How Your Looks Can Signal Hormone Disruptions

It’s commonly known that many elements go into a person’s vibrance, looks, and sheen. Factors such as sleep, hydration, diet, exercise, topical products, and stress levels all work together to determine how you look and feel. However, an additional cast of characters have a significant role to play: hormones.  

Hormones and lifestyle factors can tango – and sometimes they tango right across your face! That’s right! Anything from a smattering of pimples to a bad hair day can be caused by hormones because hormones are active in our bodies 24/7. Luckily, our bodies have built-in warning systems. Fingernails, hair, and skin are telltale markers of hormonal balance and overall health.

What to Look For: Signs of Hormone Imbalance

If you notice any combination of these things happening in your looks, particularly with recent or sudden onset, which do not improve readily with changes in your lifestyle, talk to your doctor. Your primary care physician, gynecologist, and/or endocrinologist can help determine if your hormones are out of alignment. Factors could include aging, pregnancy, ovarian or thyroid troubles, a pituitary disorder such as Cushing’s Syndrome, or an autoimmune disorder such as Psoriasis or Lupus Erythematosus.

SKIN:

  • Dry or flaky 
  • Excessively oily
  • Cystic acne
  • Hirsutism (unwanted hair growth on face or body)
  • Age-inappropriate wrinkling or creping (AKA fine lines)
  • Dark spots and blotches
  • Red, scaly patches
  • Changes in elasticity
  • Unusual pimples or rashes
  • Malar (butterfly) rash across the nose and cheeks
  • Clusters of hardened skin 
  • Skin dimpling 
  • New cellulite or fat deposits

HAIR:

  • Female pattern balding
  • Alopecia (hair loss in patches or clumps)
  • Greying, particularly if premature
  • Texture changes
  • Brittle and prone to breakage 
  • New split ends 
  • Scalp changes
  • Thinning and heavy strand loss when brushing

NAILS:

  • New thickening or thinning
  • White spots 
  • Dark spots or lines
  • Ridges
  • Slow growth
  • Flaking 
  • Repeated fungal infections

Pregnancy Hormones

Luckily, not all hormone changes have negative impacts. Have you ever told a pregnant friend that she was absolutely glowing? Her skin might glow, her hair may be lush, and her nails may be so magnificent people will swear she just had a gel set done. While hormones play a huge role in those tell-tale pregnancy changes, it’s important to remember that other factors can contribute to this healthy glow. 

She may be eating a far more cognizant diet, rich with nutrients, healthy fats, and vitamins, compared to how she may have been feeding herself prior to learning she was pregnant. She’s put down the alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, and she may be doing more body and breathing exercises. Additionally, she may be practicing better sleep hygiene and keeping her stress levels down. This increase in self-care can yield glorious results – and not just for pregnant women!

Positive Steps to Addressing Your Hormones

Taking time to nourish your body and giving yourself ample time to relax should always be a first step to addressing concerns. Evaluating your eating, sleep, hydration, and exercise habits can give you important insight and lead to improved looks and overall physical health. However, if you’re not getting the same results as your pregnant friends, don’t be tempted to add prenatal vitamins to your diet. These vitamins are specially created to provide compounds that help a woman’s body while pregnant, and they contain high doses of elements that can upset your body’s natural balance. In fact, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor before adding any significant vitamins to your daily routine. 

Above all, women should be aware that good habits can significantly benefit hormonal health. If you’re concerned about your hormonal health, consider diet and nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress reduction, weight maintenance, and other facets then discuss with your doctor how these habits may impact you as an individual.

Looking for a professional to speak to about your hormones? We invite you to learn more about hormone imbalances and the bioidentical therapies we offer at MCOE.