Do you ever feel out of balance? 

Many women suffer from a hormone imbalance and don’t even know it! 

Imbalances in the delicate communication between your body’s hormones can lead to symptoms like weight gain, mood swings, bloating, fatigue, insomnia, and more.

Unless you have gotten your hormone levels checked through diagnostic testing (which I HIGHLY recommend), you probably are unsure as to exactly which hormone imbalance you have.

You probably just have a ‘feeling’ that something is off and no matter what you do, you can’t seem to resolve it.

I’m here to tell you that it’s not all in your head, if you’re not feeling your best then it’s probably a hormone imbalance.

Understanding the symptoms, causes, and triggers of your specific hormone imbalances is key to effectively balancing them. In this article, you can learn more about the most common hormone imbalances & what to do about each one.

You can take the free hormone quiz to get personalized results + tips. 

* You might have more than one hormone imbalance (because hormones are crazy complex and work together) but this quiz can help you further investigate.

Take The Quiz

What is a hormone imbalance?

A hormone imbalance is when your body has too much hormone or too little of a particular hormone, which can cause issues and symptoms in different areas of the body.

Common sources of hormone imbalance can include medications like birth control, nutritional deficiencies, stress, environmental toxins, and lifestyle choices. 

Hormones are SLOOWWWWWW signals. Like molasses in the winter time slow. Due to the slow nature of hormone signals, it can take years before you even notice symptoms. 

This is why it’s important to start to listen to what your body is trying to tell you and speak to your doctor when something doesn’t feel right. 

With understanding comes empowerment so let’s start understanding why hormone imbalance happens and how to recognize the signs!

Common Hormone Imbalances in Women + Tips

Low Thyroid In Women

Causes & Triggers
  • Hoshimoto’s Thyroiditis (Autoimmune Condition where the body attacks the thyroid gland)
  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as xenoestrogens
  • High production of cortisol (Due to high stress)
  • Birth or postpartum
  • Hormonal Birth Control
  • Nutrient Deficiencies such as selenium, iodine, Vitamin D & certain amino acids.
  • Gut conditions that affect absorption and activation of thyroid hormones.
  • High estrogen levels
Symptoms
  • Dry skin and brittle nails
  • Hair loss (body, head, and outer third of eyebrows)
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Infertility or miscarriages
  • Scant or light periods
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Water retention and swelling
  • Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Low sex drive
Hormone Balancing Tips
  • Avoid gluten and grains (MOST recommended)
  • Eat foods high in nutrients that will support your thyroid
  • Stress management like meditation or breathwork to reduce high cortisol levels
  • Swap your endocrine-disrupting products for cleaner options
  • Consider switching to nonhormonal birth control (If on one)
  • Consider supplementation (This post will be helpful)
  • Get your hormone levels tested to make sure you are getting to the root cause. 

Low Cortisol In Women

Causes & Triggers
  • Addison’s Disease (Autoimmune condition)
  • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (genetic conditions affecting the adrenal glands)
  • Extreme trauma, Long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress
  • Overexercising, excessive dieting, or disordered eating
  • Environmental or dietary influences like sensitivities & allergies
Symptoms
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Low Libido
  • Poor stress response
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Light Headedness
  • Sleeping Disturbances
  • Gastrointestinal and Digestive Issues
  • Craving Salt and Sugar.
  • Difficulty concentrating
Hormone Balancing Tips
  • Avoid Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
  • Add nutrients helpful for the adrenals like vitamin C and adaptogens. 
  • Start making morning and nightly routines to train your circadian rhythms. 
  • Self-care is a must! Mediation, journaling, listening to music, etc.
  • Avoid intense exercises like cardio & focus on strength building.
  • Get your hormone levels tested to make sure you are getting to the root cause. 

High Cortisol In Women

Causes of High Cortisol
  • Long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress
  • Excess caffeine consumption
  • Overworking/overtraining
  • Long periods of fasting or overeating
  • Poor lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking, and drug use
  • A diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals
Symptoms
  • Anxiety, depression, and mood swings
  • Cravings for sugar and processed foods
  • High blood pressure
  • Acne and other skin problems
  • Muscle weakness or fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper back and abdomen
Hormone Balancing Tips
  • Avoid high amounts of caffeine 
  • Eat more dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
  • Develop a nightly routine 
  • Swap intense forms of exercise like cardio or HIIT for more low-impact options
  • Get your hormone levels tested to make sure you are getting to the root cause. 

Low Testosterone In Women

Causes & Triggers
  • Age and a natural decline in testosterone production
  • Chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes or Hoshimoto’s
  • Certain medications, such as opioids and glucocorticoids
  • Practice stress management. Stress (high cortisol) disrupts testosterone production.
  • Low levels of Vitamin D or zinc
Symptoms
  • Low libido or no sex drive
  • Low energy levels
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Increased body fat
  • Weight gain around the midsection
Hormone Balancing Tips
  • Consider trying nonhormonal birth control options due to BC raising SHBG which can reduce testosterone levels. 
  • Develop a nightly sleep routine to improve circadian rhythms
  • Eat foods high in vitamin D and zinc to support your testosterone levels
  • Get your hormone levels tested to make sure you are getting to the root cause.

