Hormone imbalance is one of the most common issues in our patients. For men, declining levels of testosterone and increases in estrogen levels cause fatigue, loss of sex drive, weight gain and breast growth. In women, the imbalance causes PMS symptoms, menopause symptoms, weight gain and loss of sex drive.

It should be noted that although these symptoms are common and widespread, they are signs of malfunction and are abnormal. Menstrual cramps, headaches and bloating are not what is supposed to happen in a woman’s monthly cycle. By the same token, hot flashes and weight gain should not occur at menopause.

The most common cause for hormonal imbalance is failure of our backup hormone supply, the adrenal glands—our stress response system. They produce several hormones, including pregnenolone which is converted into many hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol.

When the body needs a little extra progesterone, it should be able to synthesize it from the pregnenolone. However, when we are under extended stress, most or all of the pregnenolone is used to make cortisol (the stress hormone) leaving us deficient in progesterone. Therefore, controlling stress becomes a matter of lifestyle adjustments and control. When stress is controlled, hormone balance is easier to achieve.

There are other factors that can lead to hormone imbalance, including toxicity, nutritional deficiency and fatty acid imbalances, but stress is usually the culprit.

 

Haas Wellness Centers is located at 3315 Springbank Lane, Ste. 102, in Charlotte. For appointments and more information, call 704-837-2420, email [email protected] or visit HaasWellnessCenters.com.