Hormonal imbalance in women: symptoms and treatment

Reviewed by Health Guide Team, 

Written by Health Guide Team 

Reviewed by Health Guide Team, 

Written by Health Guide Team 

last updated: Nov 23, 2022

2 min read

Here's what we'll cover

Here's what we'll cover

There are natural fluctuations in hormone levels throughout our lives and our menstrual cycles. But when levels become too low or too high, that can lead to issues that make getting pregnant more difficult. Below, we’re breaking down the types and symptoms of hormonal imbalances — and walking you through testing your levels at home.

Modern Fertility

Fertility hormones shouldn’t be a mystery

What types of hormonal imbalances are most common in women?

Women most commonly experience imbalances in their thyroid, testosterone, and estrogen hormone levels. In fact...

  • 1 in 8 women will have issues related to thyroid imbalance — like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism — at some point in their lives.

  • 1 in 10 women has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is often linked to higher testosterone levels.

Though hormonal imbalance is pretty common, there are many treatment options out there (more on this later).

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Hormonal imbalance is common, but there are many treatments available.

What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance?

Our hormones regulate many of our most important body systems — and play a role in metabolism, sleep, growth and development, mood, and fertility. Because of this, when hormone levels are too high or too low, they can cause some of the following symptoms:

  • Irregular or no periods

  • Bleeding outside of periods

  • Vaginal dryness

  • Breast tenderness

  • Fragile bones

  • Skin changes

  • Weight changes

  • Acne

  • Excessive hair growth or hair loss

  • Indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, testing your hormone levels can key you into possible diagnoses and help you work with your doctor to get your hormone levels back within normal range.

Is there treatment for a hormonal imbalance?

Yep! There are medications you can take (and lifestyle changes you can make) to regulate hormone levels. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment.

That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your hormones — so you can start treatment early and prevent any problems down the line.

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Hormones are a big part of the fertility puzzle — and the more hormones you test, the more knowledge you’ll get.

Is there a hormonal imbalance test?

A blood test is the simplest way to detect a hormonal imbalance. Although hormone tests aren’t regularly performed by doctors before symptoms arise, Modern Fertility makes it easy to check in with your levels at home.

Depending on your birth control, you can test up to eight hormones and get customized, physician-designed reports based on your results. 

Here’s what else you’ll get:

  • A free 1:1 consult with our fertility nurse

  • Online tools to track hormone changes over time and help you plan your timeline for kids

  • Access to our weekly live Q&As

  • An invite to the Modern Community to connect with others and get your questions answered

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Testing your hormones at home is easy with Modern Fertility.

DISCLAIMER

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.


How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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November 23, 2022

Written by

Health Guide Team

Fact checked by

Health Guide Team


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