Not Yourself Lately? These 7 Symptoms Could Point to a Hormone Imbalance In Women
Hormones are your body’s internal messengers, regulating everything from energy levels and sleep to mood and metabolism. But when they’re out of balance, the changes can be subtle and cumulative, gradually making you feel like a different version of yourself. Whether due to aging, stress, underlying conditions, or lifestyle factors, a hormone imbalance can have widespread effects on your body and mind.
Below are seven of the most common symptoms people experience when their hormones are not functioning optimally. If several of these feel familiar, it may be time to consider a consultation for hormone testing and treatment.
Mood Swings
Mood instability isn’t always just about stress or personality, it can be directly influenced by hormone fluctuations. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in emotional regulation. When hormone levels are too low or change too quickly, they can disrupt these brain chemicals and lead to mood swings that feel out of character or hard to control.
What emotional patterns might signal a hormone imbalance?
Irritability or impatience over small things
Feelings of anxiety or unease without a clear trigger
Depressive moods that come and go unpredictably
Heightened emotional sensitivity
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36433781/
Insomnia
Consistent, quality sleep relies heavily on balanced hormone rhythms, particularly melatonin, cortisol, and progesterone. When those levels are disrupted, so is your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Hormonal imbalances can increase nighttime cortisol levels, leading to a wired-but-tired sensation that prevents rest. Over time, this lack of sleep only worsens other hormonal symptoms, creating a frustrating cycle of fatigue and poor recovery.
What patterns of poor sleep are linked to hormone changes?
Trouble falling asleep despite feeling tired
Waking up during the night and staying awake
Restless sleep with frequent tossing and turning
Feeling unrefreshed after a full night’s rest
Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3736837/
Brain Fog
Many people with hormone imbalances describe a foggy, unfocused mental state that’s hard to explain. This “brain fog” isn’t just a mental block, it often stems from decreased estrogen or testosterone. These hormones help regulate brain function, memory, and concentration, so when they’re out of balance, cognitive performance suffers.
What types of brain fog are commonly hormone-related?
Difficulty concentrating on tasks
Forgetting words or names more often
Slowed thinking or reaction time
Feeling mentally "cloudy" or scattered
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6162653/
Fatigue
While many factors can contribute to low energy, fatigue caused by hormone imbalance tends to feel deeper, like your body simply isn’t recharging. Hormonal imbalance can all leave you feeling physically and mentally drained. If caffeine no longer helps and sleep doesn’t restore you, your hormone levels might be worth investigating.
What fatigue symptoms may point to hormonal dysfunction?
Needing caffeine just to function in the morning
Struggling to stay awake in the afternoon
A general lack of physical or mental stamina
Feeling tired no matter how much rest you get
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38883397/
Low Sex Drive
Sexual desire is largely driven by hormones like testosterone (in both men and women). A decline in these levels, even a subtle one, can lead to a noticeable drop in libido. This isn’t just a physical issue; hormone-related low sex drive often comes with a sense of emotional disconnection or lack of intimacy, which can affect relationships and self-confidence.
What libido-related signs suggest a hormonal cause?
A noticeable drop in interest in sex
Difficulty becoming or staying aroused
Less physical sensitivity during intimacy
Emotional distance related to reduced desire
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26589379/
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are one of the hallmark symptoms of hormone imbalance, especially during perimenopause and menopause in women. These sudden waves of heat result from the body’s impaired ability to regulate temperature due to dropping estrogen or testosterone levels.
What do hormone-related hot flashes typically feel like?
Sudden waves of heat, especially in the chest or face
Intense sweating followed by chills
Episodes triggered without external temperature changes
Disruptions to comfort or concentration during the day
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17087613/
Night Sweats
Waking up drenched in sweat, even when your room is cool, can be a sign that your body’s internal thermostat is out of balance, often due to low estrogen, testosterone, or hormone levels. Like hot flashes, night sweats are triggered by hormonal shifts that regulate body temperature.
What should you watch for in hormone-driven night sweats?
Soaked sheets or pajamas despite a cool room
Sleep disruptions caused by overheating
Chills or shivering after episodes
Fatigue or irritability due to poor-quality sleep
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23924704/
Don't Ignore the Signs
Hormonal imbalances are more common than most people realize — and they don’t resolve on their own. If you’re noticing a combination of these symptoms, a simple blood test could reveal the underlying cause. At Affinity Whole Health, we specialize in helping men and women identify hormonal issues early and create tailored treatment plans that restore balance, energy, and vitality.