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“My hormones are such a mess” is probably one of the most common things I hear from women through various stages of their lives. Experiences range from fluctuations in their hormones, higher levels of stress, irregular cycles, PMS symptoms, unwanted weight gain, anxiety, skin conditions, and irritability, to the onset of menopausal symptoms at an early age.
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oday, over 80% of women experience hormonal imbalances for some portion of their lives and are becoming more aware of these imbalances by paying attention to their bodies’ cues around their hormones and understanding what imbalances can look like.
However, it is not just women experiencing hormonal irregularities; men also have hormones and can experience similar imbalances. Although women are more likely to experience symptoms of hormonal imbalances at an earlier age, men often can experience imbalances of their own later in life, with a variety of symptoms similar to women. However, most men don’t recognize these symptoms as a hormonal imbalance within their bodies. Some of the common symptoms of male hormonal imbalances are weight gain around the abdominal area and chest (due to higher amounts of estrogen within the body), thinning hair and/or male pattern baldness (due to decreasing levels of testosterone), erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, depression, insomnia, anxiety, lack of motivation, brain fog, high stress, headaches, and loss of memory.
CHELAN WILKINS is a Vancouver-based Registered Holistic Nutritionist and women’s health educator. She has focused her expertise in women’s health, hormones, digestive health, and skin health. She is co-author of a collagen guidebook, women’s health advocate and disruptor, creator of a women’s health and lifestyle forum and podcast host, A Hot Mess. 5 | May/June 2021
BY CHELAN WILKINS
ahotmess.ca |
ChelanWilkinsRHN
