The Importance of Hormonal Balance
If moderation is the key to a healthy and sustainable diet plan, then balance is critical for a woman’s health. Hormonal balance is necessary for keeping everything functioning properly inside the female body. When a woman’s hormones get “out of whack,” there are several unwanted consequences that can occur.
All women will experience normal, temporary symptoms of hormonal balance. Whether you suffer from extreme PMS or have gone through menopause, the entire spectrum for a woman’s hormonal shifts can include these disruptive side effects:
- Fatigue
- Moodiness
- Hot flashes/Night sweats
- Low libido
- Depression
- Mid-section weight gain
- Brain fog
While the above list of symptoms can be unpleasant to experience at any age, the more severe risk of hormonal imbalance is breast cancer. Estrogen dominance is the most common form of systemic hormonal imbalance that can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer. Physicians cannot always predict estrogen dominance, which is why women must make regular visits to the gynecologist a priority each year. Your doctor will draw blood to test for any imbalances in your hormone levels. At each visit, your doctor will also speak to you about any synthetic hormone replacement therapy you are currently on. This information can give your doctor vital information regarding your hormone levels and whether or not there is a concern.
If you notice any signs of estrogen dominance, including breast tenderness, weight gain in the hips/waist, mood disturbances, irregular cycles, or other changes in your lifestyle, please contact Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates. We value the importance of hormonal balance.
