Our bodies are incredible really. They are constantly communicating with us... telling us when something's wrong. Sadly though, we're not taught what those little messages mean.
But don't worry, I'm here to help. Here's a few signs you may want to look out for as you become your own health detective...
Low Oestrogen
Low oestrogen often stems from a low percentage of body fat alongside chronic stress, poor sleep and potentially a low fat diet. Other causes include high prolactin and ovarian insufficiency. Low oestrogen creates a catabolic environment within the body so you may experience:
fatigue
depression/low mood
impaired memory and concentration
hot flashes
night sweats
vaginal dryness
pain with intercourse
low libido
joint pain
brain fog, migraines/headaches
dry skin
poor skin integrity and elasticity
hair loss/thinning
dull/dry hair
irregular periods, loss of periods or anovulation
PMS with depression
thin, pale menstrual blood (watered down cranberry juice)
a light bleed (1-2 days)
High Oestrogen
High oestrogen can stem from many imbalances in the body which drive increased oestrogen synthesis. Oestrogen is a stimulating hormone that promotes growth of the uterine lining. When high you may experience:
mood swings
weight gain/stubborn weight
breast tenderness
heavy and/or painful periods
irregular periods
delayed ovulation/skipped ovulation
headaches/migraines
digestive issues
water retention
hormonal acne
PMS especially with irritation/aggression
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),
fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts
Low Progesterone
Chronic stress, lack of ovulation or ovulation from an unhealthy follicle, endometriosis, PCOS, peri-menopause, hypothyroid and NSAID use are just some of the reasons behind low progesterone production. Symptoms include:
mood swings
weight gain
breast tenderness
fibrocystic breasts
heavy or painful periods
Irregular periods
fibroid/polyp development
hot flashes
breast tenderness
anxiety, depression
hair loss
low libido
night sweats
vaginal dryness
insomnia
acne
bloating
memory lapses
nervousness
poor concentration
irritability
High Progesterone
High progesterone is less common and will most commonly result from bioidentical progesterone supplementation or fertility medication. Symptoms may include:
water retention
breast tenderness
headaches
mood swings
High Androgens
Increased androgen production from the ovaries and adrenals may occur alongside low androgen clearance due to poor energy regulation - poor blood sugar balance, high blood sugar, high insulin and overweight/obesity. Symptoms may include:
hirsutism (dark, male-pattern hair growth in women)
acne vulgaris
deeper voice in women
angry/irritable PMS/ PMDD
irregular periods or no periods at all
anovulation
difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate)
excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks
weight gain
thinning hair and hair loss from the head
oily skin or acne
polycystic ovaries
PCOS
high testosterone, DHT, DHEA, and/or DHEAS, alongside an elevated LH:FSH ratio (e.g. as in PCOS).
Low Androgens
Low androgens may result from ageing, hypothalamic amenorrhoea, hyperprolactinaemia, premature ovarian failure or adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms may include:
fatigue
loss of muscle mass and strength
loss of libido
lack of motivation
low wellbeing
lowered mood
reduced hair quality (dull, dry)
poor skin integrity and elasticity
impaired memory and concentration
low follicle count and low AMH
If your hormones are out of balance and you need some support getting them back into alignment, please book in for a free 20 minute consultation via this link: https://calendly.com/lyndastretton
I can't wait to help you xx