Understanding your hormones can feel akin to navigating a maze—especially during major life stages like pregnancy, postpartum, or perimenopause, when it feels like hormones are all over the place. You might wonder: Is this normal? How long will this all last? And, since hormones play such a vital role in regulating nearly every function in our bodies, any imbalance can spark a host of unpleasantries. While some changes are expected, it’s crucial to stay proactive and tapped into what your body is telling you.
Whether it's fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, or reproductive issues, these symptoms may hint at something deeper going on. Knowing when to shrug it off and when to seek medical advice is key. To help shed some light on this, we sat down with Perelel panelist Dr. Caitlin O’Connor, a naturopathic doctor and midwife, to explore common hormonal conditions and offer insights on when it’s time to reach out to a professional.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. “It often leads to irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and difficulties with weight management,” shares Dr. O’Connor. This is mostly due to an imbalance in hormones, particularly an overproduction of androgens. Women with PCOS may also experience trouble with fertility, as the condition can interfere with regular ovulation. While there isn’t a cure, treatments like lifestyle changes and medication can help manage symptoms and improve overall health. “Foundational health support like sleep, stress management, adequate and appropriate nutrition and a balanced movement program are going to be helpful across the board,” she shares.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland isn’t making enough hormones to keep your body running at full speed, leaving you feeling sluggish and out of sorts. “You might notice fatigue that won’t go away, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, or even feeling cold all the time,” Dr. O’Connor shares. The good news? With proper diagnosis, it’s usually easy to manage through daily hormone replacement therapy. If you’ve been dealing with these symptoms, it’s worth checking in with your doctor to see if your thyroid might be to blame.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when hormone levels, particularly estrogen, begin to fluctuate. “This period can bring on symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances,” shares Dr. O’Connor. Menopause officially begins when a woman has gone 12 months without a period, marking the end of her reproductive years. While these changes are natural, they can sometimes feel overwhelming, but there are treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can help manage the symptoms. “Anytime individuals are experiencing a new or concerning symptom they should consult with a healthcare professional,” shares O’Connor. “Also, there are lots of botanicals to try but folks should get a diagnosis first so they can tailor the herbs to their underlying cause.”
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This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
