Can hormones be imbalanced prior to menopause?

Yes. Hormonal imbalance problems can begin well before menopause. The onset of menstruation frequently starts with fluctuating and imbalanced hormones and neurotransmitters. Altered levels of progesterone, relative to estrogen, can occur from stress, adverse dietary influences, exposure to toxins and the aging process. Imbalance can present with premenstrual syndrome issues, excess menstrual pain, anxiety disturbances, mood swings, depression, breast tenderness, weight gain, thyroid dysfunction, sleep problems and neurotransmitter concerns. Over time, a neuro-hormonal imbalance can worsen leading to heavier menses, more painful or missed periods, severe PMS, depression, fibroids, migraines, breast problems, mood disorders, emotional instability, infertility and even cancer. Proper evaluation with laboratory testing and careful treatment planning is vital to successful resolution of these problems.

Another frequent endocrine imbalance problem that can occur before menopause is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This syndrome consists of testosterone/androgen imbalances, coupled with low progesterone levels. This is increasingly noted as a major cause of infertility and other associated health issues. Often associated is an underlying insulin resistance issue contributing to the malady making a Functional Medicine comprehensive treatment strategy all the more important.