Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers that regulate various functions, including metabolism, growth and development, mood, and fertility.

However, a hormonal imbalance can occur when there’s too much or too little of a specific hormone in the body. Hormonal imbalances can have several underlying causes, including aging, stress, medications, and medical conditions. In this article, we’ll discuss 12 visual symptoms of hormone imbalance that you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people. Hormonal imbalances, especially an excess of androgens (male hormones that both males and females have), can cause acne.

Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more oil, which can clog pores and cause pimples.

2. Dry skin

Hormonal imbalances can cause dry and itchy skin. Estrogen helps in maintaining collagen and oil levels in the skin, and a decrease in its levels can cause dry skin. Low thyroid hormone levels can also cause dry skin.

3. Excessive hair growth or hair loss

Hormonal imbalances can cause changes in hair growth patterns. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest, and back can occur due to an excess of androgens.

Hair loss on the scalp can occur due to a decrease in estrogen levels, as well as thyroid hormone imbalances.

4. Irregular periods

Hormonal imbalances can cause irregular menstrual periods. An excess or deficiency of estrogen or progesterone can cause changes in the normal menstrual cycle.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods as well as other symptoms like hirsutism and acne.

5. Night sweats

Night sweats, or excessive sweating during sleep, can occur due to hormonal imbalances. Menopause is a common cause of night sweats, occurring due to a decrease in estrogen levels. Low thyroid hormone levels can also cause night sweats.

6. Weight gain or weight loss

Hormonal imbalances can cause changes in weight. An excess of cortisol (the stress hormone) can cause weight gain, especially around the abdomen.

Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, can cause weight gain. Hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, can cause weight loss.

7. Mood swings and depression

Hormonal imbalances can cause mood changes. Estrogen plays a role in regulating mood, and a decrease in its levels can cause mood swings and depression. Low thyroid hormone levels can also cause depression.

8. Fatigue

Hormonal imbalances can cause fatigue and lethargy. Low thyroid hormone levels can cause fatigue, as well as excess cortisol levels in conditions like Cushing’s syndrome.

9. Breast changes

Hormonal imbalances can cause changes in breast tissue. An excess of estrogen can cause breast tenderness and swelling, while a decrease in its levels can cause breast atrophy.

Conditions like gynecomastia (enlargement of male breast tissue) can occur due to an excess of estrogen or prolactin (a hormone that stimulates milk production in women).

10. Brain fog

Hormonal imbalances can cause cognitive changes like brain fog, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Thyroid hormone imbalances can cause cognitive impairment and depression as well.

11. Digestive problems

Hormonal imbalances can cause digestive problems like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Estrogen affects the digestive tract’s motility, and a decrease in its levels can cause constipation.

Excess cortisol levels can cause digestive problems like diarrhea and abdominal pain.

12. Insomnia

Hormonal imbalances can cause insomnia or difficulty sleeping. Menopause is a common cause of insomnia, as well as excess cortisol levels that disturb sleep-wake cycles.