Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers—and when they’re even slightly off, the effects can be wide-reaching. What many people don’t realize is that both women and men can experience hormone imbalances, and they often go unrecognized for years.
At Core Functional Medicine, we take a comprehensive, root-cause approach to understanding hormonal shifts. Rather than masking symptoms with quick fixes, we dig deeper to uncover why your hormones are out of balance—and what can be done to restore them naturally.
What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone circulating in your bloodstream. These imbalances can stem from a wide range of factors, including:
- Chronic stress
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Blood sugar dysregulation
- Poor sleep
- Environmental toxins
- Gut health issues
- Aging and natural life transitions (e.g., menopause or andropause)
Hormones impact nearly every system in the body—including metabolism, mood, energy levels, sleep cycles, reproductive function, and cognitive performance. That’s why even minor imbalances can create major disruptions in your day-to-day life.
At Core Functional Medicine, we evaluate the whole picture to understand what’s contributing to your symptoms and how to rebalance your system naturally.
Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Both Men and Women
While hormone imbalances can present differently in each person, some of the most common signs include:
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
- Low libido and sexual dysfunction
- Dry skin or hair loss
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Brain fog or memory issues
- Changes in appetite or cravings
- Digestive discomfort or bloating
Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, it’s important to work with a provider who takes a systems-based view—something conventional medicine often overlooks.
Gender-Specific Hormone Imbalance Symptoms
In Women:
In addition to the general symptoms above, women may also experience:
- Irregular, heavy, or painful menstrual cycles
- Premenstrual acne or breast tenderness
- Facial hair growth or thinning scalp hair
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Clitoral sensitivity or changes
- Skin changes (e.g., darkening or tags in body folds)
These symptoms can occur during perimenopause, postpartum recovery, or as a result of chronic stress and underlying conditions like PCOS or thyroid dysfunction.
In Men:
Hormonal imbalance in men is often underdiagnosed. Key symptoms include:
- Low testosterone or reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sperm count
- Loss of muscle mass or strength
- Increased body fat, especially in the midsection
- Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Depression or low motivation
- Osteoporosis or joint pain
Hormonal shifts in men—sometimes called andropause—are real and deserve the same level of personalized attention and care.
Functional Medicine Treatments for Hormonal Imbalance
At Core Functional Medicine, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our approach is personalized, data-driven, and focused on long-term wellness.
We start with comprehensive lab testing, including hormone panels, thyroid function, cortisol rhythms, nutrient levels, and more. Based on your results and goals, we may recommend:
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) when clinically appropriate
- Targeted nutritional support and lifestyle modifications
- Peptide therapies to support hormone signaling
- Gut health and detox support
- Stress management techniques and sleep optimization
BHRT uses compounds that are chemically identical to the hormones your body produces, offering a more natural and individualized option than conventional hormone replacement therapies. While risks and benefits should be discussed, many of our patients experience profound improvements in energy, mood, and overall vitality.
You Don’t Have to Settle for “Feeling Off”
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms, don’t let them be dismissed as “just aging” or “normal stress.” You know your body—and when something feels out of balance, it probably is.
At Core Functional Medicine, we listen deeply, test thoroughly, and build personalized hormone optimization plans based on your unique biochemistry.
Ready to find out if hormones are behind your symptoms?
Contact Core Functional Medicine at 737-271-1804 today to get started or request an appointment online.
We serve patients across Texas through our virtual platform.
