Having excess or insufficient hormones can affect various aspects of your life. Treating your hormone imbalance in San Dimas, CA, is much easier under the expert care of your doctor, Dr. Richard Williams of Williams Ob/Gyn & Associates.
What Is Hormone Imbalance
Hormones are chemicals secreted by endocrine glands into your bloodstream to direct the activities of organs and tissues in your body. When these hormones become too much or too little, you have a hormone imbalance. The effects of hormone imbalance are typically evident on your tissues and organs. Significant periods in your life can cause a surge or depletion of your hormones. Such milestones include puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. A hormone imbalance could be due to defects such as tumors in the hormone-producing organ.
Long Term Effects of Hormone Imbalance
Infertility- Hormone imbalance can make conception difficult for women. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility among women is marked by hormone imbalance.
Osteoporosis- The female sex hormone, estrogen, is important for keeping your bones strong and healthy. That's why postmenopausal women with lower estrogen levels are more likely to develop osteoporosis and fracture their bones. Younger women with insufficient estrogen levels might not attain optimal bone development.
Birth defects- Some women can conceive and bear healthy children despite hormone imbalance. However, maternal hormone imbalances can affect fetal development. For instance, women with hypothyroidism, are more likely to have children with birth defects.
Pregnancy complications- Hormone imbalance associated with conditions such as PCOS might cause women to experience pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, high birth weight, and miscarriage.
Cancer- Hormone imbalance might increase your risk of hormone-dependent cancers such as ovarian, breast, and endometrial uterine cancers.
Hormone Imbalance Symptoms
Often, the symptoms of hormone imbalance closely resemble other conditions so, many women sweep them under the carpet. You should see your doctor if you're having more than one of the following hormone imbalance signs in San Dimas, CA:
- Mood changes
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Abnormal body hair growth
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Changes in blood sugar level
- Reduced sex drive
- Irregular periods
After your diagnosis, your OBGYN will develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your condition.
If you think you might be experiencing hormone imbalance in San Dimas, CA, call (909) 599-8677 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Williams of Williams Ob/Gyn & Associates.