As a parent, you may have noticed your teenager experiencing sudden shifts in mood, changes in their body, or struggling with weight. Perhaps your daughter or son has become withdrawn, feels constantly tired, or experiences unexplained weight gain or loss. You may wonder if there's a way to help them manage these changes. Hormonal shifts are a natural part of adolescence, but excess hormone imbalances can have lasting effects on a teen's well-being.

At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we understand how frustrating it can be to navigate these issues. With our holistic approach, we can provide personalized care to identify and treat hormone imbalances and help teens regain balance and feel their best.

Hormones that can cause problems in teenagers

Hormones play a vital role in the development and function of nearly every part of the body. In teenagers, hormone levels fluctuate significantly due to puberty, and this can lead to a variety of health concerns. Some hormones, however, are more commonly associated with hormone imbalances in teens. Let’s explore the primary hormones that could be causing issues.

Estrogen

Estrogen is one of the key hormones involved in puberty, influencing the development of secondary sexual characteristics like breast development and menstrual cycles. When estrogen levels are too high, it can lead to weight gain, tender breasts, mood swings, and even excessive hair growth. On the other hand, low estrogen levels may cause fatigue, hot flashes, and irregular menstrual cycles, potentially affecting a teen’s overall quality of life.

Progesterone

Progesterone is another hormone produced by the ovaries, particularly after ovulation. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy in females. A low level of progesterone can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, irregular periods, headaches, and mood swings. When progesterone and estrogen are out of balance, it can lead to more severe hormonal disruptions.

Testosterone

Though typically associated with males, testosterone is also an important hormone for females. Excess testosterone in teenage girls can lead to issues like acne, dark hair growth on the face, and irregular periods. It is a major contributor to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can result in weight gain, fertility issues, and other challenges.

Cortisol

Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," is produced by the adrenal glands and helps the body manage stress. High cortisol levels due to chronic stress or poor sleep can lead to mood swings, weight gain, and even anxiety or depression. Low cortisol levels, on the other hand, can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of exhaustion, all of which can significantly affect a teenager’s health and performance at school.

Thyroid hormones

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, increased heart rate, and anxiety, while hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can cause weight gain, fatigue, and dry skin. Both thyroid imbalances can disrupt a teenager’s physical and mental health, making it challenging to maintain daily activities.

Signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances in teenagers:

• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Excessive fatigue or tiredness
• Severe acne or skin issues
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Sudden mood swings or irritability
• Increased facial hair growth
• Trouble sleeping or insomnia
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Decreased concentration or brain fog
• Loss of appetite or increased hunger
• Anxiety or depression
• Changes in body temperature sensitivity (feeling too hot or too cold)
• Puffy or swollen face
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Increased thirst or frequent urination

How hormone therapy can help teenagers with hormone issues

Hormone therapy offers targeted treatment to help regulate hormone levels and restore balance. It can be an effective option for teenagers who are experiencing significant disruptions due to hormone imbalances. Here are some ways hormone therapy can help:

• Restoring balance in hormone levels: Hormone therapy helps address hormone imbalances by providing the body with the hormones it needs. Whether it’s estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, hormone therapy can help normalize levels, alleviating symptoms and allowing a teenager’s body to function as it should.
  
• Alleviating mood swings and mental health challenges: One of the major benefits of hormone therapy is its ability to improve mood and mental health. Hormonal imbalances can cause anxiety, depression, and irritability in teens. By stabilizing hormone levels, hormone therapy can lead to improved emotional well-being and a better overall mood.
  
• Supporting menstrual cycle regulation: For many teens, irregular or heavy periods are a frustrating and uncomfortable symptom of hormonal imbalance. Hormone therapy can help regulate menstrual cycles, reducing the severity of symptoms such as heavy bleeding, cramps, and irregularity, helping teens regain a sense of normalcy.
  
• Enhancing physical well-being: Hormone imbalances can also affect physical health, causing issues like weight gain, acne, or muscle weakness. By addressing these imbalances, hormone therapy can improve the physical symptoms associated with hormone fluctuations.

Additional tips to manage hormone issues in teenagers:

• Encourage a balanced diet rich in whole foods and nutrients
• Promote regular exercise to help maintain hormonal balance
• Ensure your teen gets adequate sleep for hormone regulation
• Minimize stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
• Create a supportive environment for open communication about hormonal changes
• Monitor any changes in physical or emotional symptoms closely
• Ensure proper hydration to support overall health and hormone function

At Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, we are committed to helping teenagers navigate the challenges of hormone imbalances. With personalized treatment plans, we can help teens regain balance, improve their overall health, and feel confident in their skin. If you suspect that your teenager may be struggling with hormone imbalances, we can provide the support they need to thrive.