Different and Specific Effects of Hormone Imbalances

There are several hormones being produced in the human body regularly to sustain normal organ function and support the different important processes and systems. However, a number of factors from the inside and outside can disrupt the actions thereby resulting to adverse symptoms. Affects of hormone imbalances can vary among individuals depending on type.

What Should Normally Occur

The human body regularly have fluctuating hormonal levels depending on the current and perceived needs of the individual. The body is a very intelligent system that constantly prepares against infection and contaminants, starvation and other kinds of threats. It will produce unique actions with the main goal of surviving and staying healthy.

If hormones in the body are normal, you should expect constant protection against disease and proper physical and mental function.

People will have:

• normal sex drive and a well-functioning reproductive system,
  


• menstrual cycles will be predictable,
  


• regular and comfortable,
  


• mental acuity remains sharp with good focus,
  


• memory and concentration,
  


• skin elasticity is good,
  


• metabolism is enhanced resulting to a fit and able body,
  


• sleep remains comfortable and refreshing,
  


• emotions are stable,
  


• risks against different cancers such as the breas

Specific Actions and Effects

Affects of hormone imbalances will depend on the level of any given hormone. If one type of hormone is in excess or lacking, it will result to a specific type of symptom or combination of symptoms. Laboratory testing is needed in order for doctors to accurately determine which hormones and cell functions are disrupted to provide effective treatment.

Hormones will only bind to special receptor sites found in the cells of specific organs that they are supposed to direct. It is impossible for other hormones to bind with different receptor sites so lack of one hormone type cannot be compensated by another type. Each hormone is comprised of a unique structure that determines that required stimulated actions in different body parts. Thus, hormone replacement therapy approaches should included hormones with exactly similar structures as the type which is inadequate. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has been developed to help people balance specific types of hormones that they need.

Aside from Estrogen and Progesterone

Although estrogen and progesterone are the most common hormones that have fluctuating levels, other types will similarly cause symptoms and disturbances if abnormally present. Thyroid hormone imbalance can cause fatigue and cold tolerance. Adrenal hormone imbalance can be triggered by stress and nutritional deficiencies leading to interruptions in prostaglandin synthesis and immune responses. Abnormal levels of testosterone can lead to infertility, low sex drive and physical changes like abnormal facial or body hair growth.

There are several reasons why different hormones in the body exist in abnormal levels. Stress is one which triggers the extra production of stress hormones. Intake of alcohol, medications and drugs can also cause changes in gland function resulting to higher than usual amounts of hormones like adrenaline, T3, T4 and insulin. Although some of these do not directly cause symptoms, they trigger actions via the person leading to physical and mental changes such as inability to sleep soundly, cravings for sugar and starchy foods and lack of enthusiasm to do physical exercise. Effects later on will depend on the activities such as weight gain, high blood pressure, fatigue and restlessness.