Hormones are chemical messengers that control a variety of functions in your body.
Since hormones have such a wide-ranging impact, hormonal fluctuations can affect your overall health.
Hormone levels naturally change at certain points in your lifelike during puberty and pregnancyor as you age.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
However, in some cases, hormonal fluctuations can be due to underlying health conditions.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Are Hormone Fluctuations?
Hormone fluctuations are changes to hormone levels.
Hormone levels naturally change throughout a persons lifetime.
Through the first portion of the cycle, levels of the hormone estrogen climb, until ovulation.
Then, estrogen levels fall, whilelevels of progesterone begin to rise.
Sometimes, hormone levels can change because of an underlying medical condition.
In some cases, hormone fluctuations can also be sparked by environmental toxins that affect the endocrine system.
These are known asendocrine disruptors.
However, there are certain symptoms that may point to atypical hormone fluctuations.
The signs and symptoms of hormone fluctuations can include:
Many times, these conditions come on over time.
However, generally speaking, staying healthy and active can help keep your endocrine system functioning well.
It also depends on what symptoms you are experiencing.
Oftentimes, treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, rather than just treating hormone levels independently.
However, they can also be due to a condition like diabetes, thyroid disease, or even stress.
Healthy lifestyle behaviors like exercising and getting enough sleep can help regulate hormone levels.
Some fluctuations require treatment, however, usually with hormone therapy medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hormone fluctuations cause moodiness?
Changing hormone levels are linked to mood swings.
This can lead to emotional symptoms or even mental health challenges like depression.
When should I seek medical attention for hormone fluctuations?
Hormone fluctuations arent problematic in and of themselves.
Will hormone fluctuations affect mothers during pregnancy?
Pregnant people experience lots of fluctuations in their hormone levels.
This continues while they are nursingif they choose to do so.
The hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding are normal and expected.
However, they can cause symptoms like heightened emotions or depression.
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National Library of Medicine.Hormone replacement therapy.
Soares CN.Taking a fresh look at mood, hormones, and menopause.Menopause.
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