Hormone disorders usually result from a hormonal imbalance, meaning you have too much or too little of a certain hormone. Estrogen and progesterone play a complex role in women’s health.
However, there are many hormones that are responsible for bodily processes such as reproduction, metabolism, and energy. Certain hormonal disturbances can also contribute to other medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism.
While some shifts in hormone levels are to be expected, such as during pregnancy or menopause, hormonal imbalances can also occur due to medications and health issues. When your hormones are out of balance, you likely won’t feel your best, experiencing things such as decreased energy levels, acne, reduced sex drive, and bloating.
But you may also be at an increased risk of other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or osteoporosis. An appointment with Dr. Aliabadi is the first step to getting your hormones back on track.
What are some types of hormonal disorders?
The causes of hormonal imbalance can vary, from tumors on the adrenal glands to high cortisol levels due to chronic stress. Symptoms also vary depending on the type of hormonal disorder. Here are a few common hormonal imbalance disorders women may experience.
Hormonal acne
Acne is commonly the result of hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty. While hormonal acne isn’t typical among adult women, hormonal imbalance can sometimes trigger hormonal acne flares. These breakouts can range from a mild annoyance to painful and severe pimples.
Hormones are the body’s messengers, telling it when to stop and start certain processes. Androgens (primarily male hormones) tell the skin to produce sebum, a natural protectant and moisturizer. However, when androgen levels are too high, too much sebum is produced, clogging your pores and hair follicles.
If the blockage irritates the surrounding skin, a pimple will result. Skin cells and debris trapped in the pore can create a blackhead, whereas acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium) can cause an infection or cyst.
In adult women, hormonal fluctuations associated with birth control, menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy can cause hormonal acne flares. Thankfully, over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes can often successfully treat acne during these periods of hormonal imbalance.
Prolactinoma
Prolactinoma is the result of a benign tumor (adenoma) on the pituitary gland. This small gland at the base of the brain is responsible for hormone regulation and hormonal balance, especially the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). While most prolactinomas are benign, they do cause an overproduction of prolactin. As a result, estrogen is suppressed in women, causing a variety of reproductive system-related concerns.
The suppression of sex hormones due to a prolactinoma tumor can result in symptoms such as amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle), decreased sexual function, vaginal dryness, and increased facial hair growth. As the tumor grows, some women may experience prolactinoma tumor symptoms like headaches or vision problems.
Because the condition can lead to complications like osteoporosis if untreated, it’s important to reach out to our doctor if you’re experiencing hormonal imbalance symptoms consistent with prolactinoma.
Treatments aim to shrink the pituitary tumor and regulate the overproduction of the prolactin hormone. Dr. Aliabadi will likely refer you to a specialized healthcare provider called an endocrinologist who may recommend medication, surgery, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Hair loss
An estimated 50% of women will experience hair loss in their lifetime. In some cases, hair loss in women may be linked to genetics, but hormonal disorders are thought to play a significant role for many. Hair goes through four stages during its growing cycle: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen, during which it grows, matures, rests, and then falls out to be replaced. Hormones, namely androgens, can affect this cycle.
Androgenic alopecia occurs when excessive testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and lower levels of estrogen shorten the growth cycle. As a result, hair is replaced less often, and overall volume decreases.
A change in the thickness and amount of hair can also result from other hormone-related conditions, such as PCOS, pregnancy, and other disorders of the endocrine glands, such as thyroid hormone imbalance.
Female hair loss generally occurs later in a woman’s life. It may affect self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, many treatment options are available once the cause of your hair loss has been determined, including medications, supplements, topical solutions, and hair replacement therapy.
What should I do if I think I have symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
Hormonal changes associated with menopause symptoms or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) aren’t uncommon. However, persistent or unusual symptoms of a hormonal imbalance can also indicate an underlying concern with your endocrine system.
In addition to the disorders mentioned above, signs of hormonal imbalance can include:
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Infertility
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Changes in bodily functions (such as constipation, blood pressure, or heart rate)
If you are experiencing symptoms of hormone dysfunction, schedule an appointment with Dr. Aliabadi. She can help determine if your symptoms are related to a common women’s health concern, like perimenopause, or could potentially be the result of another medical condition.
Have questions about your health? Talk to Dr. Aliabadi
Dr. Aliabadi and her compassionate team are experts in women’s health care, including hormone imbalance symptoms in women. When Dr. Aliabadi treats you, you’re guaranteed to feel safe, heard, and well cared for.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.
The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Resources
Adult female acne: a guide to clinical practice. PMID: 30726466; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6360964/
Hormonal and Metabolic Changes of Aging and the Influence of Lifestyle Modifications – PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8020896/
Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles. PMID: 32731328; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7432488/
Yatavelli RKR, Bhusal K. Prolactinoma. [Updated 2023 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459347/
If you are suffering from a hormonal condition or experiencing issues brought on by menopause, or have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.
We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please click here to make an appointment or call us at (844) 863- 6700.
Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.