A Guide to Hormone Imbalance Symptoms in Women

While a normal part of the aging process, hormone changes like a drop in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Women experience hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, and symptoms like hair loss, weight gain, mood swings and cognitive issues like memory lapses can occur. Understanding the symptoms can help you seek the right treatments and improve your quality of life. This guide will discuss the common signs to watch out for and how to seek treatment. 

Hormonal Symptoms of Aging in Women — 9 Key Signs to Watch For 

Hormone changes in aging women are common, especially during perimenopause. Other hormones like growth hormone and melatonin also decrease with age, affecting many systems in your body.

Here are key hormonal imbalance symptoms to watch out for.

1. Changes in Menstruation

Several hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle. An imbalance in any or several of those hormones can cause irregular periods. For example, you might experience changes in flow, the length of your cycle may change, or you may skip periods.

As women age, they can also experience perimenopause, or the transitional period before menopause. This natural phase causes the ovaries to gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, the two key hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This can lead to symptoms like irregular or skipped periods. 

Other hormone-related conditions that can cause irregular periods include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and amenorrhea.

2. Bone and Joint Discomfort

Bone and joint discomfort can be symptoms of low estrogen in aging women. Estrogen helps maintain joint health, and it may decline during menopause, leading to symptoms like:

• Achiness or pain in the joints.
• Increased risk of fractures.
• Increased inflammation.

Osteopenia, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis can also occur with age as bones lose their density. These can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, while osteopenia is a precursor to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, a condition of weakened bones, affects about one in five women over age 50. 

3. Skin, Hair and Nail Changes

Skin, hair and nail changes are common symptoms of hormone deficiency in older women, often caused by changing testosterone and thyroid levels. Symptoms can include:

• Dry and itchy skin.
• Brittle nails.
• Thinning hair.
• Hair loss, often on the scalp, legs and underarms.

Treatments are usually centered on regulating thyroid levels, since women tend to experience low thyroid in their 50s, at the same time that hair loss usually starts. For help with dry and itchy skin, doctors might recommend anti-aging estrogen facial creams and other skin-nourishing supplements. 

4. Weight Fluctuations

With age, many women experience weight changes, like unexplained weight gain or loss. It’s common to gain weight just before and during menopause, often around the midsection. At this time, women might also find it harder to lose weight despite diet and exercise. This can be caused by changes in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and testosterone levels. 

These hormone changes in aging women can also affect metabolism and hunger — both of which can affect weight. 

5. Sexual and Urinary Issues

Many women experience decreased libido, vaginal dryness and urinary issues with age. During menopause, decreased estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness from reduced mucous membrane lubrication. This can lead to discomfort during intercourse and cause burning and itchiness near the vaginal opening. The changes in the vagina at this time can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI).

A loss of libido can also be caused by a hormone imbalance in aging women. More specifically, adequate levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone help maintain a person’s desire for sex. When they diminish, sex drive can diminish along with them.

6. Mood and Cognitive Difficulties

Menopause can cause irritability, feelings of sadness, anxiety and depression. Our bodies need estrogen to make serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, serotonin levels drop too.

On top of these emotional changes, menopause can also affect cognition, leading to difficulty concentrating or focusing, memory lapses and forgetfulness. This is often caused by changes in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid and cortisol.

7. Sleep Disturbances

Hormone fluctuations can make it tough to get a good night’s rest. Many women can experience these symptoms during menopause and perimenopause:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Tossing and turning
• Waking up in the middle of the night
• Waking up too early in the morning
• Never falling into a deep sleep

Hormone fluctuations can lead to night sweats. Additionally, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone help regulate breathing, which can lead to sleep apnea when disrupted. Changes in melatonin, growth hormone and the adrenal glands’ production of excess cortisol can also make it harder for women to get quality sleep as they age. 

8. Temperature Regulation Problems

Hot flashes and night sweats are common menopause and perimenopause symptoms. These sudden sensations of intense heat are often accompanied by sweating and flushing. While the exact mechanism that triggers these hot flashes isn’t well understood, we do know that estrogen decline is at the root of it. Estrogen affects the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature. It also impacts blood vessel dilation — when estrogen levels drop, blood vessels overdilate, causing sudden blood flow increase and hot flashes. 

Some women experience a few hot flashes a week, while others get them on and off all day. 

9. Changes in Energy Levels

When hormones are out of balance, energy levels may also drop. Low thyroid, progesterone and estrogen levels can disrupt your sleep cycle, causing you to feel tired even after getting adequate rest. You might deal with constant fatigue during the day, making it hard to do your usual activities. Hypothyroidism — when your thyroid doesn’t function at the level it should — can also slow metabolism and cause one to feel “sluggish.”

Understanding Symptom Clusters

Women can experience a cluster, or combination, of many perimenopause or menopause symptoms. They can vary in severity, and not all women will experience the same ones. For instance, while one woman might deal with hot flashes and sleep disturbances, another might be more affected by mood swings and weight gain.

It’s also important to note that while many signs can point to hormonal changes, some can be related to underlying health issues. For example, fatigue and weight changes could be related to thyroid disorders, while mood changes may be linked to anxiety or depression. 

Therefore, if you are experiencing a combination of symptoms, you’ll want to consult a health care provider to get the most accurate diagnosis and rule out other health issues.

When to Consult a Health Care Professional 

See a health care professional if your symptoms are persistent or disrupt your daily life. Be prepared to discuss all of your concerns, including any physical discomfort, mood changes or cognitive issues you might be experiencing. A doctor can help determine if your symptoms are related to hormonal imbalances or another underlying condition. They can also recommend the right care to get you feeling better.

For example, doctors may recommend Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to restore your hormonal balance. This treatment addresses deficiencies in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, helping you manage the physical and emotional effects of menopause.

Why Trust Spartan Medical Associates for BHRT

At Spartan Medical Associates, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve optimal health. Our providers focus on evidence-based solutions, creating tailored treatment plans that address the multifaceted nature of your well-being, from hormone balance to weight management. We specialize in provider-managed BHRT, treating conditions like menopause or perimenopause, low testosterone, suboptimal thyroid hormone and PCOS.

We focus on treating aging symptoms and improving the quality of life for our patients. We are continually expanding our knowledge base to offer the safest, most effective and scientifically proven treatments. Explore our customer testimonials to see the difference our services could make for your health and wellness. 

Partner With Spartan Medical Associates to Optimize Your Health

Recognizing hormonal imbalance symptoms is the first step toward reclaiming your well-being. You want to be proactive about your health, and the providers at Spartan Medical Associates are here to support you with evidence-based, comprehensive care. We look beyond singular symptoms to address your whole-body health. Our experienced providers will create plans for your unique symptoms, addressing hormone levels, weight management and key biomarkers for more effective treatment.

We deliver our concierge-style approach conveniently via telehealth throughout North Carolina and Delaware, ensuring you receive expert guidance from the comfort of your home. Hormonal imbalance symptoms don’t have to dictate your quality of life. Call 704-237-6512 to request a free phone consultation and begin your journey toward better health.