logo
Look Out For These Silent Signs Of Hormonal Imbalance

Look Out For These Silent Signs Of Hormonal Imbalance

NDTV7 days ago
Hormonal imbalances can have silent or subtle signs that often go unnoticed or are mistaken for other health issues. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate nearly every bodily function from metabolism, sleep, and mood to skin health and reproduction. When hormones are even slightly off-balance, they can cause a cascade of effects that may seem unrelated. Since these signs can develop gradually and vary depending on the specific hormones involved, people may not immediately realise that hormones are the root cause of their symptoms. Early detection is key, as prolonged imbalances can impact long-term health and well-being. Keep reading as we list silent signs of hormonal imbalance to look out for.
10 Silent signs of hormonal imbalance to look out for
1. Unexplained weight gain or loss
If you're gaining or losing weight without significant changes in your diet or activity level, it could be a hormonal issue. Imbalances in thyroid hormones, insulin, or cortisol can directly affect metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
2. Fatigue despite rest
Persistent tiredness, even after a full night's sleep, may signal a hormonal imbalance. Low thyroid (hypothyroidism), adrenal fatigue, or insulin resistance can lead to constant exhaustion by interfering with how your body produces and uses energy.
3. Mood swings or anxiety
Fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, or serotonin can lead to mood instability, irritability, anxiety, or even depression. These changes often go undiagnosed, especially in women during PMS, perimenopause, or postpartum periods.
4. Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Difficulty falling or staying asleep may be linked to changes in melatonin, cortisol, or progesterone levels. High cortisol at night or low melatonin can disrupt your circadian rhythm, making it harder to rest properly.
5. Hair thinning or hair loss
A slow, progressive loss of hair especially along the scalp or eyebrows can be due to low thyroid function, high androgens (like testosterone), or hormonal shifts related to menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
6. Acne or skin changes
Adult acne, especially around the jawline or chin, can be a red flag for high androgens or hormonal fluctuations. Estrogel-progesterone imbalance, PCOS, or even stress-related cortisol changes can affect skin oil production and lead to breakouts or dryness.
7. Digestive issues
Bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea that seems unrelated to food could be caused by hormone imbalances. Oestrogen and progesterone influence gut motility and microbiota, and cortisol can trigger inflammation in the digestive tract.
8. Low libido
A sudden drop in sexual desire, especially when accompanied by fatigue or mood changes, may indicate low levels of oestrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones. This symptom is often dismissed but can be a key indicator of hormonal disruption.
9. Irregular menstrual cycles
Missed, irregular, or excessively heavy or light periods often point to imbalances in oestrogen and progesterone. Conditions like PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and perimenopause can all disrupt normal menstrual patterns.
10. Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Struggling with memory, focus, or clarity might be more than just stress, it could signal an issue with thyroid hormones, cortisol, or even insulin. Hormones regulate brain function, and imbalances can dull mental sharpness over time.
Recognising these silent signs early and seeking medical evaluation can lead to proper diagnosis and effective management through lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and in some cases, medical treatment.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Hashtags

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dr explains: How air pollution, stress and late pregnancies are fuelling India's fertility crisis
Dr explains: How air pollution, stress and late pregnancies are fuelling India's fertility crisis

First Post

time2 days ago

  • First Post

Dr explains: How air pollution, stress and late pregnancies are fuelling India's fertility crisis

