About the disease

A hormonal disorder, also known as a hormonal imbalance, is what happens when the hormones (which are molecules that are responsible for the regulation of a person’s psychological behaviour) stop being produced in the right quantities. Hormonal disorders are much more common in women, as their hormonal count can easily fluctuate during menstruation, the menopause, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Hormonal disorders are widespread among women with irregular periods. Frequent periods that last longer than normal could indicate that the endocrine system is producing too many hormones. If periods occur infrequently, this can be an indicator that there is an insufficient amount of hormones being produced. Hormonal unbalance can cause sleep problems, changes in behaviour, stress, night sweats and other emotional changes. Sleep problems can arise if the ovaries are not producing enough progesterone. As a result, it can be difficult to fall asleep or to sleep for more than an hour at a time. Some women also produce too much of androgen, which is a male hormone. An excess of this hormone makes the oil glands and hair follicles work overtime, causing acne and hair growth in unusual places such as the upper lip or nipples. This condition is also known as hirsutism. Overall, 60% of all females experience some kind of hormonal disorder during their lifetime.

Symptoms

• Irritability
• Irregular periods
• Insomnia
• Night sweats
• Flushed skin
• Acne
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Memory lapses
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Weight gain or loss

Diagnosis

• A blood test can determine whether there is a problem with the endocrine system. It can also show whether there is an excessive or insufficient amount of certain hormones in the patient’s bloodstream.
• Urinalysis can also determine abnormalities in the patient’s hormonal count.
• A CT scan of the thyroid or endocrine gland can be used to investigate further.

Treatment

Conservative treatment is usually enough to normalize the hormonal imbalance and workings of the endocrine system. Your doctor may prescribe doses of progesterone or estrogen, which may need to be taken for a short period of time or possibly permanently. Some women are prescribed hormones that block the excessive production of testosterone, to control hirsutism. Overall, hormonal disorders can be treated successfully, allowing patients to regain their emotional health after just a short period of time.  

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Farrukh Ahmed