Many women suffer from hormone imbalances. This condition can lead to a variety of health problems and significantly decrease the quality of life for women affected by it. So, how do you know if you have a hormone imbalance? To figure this out, it’s important to know what is considered to be a normal level of estrogen.
There are two types of Estrogen in the human body. The first of these is known as estrone. For the average woman, levels are within the range of 17 – 200 pg / mL for premenopausal women or between 7 – 40 pg / mL for postmenopausal women. The other type of estrogen is known as estradiol. Most premenopausal women are within the range of 15 – 350 pg / mL and women who are postmenopausal commonly sit below <10 pg / mL.
When a woman’s estrogen levels fall above or below these ranges, she is considered to have an estrogen imbalance. Estrogen imbalances can cause an array of unpleasant symptoms.
These are the most common symptoms for women with imbalanced estrogen levels.
Symptoms of High Estrogen
- Bloating
- Swollen Breasts
- Lumps in the Breasts
- Low Sex Drive
- Menstruation Problems [ Fibroids / Endometriosis ]
Issues can include excessive pain, irregularity, bleeding, and / or cramping - Worsened Premenstrual Syndrome [ PMS ] Symptoms
- Mood Changes
Can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, and even depression - Headaches
- Weight Gain
Often in the hips, thighs, or mid-section - Hair Loss
- Cold Hands and / or Feet
- Difficulty Sleeping [ Insomnia ]
- Fatigue
- Memory Problems
Symptoms of Low Estrogen
- Increased urinary tract infections [ UTI’s ]
- Irregular periods or lack of periods
- Mood changes
Often in the form of mood swings or depression - Hot Flashes
- Tender Breasts
- Vaginal Atrophy
Symptoms include dryness, itchiness, bleeding after sex, burning sensation after urination, frequent / urgent urination, and shortening / tightness - Headaches and / or Migraines
- Trouble Concentrating
- Fatigue
Keep in mind that these individual symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors unrelated to hormone imbalances. However, if you are experiencing multiple of these symptoms, you may have a hormone imbalance.
Here at The Mills Institute, we offer Women’s Hormone Management services to help you get your hormones back on track. Visit our Patient Portal today and begin your journey towards balancing your hormones and living a happier, healthier life.