually begins to decline before oestrogen. As ovulation becomes increasingly infrequent or does not occur in some cycles, less progesterone is produced. As a result, the balance between progesterone and oestrogen may be disrupted, which may contribute to symptoms such as PMS, breast tenderness, heavier periods, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
Oestrogen also begins to decline over time, but during perimenopause its levels often fluctuate greatly—they may be higher for a time and then fall quickly. These fluctuations are often associated with hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes and sleep disturbances.
For this reason, many women seek holistic approaches to support their bodies. One of the most researched plants in this area is wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), whose main bioactive compound is diosgenin. Wild yam is a key ingredient in LIBRATELLO'Oon JAM Balance Cream—a holistic olfactory cosmetic that supports hormonal balance.
Hormonal Imbalance in Men
Hormonal imbalance in men presents with reduced libido, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, mood swings and sleep disturbances. It is most often a result of declining testosterone with age or chronic stress.
Hormones also play an important role in men, affecting energy, muscle mass, metabolism, sexual health, mood and overall well-being. When the balance between testosterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, insulin and other hormones is disrupted, various physical and emotional symptoms may occur.
The most common signs of hormonal imbalance in men are:
- reduced libido,
- erectile difficulties,
- fatigue and lack of energy,
- reduced muscle mass and strength,
- increased body fat, especially around the abdomen,
- slower metabolism and weight gain,
- mood swings, irritability or anxiety,
- reduced motivation and poorer concentration,
- sleep disturbances,
- reduced bone density,
- hot flashes or excessive sweating (less commonly),
- fertility problems.
Hormonal imbalance in men may be associated with ageing, long-term stress, lack of sleep, chronic illnesses, excess body weight, thyroid disorders, metabolic disorders or reduced testosterone production. Because many other health conditions can have similar symptoms, a consultation with a doctor is recommended if problems are persistent or pronounced.
Summary: Hormonal Balance and a Holistic Approach
Hormonal imbalance is a common issue for women and men. A holistic approach includes a balanced diet, sleep, stress management and natural support such as LIBRATELLO'Oon JAM Cream.
Hormonal imbalance is a common issue that affects both women and men at different stages of life. The key to better well-being is a holistic approach: a balanced diet, quality sleep, stress management, regular exercise and professional support when needed.
Among the natural approaches that women are increasingly incorporating into their routines is LIBRATELLO'Oon JAM Balance Cream—the world's first holistic olfactory cosmetic, which supports hormonal balance, reduces stress and brings inner calm through scent and the transdermal route. Also read about which wild yam cream is right for you.
Sources and Further Reading
Santoro N, Roeca C, Peters BA, Neal-Perry G. The Menopause Transition: Signs, Symptoms, and Management Options. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021;106(1):1-15.
Hamoda H, Mukherjee A, Morris E, et al. Joint British Menopause Society and British Menopause Society guidelines for the management of the menopause. Post Reprod Health. 2021;27(3):115-124.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hormonal Imbalance
What Is a Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a particular hormone in the body, or when the balance between individual hormones is disrupted. Even small changes can cause noticeable physical and emotional changes in some women.
What Are the Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance?
The most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance are irregular menstrual cycles, PMS, hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced libido and changes in body weight.
How Can You Naturally Support Hormonal Balance?
Natural approaches include a balanced diet, quality sleep, stress management and regular exercise. LIBRATELLO'Oon JAM Cream is a pioneering olfactory cosmetic with wild yam that supports hormonal balance through the transdermal route and the olfactory system.