Decoding Hormonal Imbalance in Women

"Hormonal Imbalance is not such a rare condition these days", says Dr Namrata Kacchara, Sr Consultant, Gynaecology at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon. Lifestyle changes and erratic work schedules are the main reasons there is an increase in the number of cases of hormonal imbalances in women.

The hormonal imbalances in women are mainly caused due to 2 hormones - progestosterone and estrogen. Estrogen and progestosterone are wonder hormones that are produced by the ovaries and are mainly responsible for the sexual development in a female. They also control the menstrual cycle and are also responsible for fertilization and pregnancy. The rising and falling levels of mainly these two hormones lead to hormonal imbalances.

Signs of hormonal imbalance (symptoms)

1.      Irregular uterine bleeding
2.      Mood swing
3.      Obesity
4.      Hitruism (abnormal growth of hair on a woman's face and body)
5.      Hot flashes

These symptoms are more or less similar for most of the women suffering from hormonal imbalances. It is essential that a woman gets her hormones checked or consults a gynaecologist immediately if she experiences the same.

CAUSES

Lifestyle diseases such as PCOD (polycystic ovarian disorder) and menopause.
Improper and erratic sleeping patterns.
Stress on body and day to day life activities.
Researchers have also pointed out genetics in some cases.

Can it be prevented?
Dr Namrata Kacchara suggests that a woman must have an active lifestyle, ensure her BMI is 21 and constantly keep analyzing her hormone status and consult her gynaecologist regularly in order to prevent the aggravation of hormonal imbalance.

Tests to identify hormonal imbalance in women
Dr Kacchara suggests the following tests to analyse the intactness of hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis. These tests are - follicle stimulating hormone, lutinizing hormone, prolactine, thyroid stimulating hormone, insulin fasting and post pariandial, lipid profile, estrogens test and anti mullarian hormone.

Treatments for hormone imbalance
Correct the deficit by either estrogens, eltoxin, cabergolin, weight reduction, active life style. It may take around one to six months for the correction to work out completely and treat hormonal imbalance.

Are there any health risks if you ignore the symptoms?
Dr Namarata Kacchara reiterates, "yes aggravation of the symptoms can take place leading to advanced signs". Women who have unchecked hormonal imbalances suffer from the following:

- Obesity - this leads to many other diseases and problems
- Excessive hair growth at unwanted places- women can get depressed and the same can lead to psychological effects on the women.
- Irregular and uncontrolled uterine bleeding
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes and tiredness
- Diabetes and hypertension are common health issues seen in women who do not keep their hormones under check.