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However, your hormone levels may become imbalanced at some point in your life. You may even see clear signs, especially when they become too high. These signs may feel unrelated when they appear, but they are mostly connected to your internal hormone activity.
Learning about the most common symptoms due to high hormone levels will help you take proactive steps to curb them.
Unexpected Weight Gain
You may be gaining weight without making significant changes to your eating habits or activity levels, due to high hormone levels. High cortisol, insulin, and oestrogen levels may influence the way your body stores fat.- High cortisol.
- Excessive insulin may lead to frequent hunger and weight gain.
- Increased oestrogen levels make it difficult to lose weight, particularly around your hips and thighs.
Irregular or Heavy Periods
Oestrogen and progesterone are vital for your regular menstrual cycle. Your period gets impacted when there is too much oestrogen or an imbalance between these two hormones. You may experience the following symptoms.- Very heavy bleeding
- Early or late periods
- Missed periods
Constant Fatigue
Do you feel tired all the time? It may not be just from being overtired or poor rest. Hormonal imbalances may affect your energy levels throughout the day, particularly when cortisol or thyroid hormones are elevated.Cortisol keeps your body in an alert mode, leading to low energy and exhaustion.
Mood Swings and Anxiety
Your emotional well-being is deeply rooted in your hormone levels. When you notice yourself suddenly feeling irritable, anxious, or experiencing mood swings, it may be because of the following hormones.- Too much oestrogen
- Increased cortisol
- High levels of thyroid hormones
Trouble Sleeping
You may want to sleep at night, but high hormone levels make it harder to fall asleep. They may even wake you up multiple times during the night. Cortisol levels must remain low at night for good-quality sleep. However, you may not get proper sleep when they are at high levels.Cortisol is most crucial for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. When the levels remain high, your body feels alert even when it is time to rest. You may face the following as a result of this.
- Insomnia
- Light or disturbed sleep
- Early morning waking
Acne and Oily Skin
Hormonal acne is a common symptom of high androgen (male hormone) levels in women. You may notice the following signs.- Pimples on your chin or jawline
- Oily skin
- Painful or cystic acne
Hair Changes (Thinning or Excess Growth)
Your hair also faces the challenges due to a disruption in your hormones, affecting both its thickness and its growth pattern. You may notice the following hair signs if your testosterone or DHEA-S levels are too high.- Facial hair or unwanted hair
- Thinning scalp hair or a widening hair part
Breast Tenderness or Swelling
High oestrogen levels often affect your breasts outside of your regular cycle so that they may feel sore, swollen, or tender. This hormone may also allow your breast tissue to retain water and feel more sensitive.You must discuss any persistent pain or swelling with your doctor. However, occasional tenderness is a normal part of your cycle.
Digestive Problems
Excessive cortisol or thyroid hormones can either slow down or speed up your digestion. You may also experience bloating, constipation, diarrhoea or indigestion.Difficulty Concentrating (Brain Fog)
High levels of cortisol or thyroid hormones also affect your ability to concentrate, remember things, or stay focused. This is commonly described as brain fog.You may feel mentally cloudy, forgetful and easily distracted as a result of brain fog. It is wise not to ignore these signs when they occur frequently.
When Should You See a Doctor?
However, you must consult with your doctor if you experience more than two signs or conditions mentioned below.- The symptoms are lasting more than a few weeks
- They are affecting your quality of life
- You have a family history of hormone disorders
However, knowing the early signs of hormonal imbalance will allow you to take better control of your health.
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FAQs on Common Signs That Your Hormone Levels May Be Too High
- Are hormone imbalances only common in women?
Hormonal imbalances affect both men and women. While women may face issues related to oestrogen and progesterone, men may struggle with low testosterone or high cortisol. - What kind of doctor should I consult for hormone issues?
A general physician will examine your symptoms and then refer you to an endocrinologist. A specialist who deals with hormone-related conditions will further suggest some tests based on your condition.
