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Female Hormone Imbalance

The ovaries produce many hormones. Chief among them are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone interact to coordinate a woman's menstrual cycle during her reproductive years. The brain produces the hormones follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which trigger hormone production from the ovaries.

A hormone imbalance happens when there is too little or too much of a particular hormone in one's body. When any of the hormones coming from the brain or ovaries are imbalanced, symptoms may occur. Imbalances are most common in puberty and perimenopause but can happen at any age. Also, several conditions are well known to be associated with hormonal imbalance, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, breast disease, and menstrual irregularities.

Talk with a doctor if you're experiencing any of the symptoms below. Your physician may want to evaluate you for abnormal hormone levels.

Acne or oily skin  Low libido
 Bloating  Memory lapses
 Bone loss  Mood swings
 Decreased fertility  Nervousness
 Depression  Night sweats
 Excess facial and body hair  Poor concentration
 Hot flashes  Sleep disturbances
 Heavy or painful periods  Tender or fibrocystic breasts
 Irregular periods  Urinary incontinence
 Irritability  Vaginal dryness 
 Loss of muscle mass  Weight gain
 Loss of scalp hair  


Grand View offers testing at our convenient outpatient centers.

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