You wake up feeling exhausted. You find yourself snapping at loved ones over small things, and your energy levels just aren’t what they used to be. Weight seems to creep on despite your best efforts, and hot flashes or night sweats disrupt your daily routine. These symptoms aren’t just “part of getting older” or “normal stress”—they may be signs of a hormone imbalance.

Hormones regulate everything from your mood and metabolism to your sleep and overall well-being. And when your hormones become unbalanced due to menopause or any other reason, they can significantly affect your quality of life. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, our medical professionals are dedicated to helping you regain balance and feel like yourself again.

In this article, we highlight the signs and symptoms indicating you may need hormone therapy.

Persistent fatigue and low energy

If you find yourself feeling exhausted even after a full night's sleep, or if you can’t muster the energy for activities that once felt easy, it might be a result of fluctuating hormone levels. In particular, thyroid hormones, estrogen, and progesterone all significantly regulate your energy levels. A drop in estrogen or progesterone, often experienced during perimenopause and menopause, can make you feel tired, sluggish, and mentally drained.

Mood swings, anxiety, and depression

Hormones have a significant impact on your emotional health. Estrogen, in particular, influences serotonin production—the neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. When estrogen levels fluctuate or drop, you may notice increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or even depression. If you've been feeling emotionally unstable or have noticed a shift in your mental well-being, hormone imbalance could be a contributing factor.

Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight

Have you been following a healthy diet and exercising regularly but still notice weight gain, especially around your midsection? Hormones such as insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and estrogen can affect how your body stores and burns fat. An imbalance can slow down your metabolism, increase cravings, and make weight management difficult. If weight gain is accompanied by other symptoms on this list, it’s worth exploring hormone therapy options.

Hot flashes and night sweats

If you're experiencing sudden hot flashes or night sweats, it’s a classic sign of menopause or perimenopause. These intense flashes of heat can be uncomfortable and interfere with your daily routine. Night sweats can leave you feeling fatigued and disrupt your rest, leaving you groggy the next day. While hot flashes are typically associated with menopause, they can also occur during perimenopause, when estrogen levels fluctuate in preparation for menopause.

Irregular periods and vaginal dryness

Irregular periods and vaginal dryness are common indicators of hormone imbalances. As estrogen levels fluctuate, your menstrual cycle may become irregular, with missed periods, heavier or lighter bleeding, or longer or shorter cycles. These are often accompanied by vaginal dryness, which can cause discomfort, especially during intercourse. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining vaginal health and moisture. When levels of estrogen drop, the vaginal tissues can become drier and less elastic, leading to irritation.

Trouble sleeping

Difficulty falling or staying asleep is another common symptom of hormone imbalance. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can interfere with your ability to achieve a restful night’s sleep. Progesterone, in particular, has a calming effect on the brain and helps promote sleep. As hormone levels drop, it can become more difficult to relax and fall asleep, leading to sleep disturbances like insomnia. If you're constantly tossing and turning at night, it might be time to assess your hormone levels.

Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction

A decrease in libido or other sexual wellness issues can be an alarming sign of a hormone imbalance. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all play a role in maintaining a healthy libido and sexual function. As hormone levels decline, especially during perimenopause and menopause, many women experience reduced sexual desire, vaginal dryness, or discomfort during intercourse. Hormone therapy can restore hormonal balance and address these issues, helping you improve your sexual wellness.

What to do if you suspect hormone imbalance?

If you recognize any of these symptoms, the next step is to seek professional guidance. At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we take a comprehensive approach to your care. Our team will conduct thorough evaluations, including detailed health histories and specialized lab tests, to diagnose any hormonal imbalances. We then develop a personalized hormone therapy plan tailored to your unique needs to restore balance and help you feel your best.

Ignoring hormone-related symptoms can lead to long-term health issues and discomfort. You don’t have to accept feeling "off" as your new normal. Contact Genesis Lifestyle Medicine today to take the first step towards reclaiming your vitality and overall well-being.