Many women suspect that they may have a hormone imbalance based on changes that occur during their cycles, or specific symptoms such as PMS, spotting, night sweats or acne. Take the following quick quiz below to understand which hormones may be out of balance. Please keep in mind, this quiz is very much simplified, and the most accurate way to assess for hormone imbalance is with lab testing.
GROUP 1:
- Significant PMS (lasting more than 3 days, interfering with life and relationships)
- Cyclic headaches
- Painful or fibrocystic breasts
- Early miscarriage
- Insomnia (especially in the PMS week)
- Anxiety (especially in the PMS week)
- Premenstrual spotting
If you scored two or more in this category, read more about this hormone imbalance below.
GROUP 2:
- Vaginal dryness
- Night sweats
- Memory problems
- Lethargic depression
- Hot flashes
- Frequent bladder infections
If you scored two or more in this category, read more about this hormone imbalance below.
GROUP 3:
- Puffiness and bloating
- Cervical dysplasia (abnormal PAP tests)
- Rapid weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Gallbladder problems
- Mood swings
- Carrying weight around the upper thighs and buttocks
If you scored three or more in this category, read more about this hormone imbalance below.
GROUP 4:
If you have scored 2 or more in each of GROUP 1 and GROUP 3, read about this hormone imbalance below.
GROUP 5:
- Acne
- Excessive hair on the face and arms
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Thinning hair on the head
- Ovarian cysts
- Higher muscle tone or very well defined muscles
If you have scored two or more in this category, read more about this hormone imbalance below.
ANSWERS:
GROUP 1: Progesterone deficiency – Occurs most commonly after age 35 (through to menopause), and also as a consequence of prolonged stress. Progesterone deficiency is most associated with a worsening of PMS symptoms, and also difficulty conceiving. Treatment with herbs and a close examination of stress hormones is recommended.
GROUP 2: Estrogen deficiency – Most typically associated with menopause, but can occur in other cases with low body weight, amenorrhea, over-exercise or prolonged periods of high stress.
GROUP 3: Estrogen excess – This is usually due to poor breakdown and elimination of estrogens which can happen with liver congestion, lack of exercise, use of oral contraceptives and exposure to environmental estrogen-mimicking chemicals. Estrogen excess is important to treat, as the extra estrogen can stimulate the growth of breast cyst, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and is a risk factor for hormonal cancers.
GROUP 4: Estrogen dominance – A combination of low progesterone with symptoms of high estrogen can amplify any estrogen-sensitive conditions: fibroids, endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, breast cancer. It is very important to support progesterone production and to also help with breakdown and elimination of estrogens.
GROUP 5: Excess androgens – Most commonly associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, but in other cases it may simply reflect a genetically higher level of testosterone. Treatment includes a diet that lowers insulin resistance, regular exercise and herbal support for testosterone breakdown.
If you suspect that you have a hormone imbalance, let’s talk about it during your next appointment. Accurate lab testing is the first place to start (blood, urine or saliva panels), and then we can target your hormones more accurately with a treatment plan.