Infertility affects 10–15% of Indian couples. Firstpost brings out expert views on India's growing infertility crisis, examining how lifestyle, pollution, and delayed parenthood are affecting reproductive health, IVF success rates and access to fertility care in urban and tier-2 and tier-3 cities. read more Infertility is emerging as a pressing public health concern in India, affecting an estimated 10–15% of couples according to studies published in The Lancet and other medical journals. The issue has been further spotlighted by government data and clinical observations pointing to a surge in conditions like PCOS, endometriosis and declining sperm quality, particularly in urban centres. Environmental stressors such as air pollution and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, combined with sedentary lifestyles and delayed family planning, are compounding the crisis. The Indian Council of Medical Research and the Ministry of Health have taken regulatory steps with the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act to ensure standardised fertility care but challenges around accessibility, affordability and awareness persist—especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firstpost talked to Dr. Mannan Gupta, Chairman & HOD, Obstetrics & Gynaecology & IVF, Elantis Healthcare (New Delhi) to understand the underlying medical and environmental factors behind India's infertility burden, how air pollution and lifestyle are affecting IVF outcomes, and the current state of ART practices across the country. What are the main medical and environmental factors behind the rising burden of infertility in India? Dr Mannan: Infertility now affects nearly 10–15% of couples in India, and the trend is steadily increasing. Medically, rising cases of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and obesity in women are significant contributors. In men, conditions like varicocele, hormonal imbalances, and poor sperm parameters are commonly seen. Environmentally, increasing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), air pollution, and unhealthy lifestyle habits—such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress—are worsening reproductive health. Additionally, delayed marriages and late pregnancy planning have become major socio-cultural factors contributing to declining fertility. How are declining sperm quality and ovarian reserve due to air pollution and sedentary lifestyles impacting IVF outcomes, especially in urban India? Dr Mannan: In urban settings, declining sperm counts and ovarian reserves have become major challenges for successful conception—both naturally and via assisted reproduction. Studies show increasing DNA fragmentation in sperm and diminished anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in women exposed to high-pollution environments. These directly reduce embryo quality and negatively impact IVF success rates. Sedentary habits, obesity, and poor sleep hygiene further impair hormonal health. As a result, we often require multiple IVF cycles and personalised stimulation protocols to achieve a viable pregnancy, especially in metropolitan cities. How accessible and affordable is IVF treatment across India, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities? Dr Mannan: While IVF is gaining popularity and acceptance, affordability and access remain significant hurdles outside metro cities. In tier-2 and tier-3 areas, there is limited availability of advanced infrastructure, skilled embryologists, and fertility specialists. Many couples are forced to travel to metro cities, which increases emotional and financial burdens. Moreover, infertility is still considered taboo in several regions, leading to delayed medical intervention. Although some states are considering subsidised treatment or insurance coverage for infertility, there is still a long way to go in terms of accessibility and affordability at the national level. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What realistic expectations should couples, especially those over 35, have when starting IVF? Dr Mannan: IVF success rates typically range from 30% to 50%, depending on factors like the woman's age, the cause of infertility, and the clinic's expertise. For women above 35, success rates start to decline due to reduced ovarian reserve and egg quality. It is crucial for couples to understand that IVF is not a guarantee of pregnancy in the first cycle. It may require two or more attempts, and in some cases, advanced techniques like donor eggs or preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be recommended. Emotional and psychological support also plays a big role during this journey. Since the implementation of ICMR guidelines and ART legislation, how have clinical practices, patient safety, and ethical standards changed? Dr Mannan: The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act and ICMR guidelines have brought much-needed standardisation to IVF practices across India. Clinics now require mandatory registration, ensuring quality control and accountability. There are clear protocols for consent, gamete donation, surrogacy, and embryo storage. This has significantly improved patient safety, reduced unethical practices, and built greater transparency in treatment. While compliance can sometimes increase operational costs, it ultimately enhances trust between patients and healthcare providers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Are clinics in India adopting single embryo transfer more frequently to minimise complications from multiple pregnancies? Dr Mannan: Yes, there is a growing shift towards single embryo transfer (SET), especially in younger women with good-quality embryos. While earlier practices often involved transferring two or more embryos to boost chances, we now understand that multiple pregnancies increase maternal risks such as hypertension, preterm birth, and NICU admissions. With improved embryo culture systems, blastocyst transfers, and technologies like vitrification (rapid freezing), SET has become a safe and effective option. However, adoption still varies across clinics and regions based on patient preference, cost considerations, and expectations. What does current evidence suggest about egg freezing and fertility preservation in working women and cancer patients? Dr Mannan: Egg freezing has emerged as a valuable tool for fertility preservation. For working women who wish to delay childbearing, freezing eggs before the age of 35 offers the best chance of future success. In cancer patients, fertility preservation before undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy is becoming standard practice. Evidence shows that frozen eggs, when used within 5–10 years, can lead to pregnancy rates comparable to fresh eggs—provided they were retrieved at an optimal age and under proper protocols. The key is early counselling and timely decision-making. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How widely are advanced technologies like AI and time-lapse imaging being adopted in Indian IVF clinics, and do they improve outcomes? Dr Mannan: Advanced technologies such as AI-based embryo selection and time-lapse imaging (like EmbryoScope) are being increasingly integrated into top-tier IVF centres in India. These tools offer real-time monitoring of embryo development and help identify embryos with the best implantation potential. AI algorithms analyse thousands of data points to assist embryologists in decision-making. While the evidence is promising—especially in reducing subjectivity and improving selection accuracy—more long-term data is needed to confirm significant improvements in live birth rates. Cost is another limiting factor, making these technologies less accessible in smaller cities.

Pune hospital launches ‘IVF success calculator'
Pune hospital launches ‘IVF success calculator'

Indian Express

time2 days ago

  • Indian Express

Pune hospital launches ‘IVF success calculator'

An In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Success Calculator, a digital tool that provides personalised estimates of IVF success rates and number of cycles potentially required based on an individual's personal medical data, was launched on the occasion of World IVF day which was on July 25th. Indira IVF hospital launched the tool and when contacted, Dr Kshitiz Murdia, CEO, Indira IVF told The Indian Express that this move introduces a new way that fertility care may be accessed in India. 'This IVF calculator offers individuals a way to understand their likelihood of success based on key medical details. Essentially it allows them to begin the process with a sense of direction rather than uncertainty,' he said. World IVF Day is celebrated annually on July 25 to commemorate the birth of Louise Brown – the first baby conceived through in vitro fertilization. According to experts the day also provides a reflection on advancements in reproductive medicine, stories and struggles associated with assisted reproduction. According to Dr Murdia, the calculator is another step to help patients at the earliest stage of the journey. 'The calculator's predictions present projected success rates across one, two, and three IVF cycles. This may help individuals make informed decisions with greater clarity and confidence at every stage of their journey,' he said. This calculator analyses key medical inputs and generates a downloadable report that outlines success probabilities while also highlighting potential fertility concerns such as PCOS or abnormal sperm morphology. It offers early treatment considerations along with general lifestyle recommendations. 'The IVF Success Calculator allows users to manually enter key medical details, including AMH values, sperm count and motility or upload existing reports to receive a personalised success estimate, delivered securely in a few minutes,' Dr Murdia added. Meanwhile, experts on the occasion of World IVF Day reflected on the transformative power of reproductive science and held awareness sessions.

