Hormone imbalances can affect both sexes. Some hormones are characteristic of both sexes; others are more prevalent in one gender than the other. However, males produce small amounts of female hormones and women produce small quantities of male hormone as well. Hormone imbalances in women can result in symptoms that would be distressing to either sex, or can result in symptoms that are uniquely distressing to women--such as excessive facial hair growth or irregular menstrual cycles.
Stress
The mind-body connection is a formidable phenomenon, and mental factors can have a powerful impact on physical health. Hormones can fluctuate as a result of environmental factors that cause a person to experience stress. The Franklin Institute explains that stress causes the brain to flood the body with adrenal hormones that are produced in order to help the individual respond to danger. This response is known as the fight-or-flight response. When stress is prolonged and ongoing, the cumulative effects of the hormones can damage the body and kill brain cells.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, affects about 10 percent of all women, according to Cedars-Sinai Hospital. This disorder is characterized by symptoms such as excessive body and facial hair, weight gain, menstrual irregularities and infertility. It occurs when the ovaries make follicles to hold eggs, but the eggs fail to mature or exit from the ovary. The follicles transform into cysts that remain on the ovaries.
Thyroid Disease
The thyroid gland can be affected by disorders that increase or decrease the production of thyroid hormone. These are thought to be related to autoimmune disorders. Women's Health explains that Graves' disease results when the immune system created antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones, leading to symptoms such as goiter, anxiety, sleeplessness and heat intolerance. Hashimoto's thyroiditis has the opposite effect. This autoimmune disorder destroys thyroid tissue, and decreased production of thyroid hormones results.
Tumors
Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands, which are located throughout the body. Tumors within the gland, or the surrounding tissue, can have an effect on hormone production. Stanford University lists tumors of the pituitary gland as a source of female hormone imbalances that can lead to infertility.
Endocrine Disruptors
Chemical substances called endocrine disruptors are now present in pesticides, industrial chemicals, plastics, cosmetics and a host of other items to which people are routinely exposed. Endocrine disruptors can disrupt hormone balances in the human body.
