Hormonal Imbalance in Women: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Dr. Sheena Cherry

Internal Medicine Specialist

Hormonal Imbalance in Women: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Hormones (chemical messengers) in the body regulate a number of key functions: reproduction, growth, metabolism, mood, sleep—there’s much more. If those messengers become dysregulated—there’s hormonal imbalance in women. Hormonal imbalance in women, if left untreated, can compromise quality of life and even long‐term health and fertility.

In this post, we will discuss the signs of hormonal imbalance in women, how hormonal imbalance is diagnosed, and what treatments are available.

What Leads to Hormonal Imbalance?

Before discussing treatment and diagnostic, here are some of the most important reasons for hormonal imbalance in women:

Endocrine gland disorders, such as disorders of the adrenal glands (e.g. Cushing's syndrome)
Thyroid disorders (e.g. hypothyroidism, hyperthyroid)
Problems of the pituitary gland
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by elevated androgens
Primary ovarian insufficiency or menopause, both of which result in decreased estrogen & progesterone levels
Insulin resistance or metabolic disorders
Lifestyle factors, such as stress, sleep, diet, and obesity
Medications, environmental endocrine disruptors

Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Women

Signs of hormonal imbalance in women depend on which hormones are affected. Signs may include:

Menstrual problems: Irregularities, heavy periods, very light periods, or missed periods
Skin & hair: Acne; oiliness; excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism); thinning hair
Weight changes: Unexplained weight gain (or occasionally loss), especially around the abdomen
Changes in mood, sleep & energy: Fatigue, trouble sleeping, rapid or unpredictable changes, anxiety or depression
Sexual dysfunction: Low libido, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness
Infertility: Issues in pregnancy or trouble conceiving
Other signs can include: Digestive complaints (bloating, changes in bowel habit), temperature dysregulation (hot flashes, cold intolerance), bone loss

It’s worth talking to an expert healthcare provider like Dr. Sheena Cherry, about further evaluation or a workup if you have several hormonal imbalance symptoms that don’t go away.

How do you diagnose a Hormonal Imbalance?

There are several steps involved in hormonal imbalance diagnosis so it can be determined what hormones are out of balance and for what reason in each individual. Here are some common approaches to evaluating a suspected hormonal imbalance:

1. Review of Medical History and Any Health Symptoms:

A thorough history of menstrual cycles, sleep/mood levels, energy levels, weight, medications taken, pregnancy history, lifestyle. A physical examination may assess for excess hair, skin involvement or thyroid signs.

2. Blood Tests:

Evaluate hormone levels, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), some adrenal hormones (cortisol) or even possibly prolactin, FSH, LH, etc. based on your age and symptoms.
Depending on the healthcare facility, further testing may include other serum hormonal tests. However, it is likely based on the evaluation that the specialty hormonal tests will not be necessary.

3. Other Testing:

4. Special Tests:

5. Differential Diagnosis:

This usually is ruling out other pathology/systems that can mimic hormonal symptoms, such as other thyroid diseases, medication side effects, depression, and stress management.

Hormonal Imbalance Treatment Options

After a diagnosis is made, treatments will be based on the cause of the hormonal imbalance, the age of the patient, the patient’s reproductive wishes, the severity of symptoms, and pre-existing medical conditions. Below are the key treatment of hormonal imbalance:

1. Clinical Interventions

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT): For women who are experiencing, or who have experienced, menopause, or in the case of estrogen deficiency, your doctor may prescribe estrogen (and progesterone if your uterus is still present), which is useful to reduce hot flashes or other vaginal symptoms, and to help with bone density.
Medications to Treat Specific Hormonal Imbalances: As a doctor I may prescribe thyroid hormone replacement if you have hypothyroidism, or antithyroid medications if you have hyperthyroidism. I can also prescribe medications that decrease androgen levels (especially for women with PCOS), such as anti-androgens, or occasionally hormonal contraceptives. Insulin-sensitizing agents (like metformin) are utilized if women have PCOS or insulin resistance.
Surgical or procedure options: A surgical route may be indicated to remove tumor, cyst, or structural abnormality, and other interventions (such as radiotherapy) may also be indicated, but are rare.

2. Lifestyle & Supportive Strategies

For many women, non-medical strategies can be very useful. In some cases these strategies may lessen the need for pharmacological hormonal imbalance treatment, in other cases, they supplement it.

