What causes hormonal imbalance? Understanding symptoms and solutions

Hormones influence much more than you might realise, from energy levels and metabolism to mood, sleep and reproductive health. Because they affect so many systems in the body, even small changes in hormone levels can sometimes have noticeable effects. But what causes a hormonal imbalance, and when should you pay attention? In this article, we explain the most common causes and symptoms of hormonal imbalance, practical ways to support hormonal health, and when testing or medical advice may be helpful.

Table of Contents

• What is hormonal imbalance?

• How to balance hormones: practical tips and lifestyle advice

• What causes hormonal imbalance? Key factors explained

• Recognising hormonal imbalance symptoms and taking action

• Frequently asked questions about hormonal imbalance

What is hormonal imbalance?

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the blood and tell different parts of the body what to do and when to do it. They are produced by tissues (mainly glands) in the endocrine system and help to control metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, sleep-wake cycle, mood, and the body’s internal balance.

A hormonal imbalance happens when your body has too much or too little of one or more hormones. Even small changes can affect how your body functions. Imbalances may be temporary or long-term, and some require treatment.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Examples of hormones

Different hormones have very different roles. The following are just a few examples of hormones and some of their many functions:

• Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are produced by the thyroid gland and help regulate metabolism and how the body uses energy. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and controls the production of T3 and T4.

• Insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar levels.

• Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a key role in the body’s stress response and helps regulate blood pressure.

• Estrogen and progesterone, produced mainly by the ovaries, and testosterone, produced mainly by the testes, are involved in reproductive health and sexual function.

Source: Healthdirect Australia, 2025; Healthdirect Australia, 2023

Because hormones affect so many different systems, changes in hormone levels can produce symptoms throughout the body. The exact effects depend on which hormones are involved, how much their levels have changed and the underlying reason for the change.

How to balance hormones: practical tips and lifestyle advice

Not all hormonal imbalances can be prevented, but healthy habits can support overall hormone health:

• Maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced, nutritious diet.

• Exercise regularly to support overall health and hormone regulation.

• Manage stress, as ongoing stress can affect hormone levels.

• Get enough quality sleep to support normal hormonal processes.

• Manage chronic health conditions properly, if applicable.

• Avoid smoking and tobacco products.

Lifestyle changes can help, but some hormonal imbalances, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, require medical treatment. Treatment depends on the cause and may include hormone replacement therapy, medication, injections, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.

Be cautious with supplements marketed for “hormone balance”, as few have strong scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Always speak with a healthcare professional before taking supplements or trying to treat a suspected hormonal imbalance yourself.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

If symptoms persist, become more pronounced or affect your quality of life, consider discussing them with a doctor. A hormone test may also provide additional information when appropriate. Homed-IQ offers several at-home hormone tests covering different hormone markers, allowing samples to be collected at home and analysed in a laboratory. Use this test to learn more about your health. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your health.

What causes hormonal imbalance? Key factors explained

There is no single answer to what causes hormonal imbalance. Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout life and even during the day. However, certain life stages, health conditions and other factors can cause more significant changes.

1. Life stages: Major hormonal changes commonly occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

2. Health conditions: Hormonal imbalances can result from tumours, adenomas or other growths affecting hormone-producing glands or cells. Damage or injury to an endocrine gland can also affect hormone production and may result from surgery, severe blood loss, infections, radiation therapy or head trauma. Autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease and polyglandular syndromes, can also disrupt hormone production.

3. Other causes: Stress, certain medications and steroid use can cause hormone levels to fluctuate.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Recognising hormonal imbalance symptoms and taking action

Hormonal imbalance symptoms vary depending on which hormone is affected. Possible signs can include slow heartbeat, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), unexplained weight gain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, numbness and tingling in the hands, high cholesterol levels, depression, anxiety, intolerance to cold temperatures, intolerance to warm temperatures, dry coarse skin and hair, thin warm and moist skin, irregular body fat distribution, darkened skin in the armpits or neck, skin tags, extreme thirst, frequent urination, acne, hair loss, heavy periods, excess body hair (hirsutism), hot flashes, infertility, irregular periods, loss of interest in sex, vaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness, decreased or lost body hair, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue), loss of muscle mass (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

However, symptoms alone cannot confirm a hormonal imbalance. Look for changes that persist, worsen, occur together, or feel unusual for you.

Testing may provide useful information. Homed-IQ offers a range of at-home hormone tests covering markers related to reproductive health, thyroid function and other aspects of hormonal health. Depending on the test, you collect the required sample at home according to the supplied instructions, send it to a certified laboratory using the provided return materials and receive your results securely online. 

A home test can be a convenient way to gain more information, but laboratory results should be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history and other relevant factors. Homed-IQ recommends discussing results with a doctor when further interpretation or follow-up testing is needed.

Frequently asked questions about hormonal imbalance

What can result from a hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalances can affect many areas of health. Some are temporary, while others require medical treatment. Possible effects include:

• Reproductive health: irregular or absent periods, infertility, caused by PMOS or anovulation and low testosterone (hypogonadism).

• Skin: hormonal (adult) acne, often linked to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or testosterone therapy.

• Metabolism and weight: weight gain or obesity, including changes linked to hypothyroidism, excess cortisol (Cushing’s syndrome), or menopause.

• Other conditions: diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, or gestational), thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

• Mental health: anxiety, nervousness, irritability, or depression, which can occur with conditions such as hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, or growth hormone deficiency.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Where to go for hormonal imbalance

You can start with your primary healthcare provider, who can diagnose and manage many hormonal imbalances. If needed, they may refer you to an endocrinologist, a doctor who specialises in hormone-related conditions and their treatment (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).