Understanding Your Hormones
Hormones are your body's chemical messengers, controlling everything from metabolism and mood to fertility and sleep. When they're in balance, you feel energised, focused, and well. When they're not, the effects can be wide-ranging and debilitating.
Common Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep
- Irregular or painful periods
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Hair loss or thinning
- Acne (especially along the jawline)
- Low libido
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Night sweats or hot flashes
- Difficulty sleeping
Key Hormones to Test
| Hormone | What It Does | When to Test |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid (TSH, T3, T4) | Metabolism, energy, weight | If fatigued, gaining weight, feeling cold |
| Oestrogen & Progesterone | Menstrual cycle, fertility, mood | Irregular periods, PMS, perimenopause |
| Testosterone | Energy, libido, muscle mass | Low energy, reduced libido, hair loss |
| Cortisol | Stress response, inflammation | Chronic stress, insomnia, belly fat |
| Insulin | Blood sugar regulation | Weight gain, sugar cravings, PCOS |
| DHEA-S | Adrenal function, vitality | Fatigue, low mood, premature ageing |
| Vitamin D | Bone health, immunity, mood | Everyone in Dubai (most are deficient) |