High Androgens In Women

Causes & Triggers
  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
  • Hormonal birth control
  • High Cortisol levels from chronic stress
  • Excess abdominal fat which converts excess estrogen to testosterone
  • High insulin levels can cause the ovaries to produce testosterone
  • Tumors on the pituitary or adrenal glands (adenoma & CAH)
Symptoms
  • Acne
  • Weight Gain
  • High blood sugar levels
  • Excessive body hair growth
  • Infertility
  • Irregular Menstruation
  • Oily skin and scalp
  • Thinning hair on the scalp
  • Insulin resistance
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Low libido
Hormone Balancing Tips
  • Avoid gluten and grains
  • Make sure every meal as protein fat and fiber to keep insulin levels stable.
  • Develop a nightly sleep routine to improve insulin sensitivity
  • Consider adding a supplement to reduce high androgens & improve insulin response (this article will help)
  • Get your hormone levels tested to make sure you are getting to the root cause.

Low Estrogen In Women

Causes & Triggers
  • Low body fat composition
  • Anorexia or eating disorders
  • Premature ovarian failure (menopause before the age of 40)
  • Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation
  • Removal of both ovaries (total oophorectomy)
Symptoms
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Decrease in bone density (osteoporosis)
  • Low libido
  • Fatigue
  • Depression 
Hormone Balancing Tips
  • Consider trying nonhormonal birth control options
  • Consider adding organic Non-GMO tofu
  • Think about supporting your estrogen levels with nutrients like flax and pumpkin seeds
  • Consider adding a supplement to help improve estrogen & progesterone levels (this article will help)
  • Get your hormone levels tested to make sure you are getting to the root cause.

High Estrogen In Women

Causes & Triggers
  • Genetics
  • Low progesterone
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Excess weight
  • Poor Gut Function (SIBO, Leaky Gut, Poor Absorption)
  • Excess consumption of alcohol and caffeine
  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (xenoestrogen)
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Endometriosis
Symptoms
  • Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
  • Heavy bleeding during periods
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Breast tenderness or swelling
  • Headaches
  • Mood swings, anxiety and irritability
  • Weight gain around the thighs and hips
Hormone Balancing Tips
  • Focus on gut and liver health to eliminate excess estrogens. 
  • Replace your endocrine-disrupting plastics & beauty products with cleaner options. 
  • Consider adding a supplement to help reduce excess estrogen levels (this article will help)
  • Get your hormone levels tested to make sure you are getting to the root cause.

Low Progesterone In Women

Causes & Triggers
  • Anovulation (lack of ovulation)
  • Low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Premature ovarian failure
  • Stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Certain medications such as birth control pills
  • Hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disorders or adrenal fatigue
  • High prolactin levels due to pituitary dysfunction
Symptoms
  • PMS starts 7 days before period
  • Irregular menstrual cycles (breakthrough bleeding)
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Weight gain around the hips and thighs
  • Low libido or sex drive
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Breast tenderness before period
Hormone Balancing Tips
  • Replace your endocrine-disrupting plastics & beauty products with cleaner options.
  • Start a stress management routine to reduce cortisol levels
  • Consider switching to nonhormonal birth control (if you are on one)
  • Consider adding a supplement to help progesterone levels (this article will help)
  • Eat more foods that support progesterone production like foods that are high in magnesium
  • Get your hormone levels tested to make sure you are getting to the root cause.

Insulin Resistance In Women

Causes & Triggers
  • Poor dietary habits, such as consuming too much added sugar and processed foods
  • Low activity levels and physical inactivity
  • Genetics, some people are prone to developing insulin resistance due to their genetics
  • Obesity or carrying excess body fat, especially around the abdomen
  • High levels of inflammation
  • Certain medications such as steroids
Symptoms
  • High blood sugar levels
  • Frequent hunger and cravings for sweets
  • Fatigue and sleepiness after meals
  • Unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen
  • Difficulty losing weight despite dieting and exercise
Hormone Balancing Tips
  • Avoid high glycemic foods to reduce insulin spikes
  • Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption to reduce sugar spikes
  • Start a nightly routine and aim for 7 hours of sleep to improve insulin sensitivity
  • Consider adding a supplement to help reduce excess estrogen levels (this article will help)
  • Get your hormone levels tested to make sure you are getting to the root cause.

Most Common Hormonal Imbalance Combinations 

  • High Estrogen and low thyroid 
  • High cortisol and low testosterone or low progesterone
  • Low estrogen and low testosterone
  • Low progesterone & high estrogen

What’s Next?

As you can see, hormone imbalances are complex and interconnected. They tend to be caused by common themes like excess weight, stress, endocrine disruptors (toxin exposure), hormone imbalances, excessive dieting, and overexercising. 

After taking the HORMONE QUIZ you might have a better understanding of what’s going on but in order to concrete answers, diagnostic testing is needed.

The hardest part of getting your hormone testing is not having the resources to get concrete answers. You’ll need a doctor that specializes in hormone testing and can guide you through the process.

If you’re looking for help then you’re in luck! I have developed a Weight Loss Lab Masterclass so you can learn how to accurately test your hormone levels and even get testing for yourself. 

What’s Next?

Now It’s Time For Concrete Answers & Learn AboutYour Hormone Levels

Learn More!

The Weight Loss Lab Masterclass provides comprehensive hormonal testing guidance so you can accurately and quickly identify what’s causing your imbalances. 

The masterclass offers resources to help guide you through the process and get the answers you need. With this information in hand, it’ll be much easier to develop a plan for getting back on track.

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