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Hormones are chemicals that act as message carriers from the different parts of the body to the cells. Some of the major glands that constitute the endocrine system are as follows:

• Adrenal glands
• Hypothalamus
• Pituitary glands
• Parathyroids
• Pineal body
• Reproductive organs (testes and ovaries)

Hormones regulate the metabolism, control the blood pressure, and influence the sex drive. Hormonal imbalance is described as too much or too little hormone secreted by a gland of the endocrine system.

Hormonal Imbalance in Women

The efficient and coordinated functioning of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland signifies hormonal balance in women. The crucial female hormones include:

• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of the hormonal imbalance in women include:

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods)
• Hot flashes
• Hirsutism (excess body hair)
• Osteoporosis
• Fatigue and depression
• Hair loss

Causes

Hormonal imbalance in women can result in reproduction problems and other serious complications. Conditions that can bring about hormonal imbalance in women are as follows.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that can cause female hormonal imbalance. The ovaries of the women afflicted with polycystic ovary syndrome produce more androgens (male hormones) than the normal, which affects ovulation. High insulin levels in the women suffering from the disease are also responsible for the production of excess androgens. The imbalance due to PCOS can result in abnormal body hair, weight gain, acne, diabetes, and in some cases infertility.
• Inappropriate Use of Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills include female hormones such as progesterone and/or estrogen. These hormones restrain the ovulation and prevent pregnancy. The irregular and improper use of oral contraceptives can cause hormonal imbalance in the women. The hormonal imbalance due to oral contraceptives can result in irregular periods, bleeding between periods, light or heavy bleeding, and abnormal spasms.
• Turner’s Syndrome: The genetic disorder is defined as the absence of whole or one part of X chromosome in women. Under normal circumstances, women are born with two X chromosomes; however, women with Turner’s syndrome may have only one X chromosome or may miss a part of X chromosome. The syndrome hinders the proper growth of ovaries, and the production of the hormone estrogen is halted. The effects of the syndrome include diminutive stature, hypertension, heart disease, and kidney and thyroid problems.
• Menopause: Menopause is described as the end of the menstrual and reproductive cycle in a woman. Menopause can occur between the ages of 40 to 52 years. The change in progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to great discomfort and irritation in women. The effects of menopause include hot flashes, depression, vaginal dryness, insomnia, and decreased sex drive.

Home Remedies

Some remedies that may reduce some of the conditions related to hormonal imbalance are described below.

• DHEA supplements: DHEA or dehyroepiandrosterone is a steroid hormone created mainly by the adrenal glands. The dietary supplement of the hormone can be helpful in relieving the discomforts of menopause and may aid in improving sexual health of the menopausal women.
• Melatonin: The hormone secreted by the pineal glands in the brain manages and controls the female reproductive hormones (progesterone and estrogen). Melatonin supplements are effective in combating sleep disorders in menopausal women.
• Flaxseed: The essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic, may reduce the hot flashes and combat vaginal dryness in menopausal women.
• Vitamin E: This vitamin is helpful in combating hot flashes and vaginal dryness in menopausal women.
• Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium helps prevent bone loss in menopausal women, and vitamin D is essential in proper assimilation of calcium.
• Dietary Changes: All stimulating foods that create imbalance in the hormones like sugar, tea, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided. The hormonal correction diet should include fresh foods such as fish, poultry, eggs vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, olives and avocado.
• Fluid Therapy: Regular intake of water helps in the proper assimilation of nutrients and cleansing of excess hormones.

Some other remedies for the treatment of hormonal imbalance in women include exercise, yoga, meditation, phytoestrogen herbs, aromatherapy, and acupuncture.

All treatment procedures including home remedies should be followed in consultation with a medical specialist.

References

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov