There are many different problems that can occur with the delicate balance of female hormones, some of which can be relatively easily treated, whereas other are much more challenging. There are times in our lives when we expect hormonal activity to alter and adjust, such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause, but sometimes irregularities occur because something else is affecting the equilibrium.

Common female hormone disorders

Unless you have suffered with a hormonal imbalance, the chances are you may not know a great deal about them as they are not something is that often openly discussed. One of the most common female hormone disorders is a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, often shortened to PCOS. It is the most common of the female hormonal disorders, with between five to ten per cent of women in the UK believed to suffer with this condition.

Women who suffer with PCOS can often experience a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Unusual period patterns – these can be heavier than normal, irregular or missed entirely
• Difficulty conceiving (this is probably one of the most well known/well documented symptoms)
• Hair growth that is not usually seen on women, this can often be on places such as the face or arms and is caused by an excess presence of the male hormone androgen
• Trouble controlling weight (often resulting in weight gain, not weight loss)
• Poor skin condition and excess facial oils
• Ovarian cysts

Many women are diagnosed with PCOS in their late teens or early twenties and it is often hereditary (passed down through the family).

Other conditions and steps to take

There are many other female hormonal disorders such as thyroid dysfunction and adrenal fatigue which share many symptoms with PCOS and also can be triggered by a number of factors such as lifestyle, weight gain, stress and exposure to different toxins.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or have general feelings of lethargy/fatigue, negativity/depression or irritability it could be caused by an imbalance of hormones and medical advice should be sought from a consultant such as Mr Nitish Narvekar, a gynaecologist that specialises in the treatment of female hormonal disorders.

Some conditions can be easily treated or the symptoms can be managed. Others can be more serious so the sooner you seek medical care, the sooner an effective course of treatment can be established.

It is not always the case that prescription drugs will be the only way to fix a hormonal imbalance; there are dietary and lifestyle adjustments that can be explored first to see if these alleviate the symptoms.

To arrange a consultation with Mr Narvekar, call his private secretary D Loziak on 020 3794 8769 or fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch.