Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsManagementFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Symptoms
Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Hormones are chemical messengers that control a variety of functions in your body. Hormones control almost every aspect of organ function, from metabolism to growth.Sex hormonescontrol reproductive and sexual health, although they can also have effects throughout the body. Since hormones have such a wide-ranging impact, hormonal fluctuations can affect your overall health.
Here’s an overview of hormonal fluctuations in males and females, including what’s typical and when you may want to speak with a healthcare provider.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Are Hormone Fluctuations?
Hormone fluctuations are changes to hormone levels. Hormone levels naturally change throughout a person’s lifetime. For example, both males and females experience a surge in sex hormones duringpubertyand a decrease in sex hormone levels as they age.
Hormone Fluctuations and Your PeriodHormonal fluctuations are particularly normal for females, who experience changing hormone levels throughout their monthlymenstrual cycle. Through the first portion of the cycle, levels of the hormone estrogen climb, until ovulation. Then, estrogen levels fall, whilelevels of progesterone begin to rise.
Hormone Fluctuations and Your Period
Hormonal fluctuations are particularly normal for females, who experience changing hormone levels throughout their monthlymenstrual cycle. Through the first portion of the cycle, levels of the hormone estrogen climb, until ovulation. Then, estrogen levels fall, whilelevels of progesterone begin to rise.
Sometimes, hormone levels can change because of an underlying medical condition. Conditions includingthyroid disease,diabetes, and evenstresscan change yourendocrine system—the glands throughout your body that produce hormones—and cause your hormone levels to fluctuate.
Signs and Symptoms
Since hormones affect almost every body system, the symptoms of hormone fluctuations vary widely. However, there are certain symptoms that may point to atypical hormone fluctuations.
As always, if you feel that something is not right with your body, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider and advocate for the care that you need.
The signs and symptoms of hormone fluctuations can include:
Many times, these conditions come on over time. It can be helpful to keep a journal of symptoms to help your healthcare provider get an accurate idea about the symptoms that you are experiencing.
How to Manage and Prevent Fluctuations
Hormone fluctuations are often part of the typical functioning of your body. However, generally speaking, staying healthy and active can help keep your endocrine system functioning well.
Sometimes, however, hormone fluctuations require medical treatment. The treatment will depend on which hormone levels are too high or too low, and what the levels are. It also depends on what symptoms you are experiencing.
Oftentimes, treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, rather than just treating hormone levels independently.
If you are experiencing symptoms of hormone fluctuations, your healthcare provider will likely order testing to measure your hormone levels, in addition to talking to you about what symptoms are making you feel unwell.
Medications to Treat Hormone Fluctuations
Depending on the cause of your hormone fluctuations, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help regulate your hormones. These can include:
If your thyroid is the source of your hormonal fluctuations, there are an array oftreatmentsin addition to medication.
Summary
Hormone fluctuations are normal at certain points in the lifespan, such as puberty, perimenopause, and the menstrual cycle. However, they can also be due to a condition like diabetes, thyroid disease, or even stress.
Healthy lifestyle behaviors like exercising and getting enough sleep can help regulate hormone levels. Some fluctuations require treatment, however, usually with hormone therapy medications.
Do hormone fluctuations cause moodiness?
Changing hormone levels are linked to mood swings. Particularly in women, it’s believed that hormone levels affect the sensitivity of the neurotransmitter systems.As hormone levels change, people can experience more or less activity in certain areas of the brain. This can lead to emotional symptoms or even mental health challenges like depression.
Mood Swings During Menopause? You’re Not Alone
When should I seek medical attention for hormone fluctuations?
Hormone fluctuations aren’t problematic in and of themselves. If your hormone levels are changing but you still feel healthy and well, there’s no need to have your hormones measured.
However, if the symptoms of hormone fluctuations begin affecting your life, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider. If you’re suddenly having hot flashes that make it hard to sleep or are unable to have sex because of erectile dysfunction, a checkup is in order.
Will hormone fluctuations affect mothers during pregnancy?
Pregnant people experience lots of fluctuations in their hormone levels. This continues while they are nursing—if they choose to do so. The hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding are normal and expected. However, they can cause symptoms like heightened emotions or depression.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Society for Women’s Health Research.Hormones, from puberty to post-menopause.MedlinePlus.Hormones.Nemours TeensHealth.Endocrine system.National Library of Medicine.Hormone replacement therapy.Soares CN.Taking a fresh look at mood, hormones, and menopause.Menopause. 2020;27(3):371-373. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001506
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Society for Women’s Health Research.Hormones, from puberty to post-menopause.MedlinePlus.Hormones.Nemours TeensHealth.Endocrine system.National Library of Medicine.Hormone replacement therapy.Soares CN.Taking a fresh look at mood, hormones, and menopause.Menopause. 2020;27(3):371-373. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001506
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Society for Women’s Health Research.Hormones, from puberty to post-menopause.MedlinePlus.Hormones.Nemours TeensHealth.Endocrine system.National Library of Medicine.Hormone replacement therapy.Soares CN.Taking a fresh look at mood, hormones, and menopause.Menopause. 2020;27(3):371-373. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001506
Society for Women’s Health Research.Hormones, from puberty to post-menopause.
MedlinePlus.Hormones.
Nemours TeensHealth.Endocrine system.
National Library of Medicine.Hormone replacement therapy.
Soares CN.Taking a fresh look at mood, hormones, and menopause.Menopause. 2020;27(3):371-373. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001506
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