Eating a balanced, nutritious diet; maintaining a healthy weight
Engaging in regular physical activity. This helps with insulin regulation, mood, weight maintenance, etc
Stress management (e.g. yoga, meditation, breathing exercises). Chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which can impact other hormones
Practicing proper sleep hygiene. Sleep affects so many hormones like cortisol, insulin, sex hormones, etc
Limiting or avoiding exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (e.g. certain plastic substances and chemical products in cosmetics)

Specific Treatment Focus

If you stay or work in Dubai or Jumeirah, and you’re looking for Endocrine Disease Treatment in Dubai or Endocrine system disease treatment in Jumeirah, Dr. Sheena Cherry provides a thorough assessment and management for hormonal disorders. In her clinic, you will receive advanced diagnostics (blood-tests, imaging), customized therapy (including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), managing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), correcting thyroid dysfunctions), lifestyle plans, and follow-ups for long term care and support.

When to Consult a Specialist

You should consider seeing an endocrinologist or specialist when:

The symptoms are severe, or persist for 2-3 menstrual cycles without improvement
You have fertility concerns or irregular cycles
There are signs of significant hormone dysfunction (such as thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, suspected tumor)
Lifestyle changes have failed to help, or medications initiated by your family doctor have failed to help symptoms

Doctor’s Opinion

As a doctor, I always emphasize that hormonal imbalance in women is not a singular disease but a spectrum. What might be beneficial for one patient would not be appropriate for another. I frequently observe women feeling a sense of relief simply from the reassurance of a diagnosis, an explanation of their hormonal profile, and then we are able to go through a medical treatment plan and lifestyle modifications. This is a balance, and it is not the same for every woman and the goal is to have as much of a balance as you can so that you feel good, have energy, and can go about living your best life.

Take Control of Your Hormonal Health Now!

If you are experiencing changes in your body such as irregular periods, weight changes, or mood changes, it is time to act. Do not let hormonal imbalance in women affect your daily life. Book an appointment with Dr. Sheena Cherry, a leading specialist in Endocrine Disease Treatment in Dubai or treatment of endocrine diseases in Jumeirah. With a personalized care plan for you, and an evidence-based approach, you will be on the path to restoring balance and enjoying your life more fully. Contact Now to [+971 50 797 8727] to receive evidence-based medical care, centered around you that can ensure your safety and well-being.

Final Thoughts

Hormonal imbalance in women can present itself in different ways: sometimes may be in the form of irregular periods, acne, weight fluctuations, mood swings, or infertility. Despite all of this, it is only a manageable condition. If an imbalance is suspected and the appropriate tests are performed, along with taking a good history, those imbalances can be treated (medical or lifestyle), and can have a significant impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Health, Clarified: Expert Answers from Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Sheena Cherry

What tests are done to diagnose hormonal imbalance?

Testing can include blood tests (for estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, etc.), urinalysis and/or salivary analysis, imaging (ultrasound, MRI, etc), and clinical evaluation (including medical history & menstrual history).

Will lifestyle changes reverse hormonal imbalance in women?

For women with mild to moderate hormonal imbalance, making lifestyle changes can significantly improve the symptoms; however, treatment may be necessary depending on the underlying cause.

Is hormone replacement therapy safe?

Hormone replacement therapy can be very effective and is safe when prescribed properly, especially when overseen by an endocrinologist, like Dr. Sheena Cherry. Risks and benefits will be assessed per individual.

How long does hormonal imbalance treatment take, until results?

This varies by root cause and treatment plan. Some symptoms such as mood or sleep may improve over weeks, however other symptoms such as hair growth or fertility can take months.

Why see Dr. Sheena Cherry for Endocrine Disease Treatment in Dubai?

Dr. Sheena Cherry is experienced in endocrine disease and hormonal health. Dr. Cherry is committed to providing precise diagnostic evaluation, individual treatment plans, and follow up based in Dubai/Jumeirah to best meet your endocrine profile.

Is hormonal imbalance permanent in terms of fertility?

Many hormonal imbalances can be treated so fertility can return, and treatment is more effective when initiated early.

When should I worry that hormonal imbalance is something more than "normal changes"?

If the symptoms of an imbalance are really affecting day-to-day life (such as frequent mood swings, heavy irregular bleeding and unexplained infertility), or labs show hormone levels outside the normal range, you should see a specialist.