Hormones control nearly every system in your body — from energy and mood to weight and fertility. But when they’re off-balance, the symptoms can feel vague, frustrating, and often dismissed.
At Pure Health Primary Care, we’re seeing more and more patients who feel “off,” but have been told their labs are “normal.” If that sounds like you, keep reading — because hormone imbalance is real, common, and treatable.
What Is a Hormone Imbalance?
Hormones are chemical messengers that tell your body how to function. They’re produced by glands like your thyroid, ovaries, adrenals, pancreas, and pituitary.
A hormone imbalance occurs when there’s too much or too little of one or more hormones, disrupting your physical and emotional wellbeing. The cause could be lifestyle, stress, chronic illness, menopause, PCOS, or even autoimmune conditions.
10 Signs You Might Have a Hormone Imbalance
Here are the top red flags — backed by current clinical evidence.
1. Fatigue That Doesn’t Go Away
If you’re sleeping well but still feel exhausted, it could be low thyroid (hypothyroidism), low estrogen, or cortisol dysregulation. Fatigue is one of the earliest and most common hormone-related complaints.
Tip: Ask for a full thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4) — not just TSH alone.
2. Unexplained Weight Gain or Trouble Losing Weight
Hormones like insulin, cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid hormones all affect how you store fat. Elevated insulin or low thyroid can cause stubborn weight, even with diet and exercise.
Ask about testing: A1C, fasting insulin, cortisol, and thyroid function.
3. Irregular or Painful Periods
Cycle issues are common with PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, perimenopause, or prolactin disorders. Skipping periods or having painful, heavy cycles is a signal that your hormones may be out of sync.
Bonus tip: Period tracking apps can help spot hormonal patterns.
4. Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Depression
Low progesterone can cause irritability and anxiety, while low estrogen can lead to depressive symptoms. These symptoms often appear in perimenopause, or with chronic stress.
Hormones and mental health are deeply connected — and treatable.
5. Sleep Disturbances
Can’t fall asleep or stay asleep? High nighttime cortisol or low progesterone may be affecting your sleep quality.
Lifestyle changes like mindfulness, reduced caffeine, and melatonin-rich foods may help — but testing helps target the cause.
6. Low Libido or Vaginal Dryness
Reduced estrogen and testosterone levels are common in perimenopause, menopause, and after childbirth — leading to dryness, low libido, or pain with intimacy.
There are safe, evidence-based options, including non-hormonal and hormonal treatments.
7. Acne, Oily Skin, or Hair Thinning
High androgens like testosterone and DHEA-S can lead to jawline acne or hair loss, especially in PCOS. Low thyroid also contributes to hair thinning.
Tip: Check for androgen levels and iron/ferritin if you have hair shedding.
8. Hot Flashes or Night Sweats
Classically linked to low estrogen, these symptoms are common in perimenopause but may also occur with stress-related cortisol spikes.
Not every woman needs hormone therapy, but if your sleep is disturbed, it’s worth a conversation.
9. Brain Fog or Memory Trouble
Estrogen supports cognition and recall. Low thyroid and high cortisol can also affect focus, clarity, and verbal memory.
If you’re forgetting words or feel mentally “foggy,” it’s not just age — it could be your hormones.
10. Digestive Upset or Bloating
Estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol interact with your gut-brain axis. Imbalance can trigger IBS-like symptoms: gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
You may need to test both hormones and gut health markers.
What Causes Hormone Imbalance?
• Chronic stress (cortisol dysregulation)
• Poor sleep or inconsistent sleep cycles
• Ultra-processed diets high in sugar or seed oils
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Perimenopause or menopause
• Undiagnosed thyroid conditions
• Insulin resistance or diabetes
• Environmental endocrine disruptors (plastics, pesticides)
How We Treat Hormone Imbalance at Pure Health
We don’t guess — we test. And we listen.
At Pure Health Primary Care, we offer:
• Full hormone testing (blood, saliva if needed)
• Thyroid, adrenal, insulin, and reproductive hormone panels
• Personalized treatment — not just band-aids
• Options for lifestyle, supplement, or prescription-based therapy
How You Can Start Balancing Your Hormones Now
Even before testing, these evidence-backed tips can support your hormonal health:
1. Eat Hormone-Healthy Foods
• Balance your blood sugar with protein and healthy fats
• Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale) to support estrogen detox
• Avoid ultra-processed, high-sugar snacks
2. Move Your Body Regularly
• 30 minutes a day can reduce cortisol, improve insulin, and balance estrogen
• Include both walking and resistance training
3. Improve Your Sleep
• 7–9 hours per night is essential for hormone reset
• Avoid screens at least 60 minutes before bed
4. Reduce Stress with Intention
• Cortisol is one of the most disruptive hormones
• Try breathwork, meditation, prayer, or simply taking 10 minutes to yourself
When to Get Help
Don’t wait until your symptoms disrupt your life.
Book an appointment if:
• You feel off, despite “normal” labs
• You’ve had symptoms for more than 6 weeks
• You’re in perimenopause and want proactive care
• You’re tired of guessing and want answers that empower you
We’re Here to Help You Rebalance — Naturally and Effectively
Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, hormone balance is the key to living well — and you deserve support that’s compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based.
Book your consultation now with Pure Health Primary Care
Virtual and in-person appointments available.