7 Signs Your Hormones Are Out of Balance

Last month, I found myself in my usual pre-bedtime routine, scrolling through Netflix, trying to decide between a true crime documentary or another episode of Real Housewives. As I watched, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my body was just…off. Sound familiar? You might be surprised to learn that feeling out of sorts can often be linked to hormonal imbalances.

As someone who rebuilt my health after experiencing burnout, I’ve discovered that hormonal balance plays a huge role in how we feel overall. In fact, hormonal imbalances can affect everything from sleep and energy levels to mood and metabolism. By the end of this post, I’ll share the seven signs that might indicate your hormones are out of balance — and trust me, some of these might surprise you!

1. Unexplained Weight Changes

Have you noticed the scale creeping up despite your best efforts in the kitchen or at the gym? You’re not alone. Many women experience unexplained weight gain or loss due to hormonal fluctuations.

Two major players are cortisol, the stress hormone, and insulin, which regulates blood sugar. High cortisol levels can lead to fat storage, especially around the belly, while insulin resistance can make it tough to lose weight. In my health coaching practice, I’ve seen clients struggle with this, often feeling like their body is working against them.

Here’s a quick reality check: Maintaining your weight doesn’t have to mean punishing workouts or extreme diets. Often, a balanced approach to stress and insulin management is the real key.

But here’s where it gets interesting — hormonal imbalances can also trigger cravings for sugary or fatty foods, creating a frustrating cycle. Sound familiar?

2. Sleep Disturbances

With two young daughters, I’ve experienced my share of bedtime battles. When bedtime is chaotic, I sometimes find myself tossing and turning at night, which is all too common for women dealing with hormonal imbalance.

Research shows that fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels can interfere with your sleep quality. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology found that women experiencing hormonal shifts are more likely to report insomnia or restless sleep.

If you’re waking up tired on a regular basis, it may be time to take a closer look at your hormones. It could be as simple as adding some relaxing rituals to your evening routine — even a quick evening walk with Biscuit can help!

3. Mood Swings and Irritability

Do you ever feel like a rollercoaster of emotions? You’re happy one moment and then suddenly anxious or irritable? Mood swings can often be linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle.

In my experience, women often ignore these signs, attributing them to stress or life circumstances. But the reality is, hormonal imbalance can cause legitimate shifts in mood. A 2019 study published in Nutrients found a strong connection between hormonal fluctuations and mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Bottom line: If your mood feels all over the place, consider tracking your emotional patterns along with your cycle. This insight can be eye-opening!

4. Fatigue and Low Energy

If you’re experiencing chronic fatigue, it may be due to hormonal imbalance. I remember those days when I’d often feel like I could take a nap after just one cup of my favorite oat milk latte. Fatigue can be a result of low thyroid hormone levels or adrenal dysfunction, which is often exacerbated by stress.

A study conducted in 2018 published in Sleep highlighted that women with thyroid deficiencies reported significantly lower energy levels throughout the day.

Have you noticed that your energy dips happen more frequently lately? It might be time to address the root cause, starting with a check-in on your hormones.

5. Irregular Periods

Irregular or missed periods can signal hormonal imbalances, especially with estrogen and progesterone levels. If your cycle feels like more of a mystery than a rhythm, it might be worth exploring.

Many women dismiss these changes as just part of life. However, a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that hormonal imbalances often lead to cycle irregularities, which can affect fertility.

Pro tip: If you’re experiencing drastic changes in your cycle, keeping a detailed period journal can help track any correlations with lifestyle factors. This awareness can help you better advocate for your health.

6. Skin Issues

Okay, let’s talk about skin. If you’ve noticed increased acne, dryness, or sudden rashes, it could be tied to your hormones. Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to oil production in the skin, leading to breakouts.

For many women, hormonal acne often peaks in the days leading up to their period. A 2021 study in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology found that changes in testosterone and estrogen can deeply affect skin health.

If you find yourself slathering on products without results, check in with your hormones first. Sometimes balancing your hormones can lead to clearer and healthier skin!

7. Digestive Issues

For those of us busy juggling family and work, it can be easy to blame digestive discomfort on something we ate or a hectic lifestyle. But hormonal imbalances can play a significant role in your gut health.

Chronic bloating, constipation, or diarrhea can result from hormonal changes, particularly during your menstrual cycle. Research shows that fluctuations in progesterone can slow down digestion, leading to those uncomfortable feelings.

So, what can you do if you notice these signs? A well-rounded lifestyle approach can help — think balanced nutrition, regular movement, and stress management strategies to support healthy hormone levels. Remember, you don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to start.

Whether you’re sipping your oat milk latte or prepping a Sunday meal with the family, remember that prioritizing hormonal balance can lead to a more vibrant life. Each small step you take brings you closer to optimum well-being.