Unfortunately, many women struggle with hormonal imbalance, which can lead to a range of issues such as irregular periods, chronic fatigue, weight fluctuations, or skin problems.
What can cause hormonal imbalance? Which symptoms should raise concern? And most importantly – how can you support your body in maintaining natural hormonal balance? In this article, we take a closer look at the most important hormones regulating the female body and their impact on overall health.
Role of Hormones in Female
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that regulate many vital processes. In the female body, their role is particularly significant – they not only affect fertility and the menstrual cycle but also influence metabolism, mood, skin condition, sleep, and energy levels. Their mutual balance is extremely delicate – even minor changes can lead to noticeable alterations in how a woman feels.
Below are the most important hormones and their functions:
Oestrogens
These are the main female sex hormones. They regulate the menstrual cycle, affect the development of sexual characteristics, skin elasticity, bone density, and lipid metabolism. Their deficiency may lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, or mood disorders.
Progesterone
Responsible for preparing the body for pregnancy, supporting the uterine lining, and calming the nervous system. Low progesterone levels can cause fertility issues, irregular periods, or anxiety.
Testosterone
Though considered a male hormone, it also plays an important role in women – regulating libido, muscle mass, and energy levels. Testosterone imbalance may cause acne, excessive hair growth, or decreased libido.
Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)
They regulate metabolic rate, body temperature, heart rhythm, and overall energy levels. Their deficiency (hypothyroidism) or excess (hyperthyroidism) significantly affects weight, mood, and concentration.
Cortisol
Known as the “stress hormone,” plays a key role in the body’s response to stress. Chronically elevated cortisol levels may lead to memory problems, weakened immunity, and weight gain.
Insulin
It regulates blood glucose levels. Insulin dysfunction (e.g., insulin resistance) can lead to type 2 diabetes and weight issues. In women, it frequently co-occurs with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Hormonal balance is essential for women’s health. In the next sections of the article, we will explore what may disrupt this balance and which symptoms may indicate hormonal issues.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance may have many internal and external causes. The endocrine system is delicate and reacts strongly to lifestyle, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions. Even small deviations can disrupt its functioning and affect overall health.
Below are the most common causes of hormonal imbalance in women:
Chronic stress
Long-term stress increases cortisol levels, which disrupts the function of other hormones –including progesterone, insulin, and thyroid hormones. This may lead to cycle irregularities, sleep problems, and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies
Overly restrictive diets, lack of healthy fats, vitamin and mineral deficiencies (especially vitamin D, zinc, iron, and magnesium) impair hormone production. Excess sugar and processed foods contribute to insulin resistance.
Too little or excessive physical activity
Lack of movement slows down metabolism, but overly intense training (especially without proper recovery) may cause menstrual irregularities and low oestrogen levels.
Sleep disturbances
Sleep is a time of regeneration – also for the endocrine system. Sleep deficiency affects melatonin, cortisol, and insulin levels, contributing to hormonal imbalance.
Environmental pollution and endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Exposure to toxins (e.g., BPA from plastics, phthalates, pesticides) can disrupt hormone function by mimicking hormones or blocking their receptors.
Thyroid disorders and other endocrine diseases
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, PCOS, insulin resistance, or pituitary gland tumours are just some conditions that may cause significant hormonal imbalance.
>Hormonal contraception and certain medications
Hormonal treatments may affect natural hormone rhythm – both during the treatment and after discontinuation. Some medications (e.g., steroids) may also disrupt hormonal balance.
Natural life stages
Puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause involve major hormonal changes and require special care for overall health and balance.
Understanding the causes of hormonal imbalance is the first step towards effective treatment. In the next section, we will look at symptoms suggesting that something may be wrong.
How Do Hormones Affect Women?
Hormonal imbalance can cause a wide range of symptoms – from subtle changes in well-being to noticeable health issues. They are often mistaken for stress, fatigue, or lifestyle-related problems, which is why it's important to learn how to recognize the signals the body sends.
