Treatments For Hormonal Imbalance

Checks and balances are an inherent part of the natural order. It ensures the evolutionary cycle of nature stays intact. Slight tilt and chaos abounds.

We, humans are complicated multi-cellular beings. Our systems are regulated with the help of various cells and chemicals, some of them being hormones. A slight imbalance can wreck havoc with our biological and psychological system thus making it imperative to keep in check.

Nature takes its course, nevertheless nothing is perfect and at times due to several biological and environmental causes, the hormones are either produced in higher or lower quantities. This is termed as hormonal imbalance.

Hormonal imbalances can take the form of growth hormone, adrenaline, estrogen-progesterone, insulin, vasopressin or thyroid hormonal imbalances among humans of all age and gender. Some of these hormonal imbalances like elevated estrogen and dipping progesterone levels are found among women; more so in menopausal women.

Few symptoms that have been identified with different hormonal imbalances could include stunted growth or gigantism, diabetes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, heavy bleeding during menstruation, depression and even in some extreme cases – coma.

It is improbable to predict when hormonal imbalances might occur. Prevention is not possible as such; albeit cures are available depending upon the degree of imbalance.

Varied Treatments For Hormonal Imbalance:

The treatments opted for should depend upon the kind of hormonal imbalance one is dealing with. Mild imbalances can be treated with the help of herbs or acupuncture accompanied by quality changes in one’s lifestyle. More serious conditions such as gigantism or stunted growths, medical intervention in the form of hormone replacement or even surgery may be required on advice of medical practitioners.

For informational purpose, we present here a few possible treatments for dealing with hormonal imbalance:

• Alternate Medicine – For milder stage hormonal imbalances, a person can opt for the alternative branch of medicine such as acupuncture, aroma therapy massage or use of medicinal herbs. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy used to treat various ailments of the body by inserting very thin needles on very specific acupuncture meridian (channels that allow the flow of energy between tissues and nerves to organs) points. Research studies have indicated that acupuncture is a successful therapy for treating hormonal imbalance related ailments like insomnia, anxiety and menopause. Some studies also indicate that the use of certain herbs comprising of either phyto – estrogenic or non – estrogenic components help alleviate the symptoms of hormonal imbalances especially among women suffering due to elevated levels of estrogen during menstruation or dropping levels of estrogen in menopause.
• Lifestyle Modification – By modifying the existing lifestyle imbalance in hormones can be kept under control. Regular and moderate exercise regime combined with nutritious and well balanced diet/food can work wonders in controlling the mild form of hormonal imbalances.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – HRT depends upon the use of synthetically developed hormones which are used to treat hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism, menopause or andropause, mood swings. Although this is the easiest method to treat hormonal imbalance it is very expensive. At the same time the technique is fraught with risks as complications and side effects such as increased risk of ovarian and breast cancer, heart diseases, clotting and strokes have been reported under various clinical trials.
• Radiation or Surgery – Intervention methods like radiation and surgery are required in critical cases of hormonal imbalance. Surgery could involve removal of tumors from pituitary glands in case of gigantism/acromegaly, or removal of glands such as thyroid when they over produce thyroid hormones. Radiation is also used to remove tumors affecting the functioning of different glands.

Treatments administered affect the level of hormones depending upon the severity of imbalance. They should be opted for after a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner to avoid complications.