Hormones regulate a large part of the female body's functioning, from the menstrual cycle and metabolism to mood and fertility. When this balance is disrupted, the consequences can be numerous and sometimes long-lasting. One question therefore often arises: what is the most common disease caused by a hormonal imbalance? Understanding this condition makes it easier to recognize its signs and seek medical advice in time.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is the most common disease linked to a hormonal imbalance in women. It is the most frequent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is thought to affect approximately one in ten women. PCOS is characterized by an excess of androgens, irregular cycles, and sometimes the presence of multiple follicles on the ovaries. Despite its prevalence, it remains largely underdiagnosed, which often delays treatment.
Other frequent hormonal imbalances exist, such as thyroid disorders, endometriosis, or imbalances related to menopause. Understanding the signs, causes, and management options makes it possible to act sooner and improve one's daily quality of life.
Taking care of your feminine balance in the broader sense also involves daily habits. Nemi supplements available on mynemi.com support feminine well-being as a complement to, and never as a replacement for, medical follow-up.
In this article, we explain the most common disease caused by a hormonal imbalance.
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Only a doctor can provide a diagnosis.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is an endocrine disorder characterized by a hormonal imbalance affecting the functioning of the ovaries. It is the most frequent hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age and is thought to affect approximately one in ten women. Despite its prevalence, it remains largely underdiagnosed, which often delays treatment and leaves many women without answers for years.
PCOS is mainly based on an excess of androgens, those so-called male hormones naturally present in women but in small quantities. When they are produced in excess, they disrupt the ovarian cycle and prevent ovulation from occurring normally. This imbalance explains most of the syndrome's manifestations.
The diagnosis is generally based on the presence of at least two out of three criteria. The first is an ovulation disorder, which manifests as irregular, infrequent, or absent cycles. The second is hyperandrogenism, confirmed by clinical signs or a blood test. The third is the polycystic appearance of the ovaries visible on ultrasound with numerous follicles.
It is important to specify that the term "cystic" is misleading. These are not true cysts, but immature follicles that fail to mature due to a lack of ovulation. This confusion often unnecessarily worries the women concerned.
PCOS is also associated with insulin resistance in a majority of patients, which explains certain metabolic difficulties and the frequent link to weight gain.
Only a healthcare professional can make this diagnosis following a clinical examination, a hormonal check-up, and an ultrasound.
What are the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance?
A hormonal imbalance manifests through various signs that affect the cycle as well as the skin, weight, or mood. Since these symptoms are not very specific, they are often downplayed, which explains the delays in diagnosis. Here are the main symptoms of a hormonal imbalance.
Table of symptoms of a hormonal imbalance
| Area | Frequent symptoms |
|---|---|
| Menstrual cycle | Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods |
| Skin and hair | Persistent acne, excessive hair growth, hair loss |
| Weight and metabolism | Hard-to-control weight gain, cravings |
| Fertility | Difficulty conceiving linked to lack of ovulation |
| Mood and energy | Fatigue, irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances |
| Intimate well-being | Dryness, discomfort, recurring imbalances |
As this table shows, symptoms affect the entire body. Menstrual cycle disorders are often the first warning sign. Irregular, very infrequent, or absent periods generally indicate disrupted ovulation and constitute the most frequent reason for consultation.
Skin manifestations are also very characteristic. Acne that persists into adulthood, excessive hair on the face or body, or hair loss can indicate an excess of androgens.
Weight difficulties are frequent, especially in cases of insulin resistance. Unexplained weight gain or weight gain that is impossible to control despite efforts should be a warning sign.
Fertility issues often lead to the diagnosis. Many women discover their hormonal imbalance when consulting for difficulties conceiving.
Finally, repercussions on mood and energy are real, although often neglected. Chronic fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances frequently accompany these imbalances.
These symptoms do not allow for a diagnosis. In case of persistent signs, a medical consultation is essential.
What are the other diseases linked to a hormonal imbalance?
While PCOS is the most frequent hormonal disease in women, other pathologies linked to a hormonal imbalance exist and are also widespread. Knowing them helps to better identify what might explain certain symptoms. Here are the other diseases linked to a hormonal imbalance.
- Hypothyroidism, which corresponds to an insufficient production of thyroid hormones and results in fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and general slowing down
- Hyperthyroidism, conversely linked to an excessive production of thyroid hormones with nervousness, weight loss, palpitations, and sleep disturbances
- Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disease influenced by estrogen that causes significant pain, particularly during periods
- Hypothalamic amenorrhea, which corresponds to a cessation of periods, often linked to intense stress, dietary restriction, or excessive physical activity
- Hyperprolactinemia, characterized by an excess of prolactin that can lead to irregular cycles and breast discharge
- Menopause and perimenopause disorders, linked to a drop in estrogen with hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and dryness
- Type 2 diabetes, linked to insulin resistance and frequently associated with PCOS
- Adrenal disorders, which are rarer, affect cortisol production, and disrupt the entire hormonal balance
Among these pathologies, thyroid disorders are the most frequent after PCOS. They particularly affect women, and their symptoms are often confused with those of other imbalances, which complicates the diagnosis.
Endometriosis is also very widespread, as it is thought to affect approximately one in ten women. Like PCOS, it suffers from a significant delay in diagnosis, often of several years.
How can you take care of your hormonal balance on a daily basis?
Taking care of your hormonal balance relies on simple habits that support the body's proper functioning. These actions never replace medical treatment, but they contribute to general well-being. Here is how to take care of your hormonal balance on a daily basis.
- Adopt a balanced diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein while limiting refined sugars, which influence blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
- Practice regular, appropriate physical activity that improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate metabolism without overdoing it
- Take care of your sleep by aiming for sufficient and regular nights, because lack of sleep disrupts hormonal production
- Manage your stress through breathing, walking, meditation, or any practice that soothes you, since cortisol influences the entire hormonal balance
- Limit alcohol and tobacco, which disrupt hormonal metabolism and aggravate inflammation
- Track your cycle by noting regularity and symptoms, which helps spot any changes and facilitates dialogue with a professional
- Consult regularly for gynecological follow-up and appropriate check-ups
Among these habits, diet and stress management are particularly crucial. Diet directly influences blood sugar, which plays a central role in many imbalances, while chronic stress disrupts overall hormonal production.
Sleep is also fundamental, as many hormonal processes are regulated during the night. Nights that are too short or irregular disrupt this balance.
These actions form a foundation for general well-being. They do not treat any pathology and do not replace medical follow-up. In case of persistent symptoms, a consultation is essential.
