Hormone Imbalance

Introduction

Fluctuations in female hormone levels can occur throughout a woman's life. Athough perimenopause (time around menopause) is the most frequent time for these flucuations, there are many other situations and conditions that cause hormonal changes, including functional ovarian cysts, thyroid conditions, certain medications, diabetes and insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome, anovulation, pregnancy and the postpartum period, exercise habits and diet, changes associated with the menstrual cycle, and oral contraceptive use. Patients may exhibit symptoms such as insomnia, sweats, hot flashes, mood swingsdepression, irritability, and changes in libido.

Treatment

Treatment is based on the cause or causes of the hormonal imbalance. Management options include: observation, lifestyle modifications, changes in medications or medication dosages, hormonal supplementation, and potential change in contraceptive method altogether. Small changes can bring about big changes in the management of hormone imbalance.