Endocrine disorders, characterized by hormonal imbalances in the body, affect metabolism, mood, sleep, and reproductive health. This condition often progresses subtly, with easily mistaken symptoms that lead to delayed diagnosis and difficult treatment. Doctor of Medicine Dinh Nhu Quynh, from the Endocrinology Department at Tam Anh Hanoi General Hospital, highlights several potential signs of hormonal imbalance.

Unexplained mood changes, including anxiety, irritability, sadness, or reduced interest in daily activities, can sometimes be linked to fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, or thyroid hormones. According to Doctor Quynh, these symptoms are easily mistaken for simple psychological disorders, while the underlying cause may stem from the endocrine system.

Negative changes in skin and hair, such as dry, dull skin, persistent acne, or significant hair loss, can reflect an imbalance in thyroid or androgen hormones.

Endocrine disorders can cause uncontrolled hair loss. Photo: Khue Lam.

Unintentional weight gain occurs when diet and activity levels remain unchanged, yet weight gradually increases, particularly with fat accumulation in the abdominal area. This is often linked to hormonal imbalances like insulin, cortisol, or thyroid hormones, which can reduce metabolism and increase the body's fat storage.

Persistent fatigue and sluggishness, even after adequate rest, may be due to reduced thyroid gland activity or an imbalance in cortisol. This condition leads to inefficient bodily function, decreased concentration, and impacts quality of life.

Reduced sexual desire in both men and women can be a consequence of sex hormone imbalance. This sign of endocrine disorder is often overlooked or people are hesitant to discuss it, even though it signals a problem within the endocrine system.

Sleep disturbances, characterized by difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, or frequent waking during the night, may indicate a disruption in sleep-regulating hormones. Elevated nighttime cortisol or reduced melatonin can upset the body's circadian rhythm. In the long term, sleep deprivation exacerbates hormonal imbalance, creating a pathological cycle that is difficult to improve.

Menstrual disorders, occurring in women, can stem from polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, or an imbalance of sex hormones.

Constant cravings, especially for sweets or starches, may be related to insulin resistance or a disruption in hunger-satiety hormones like leptin and ghrelin. In such cases, individuals find it challenging to control their weight and can easily fall into a diet-weight gain cycle.

Khue Lam