Hormonal imbalance in women: symptoms and treatment

There are natural fluctuations in hormone levels throughout our lives and our menstrual cycles. But when levels become too low or too high, that can lead to issues that make getting pregnant more difficult. Below, we’re breaking down the types and symptoms of hormonal imbalance — and walking you through testing your levels on your own.

What types of hormonal imbalance are most common in women?

Women most commonly experience imbalances in their thyroid, testosterone, and estrogen hormone levels. In fact...

1 in 8 women will have issues related to thyroid imbalance — like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism — at some point in their lives.
1 in 10 women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is often linked to higher testosterone levels.

Though hormonal imbalance is pretty common, there are many treatment options out there (more on this later).

Hormonal imbalance is common, but there are many treatments available.

What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance?

Our hormones regulate many of our most important body systems — and play a role in metabolism, sleep, growth and development, mood, and fertility. Because of this, when hormone levels are too high or too low, they can cause some of the following symptoms:

Irregular or stopped periods
Bleeding outside of periods
Vaginal dryness
Breast tenderness
Weak bones
Skin changes
Weight changes
Acne
Excessive hair growth or hair loss
Indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, testing your hormone levels can key you in to possible diagnoses and help you work with your doctor to get in balance.

Is there hormonal imbalance treatment?

Yep! There are medications you can take (and lifestyle changes you can make) to regulate hormone levels. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment.

That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your hormones — so you can start treatment early and prevent any problems down the line.

Hormones are a big part of the fertility puzzle — and the more hormones you test, the more knowledge you’ll get.

Is there a hormonal imbalance test?

A blood test is the simplest way to detect hormonal imbalance. Although hormone tests aren’t regularly performed by doctors before symptoms arise, Modern Fertility makes it easy to check in with your levels at home.

Depending on your birth control, you can test up to eight hormones and get customized, physician-reviewed reports based on your results.

Here’s what else you’ll get:

A free 1:1 consult with our fertility nurse
Online tools to track hormone changes over time and help you plan your timeline for kids
Access to our weekly live Q&As
An invite to the Modern Community to connect with others and get your questions answered

TEST YOUR HORMONES

Testing your hormones at home is easy with Modern Fertility.

Meet Modern Fertility

We’re on a mission to revolutionize women’s health, starting with our at-home fertility hormone test. Whether you’re years away from kids or thinking of trying soon, we’ll guide you through your fertility hormones now so you have options later.

TAKE THE QUIZ