7 foods to avoid if you want better hormonal balance
7 foods to avoid if you want better hormonal balance

Mint

time2 days ago

  • Mint

7 foods to avoid if you want better hormonal balance

Our hormones are the silent conductors of our bodily symphony, orchestrating everything from metabolism and mood to sleep and fertility. When this delicate balance is disrupted, it can manifest in a myriad of symptoms, from fatigue and mood swings to weight gain and skin issues. While many factors influence hormonal health, diet plays a profoundly significant role. What we eat can either support or sabotage our endocrine system. If you're looking to be 'gentle" on your hormones and promote balance, here are seven categories of foods and ingredients to minimize or avoid. Refined Sugars and High-Glycemic Index (GI) Carbohydrates: This is perhaps the biggest culprit. Foods like white bread, pastries, sugary drinks, candy, and even seemingly innocuous white rice cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. In response, your pancreas floods your system with insulin. Chronic high insulin levels contribute to insulin resistance, a common precursor to hormonal imbalances like PCOS, and can exacerbate inflammation. This rollercoaster of blood sugar and insulin puts immense stress on your endocrine system, impacting sex hormones, thyroid function, and even cortisol regulation. Trans Fats and Hydrogenated Oils: Found in many processed snacks, fried foods, fast food, and some baked goods, trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils are metabolic disruptors. They promote widespread inflammation throughout the body, which can interfere with hormone signalling and production. Chronic inflammation is a known factor in conditions like PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and even mood disorders. These unhealthy fats can also negatively impact the integrity of cell membranes, including those involved in hormone receptors, making cells less responsive to hormonal messages. Conventional Dairy Products: While dairy can be a nutritious food, conventionally produced dairy may contain synthetic hormones (like rBGH – recombinant bovine growth hormone – given to cows to boost milk production) and antibiotics, which can be passed into the milk. For some individuals, particularly those sensitive to dairy or struggling with estrogen dominance, these external hormones can further disrupt their own delicate hormonal balance. Dairy can also be inflammatory for some, contributing to gut issues that indirectly impact hormone regulation. Opting for organic, hormone-free dairy or plant-based alternatives might be a gentler choice for sensitive systems. Conventional (Non-Organic) Meats and Poultry: Similar to conventional dairy, conventionally raised animals are often treated with growth hormones and antibiotics. Consuming these products can potentially introduce exogenous hormones into your system, affecting your natural hormonal equilibrium. Furthermore, conventionally farmed meats often have a higher omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio, which can promote inflammation. Choosing organic, grass-fed, or pasture-raised meats or incorporating more plant-based protein can be a better choice for hormonal harmony. Excessive Caffeine: While morning coffee isn't inherently bad, excessive caffeine intake can overstimulate the adrenal glands, leading to increased cortisol (your primary stress hormone) production. Chronically elevated cortisol can then disrupt other hormones, including thyroid hormones and sex hormones, affecting sleep, mood, and metabolism. If you're prone to anxiety, sleep issues, or hormonal imbalances, reducing caffeine intake or switching to gentler alternatives like green tea (which offers L-theanine for calm energy) might be beneficial. Alcohol: Alcohol, especially in excess, can wreak havoc on several hormonal pathways. It can impair liver function, which is crucial for metabolising and detoxifying excess hormones (like estrogen). Chronic alcohol consumption can elevate cortisol, disrupt sleep (and thus, melatonin production), and negatively impact sex hormone levels, leading to imbalances. It also contributes to systemic inflammation and can deplete essential nutrients needed for hormone synthesis. Artificial Sweeteners: Often found in 'diet" foods and beverages, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin are increasingly linked to gut microbiome disruption. A healthy gut is foundational to hormonal balance, as it plays a role in hormone metabolism and detoxification. By altering gut bacteria, artificial sweeteners can indirectly influence insulin sensitivity and inflammation, potentially impacting hormonal health. Opt for natural sweeteners in moderation or simply reduce your reliance on sweet foods overall. Being gentle on your hormones involves more than just avoiding these foods; it's about embracing a whole-food, nutrient-dense diet rich in fibre, healthy fats, and quality proteins. However, consciously minimizing these seven categories can significantly reduce the burden on your endocrine system, paving the way for better hormonal balance and overall well-being. Vidhi Chawla is a certified holistic dietician and health coach and founder of Fisico Diet & Aesthetic Clinic in Gurugram.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store