Here are the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women:
Irregular periods or absence of periods
One of the most common signs. Periods may become infrequent, too frequent, painful, or stop altogether. This may indicate issues with oestrogen, progesterone, prolactin, or thyroid hormones.
Difficulty getting pregnant
Ovulation disorders caused by hormonal imbalance often lead to fertility problems. They frequently appear alongside PCOS or thyroid disorders.
Weight fluctuations
Sudden weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite a healthy lifestyle may indicate hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, or chronically elevated cortisol levels.
Skin problems and excess hair growth
Adult acne, especially on the jawline and chin, may indicate elevated androgens. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) often occurs with PCOS.
Low libido
May result from low oestrogen, testosterone, or chronic stress and fatigue.
Mood swings, irritability, anxiety
Hormones strongly influence the nervous system. Imbalance may cause depression, insomnia, hyperactivity, or “brain fog.”
Chronic fatigue and sleep problems
Imbalance in cortisol, melatonin, and thyroid hormones may cause persistent tiredness even after a long sleep.
Hair loss
Significant hair thinning or androgenic hair loss may result from hormonal changes, particularly postpartum, during menopause, or with thyroid issues.
Excessive sweating and hot flashes
Typical during menopause but may also indicate hormonal imbalance earlier – e.g., in hyperthyroidism.
Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
Low oestrogen levels, especially postpartum or during menopause, may lead to decreased lubrication and discomfort.
Presence of a single symptom is not necessarily a sign of a serious issue, but symptoms that persist or occur together should prompt a medical consultation.
Read about: Menstrual pain from the perspective of a Polish gynaecologist in the UK
In the next section, we will discuss how hormonal imbalance is diagnosed and which tests are recommended.
Diagnosing Hormonal Imbalance – Which Tests Should You Consider?
Diagnosis is based on a detailed medical interview, symptom assessment, and laboratory tests. Hormones work in a complex network, so diagnosing imbalance requires a comprehensive view of the body – including the reproductive, metabolic, nervous, and immune systems.
Check below an overview of the diagnostic process and the most commonly recommended tests:
Medical consultation and interview
A doctor (usually a gynaecologist, endocrinologist, or GP) will ask about:
- What symptoms are present and since when?
- Is the menstrual cycle regular?
- Lifestyle (diet, sleep, stress, physical activity)
- History of thyroid disease, diabetes, PCOS, infertility
- Medications or hormonal contraception
Blood tests – hormonal profile
The most common tests measuring hormone levels (preferably taken in the morning, fasting, on specific cycle days):
Reproductive hormones:
- Oestradiol (E2)
- Progesterone
- LH
- FSH
- Prolactin
- Testosterone (total and free)
- DHEA-S
- SHBG
Thyroid hormones:
- TSH
- fT3 and fT4
- anti-TPO and anti-TG (Hashimoto screening)
Insulin and glucose (glucose–insulin curve)
Useful for diagnosing insulin resistance and metabolic issues.
Cortisol
Measured in blood, saliva, or urine (daily profile).
AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone)
Indicates ovarian reserve – valuable for fertility assessment.
Ultrasound scan (pelvic and thyroid)
- Transvaginal ultrasound scan helps assess ovaries and detect cysts (e.g., in PCOS).
- Thyroid ultrasound scan is useful if enlargement or nodules are suspected.
Additional tests may include (depending on the symptoms)
- Vitamin and mineral levels (vitamin D, magnesium, iron, zinc)
- Lipid profile
- Tests for diabetes and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
- MRI of the pituitary gland (if prolactinoma is suspected)
When Should You Get Hormonal Tests?
You should consider hormonal testing if you experience:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Chronic fatigue, low mood, or low libido
- Excessive hair growth, acne, or hair loss
- Unexplained weight gain, difficulty to lose weight
- Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction
Our surgery offers consultations with specialist doctors and a wide range of hormonal tests for women to diagnose hormonal imbalance. Polish gynaecologist is available in both surgeries in Coventry and London.
You can find more information on the available test profiles on our website.
