Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that influence many systems in the body. They travel through your bloodstream to your organs, muscles, and tissues, helping regulate appetite, growth and development, sexual function, sleep-wake cycles, and emotional balance.
When hormones are out of balance, the effects often extend beyond physical symptoms and can significantly impact your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Many women notice increased anxiety, mood changes, low energy, or disrupted sleep—symptoms that may benefit from professional mental health therapy alongside medical care.
In this post, we’ll explore common signs of hormone imbalances in women and discuss supportive steps you can take toward restoring balance. While these concerns are most commonly experienced by people assigned female at birth or those using estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT), hormone imbalances can affect people across the gender spectrum.
Several hormones work together to regulate the menstrual cycle. When one or more of these hormones become imbalanced, periods may become irregular, very painful, or stop altogether. Hormone-related conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and amenorrhea are common causes.
Hormonal fluctuations—especially during puberty—can contribute to acne. In adulthood, acne may also be linked to pregnancy, menopause, stress, or testosterone-based therapies. While skin changes are often viewed as cosmetic, they can have a real impact on self-esteem and mental health.
Estrogen plays a role in regulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that supports mood stability. When estrogen levels drop, serotonin levels may also decrease, leading to symptoms such as:
These emotional and sleep-related changes are often reasons women seek mental health therapy, especially when symptoms begin to affect work, relationships, or daily functioning.
Hormone imbalances can be challenging to identify, as there is no single test that measures all hormone levels. While some at-home tests are available, many people find it helpful to start by speaking with their family doctor or healthcare provider.
Diagnosis may involve:
If emotional or psychological symptoms are present, combining medical care with mental health therapy can offer valuable support while navigating diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and your comfort level. Common options include:
Mental health therapy can also support you with lifestyle-based approaches, such as nutrition changes, stress management, and improved sleep habits. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing treatment plans.
Understanding the signs of hormonal imbalance is an important step toward advocating for your health and overall wellbeing. Changes in your cycle, skin, mood, or sleep may be your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.
While this process can feel overwhelming, support is available. Medical professionals can help identify hormonal causes, and mental health therapy can support you emotionally as you navigate physical symptoms, stress, and life changes. Many women find that combining medical treatment with therapy leads to meaningful improvements in both physical and mental wellness—helping them feel more balanced, resilient, and supported.
Our team is here to help! We offer telehealth sessions for clients located within Alberta, and in-person mental health therapy sessions at our Edmonton location. Our centre is conveniently located just south of the Whitemud, with easy access to Sherwood Park as well. Contact us today for a no-obligation discovery call with our client care specialists who can support you with a referral to a therapist based on your unique needs. All of our providers offer a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, so you can ask all your questions and book with confidence.