Life can sometimes feel like a code you can't crack. You're doing all the "right" things—eating healthy, exercising, trying to get enough sleep—but your mood's been swinging like a pendulum, or you're just not feeling like your usual self. Something feels . . . off. 

Well, guess what? It might be your hormones trying to tell you something. The little chemical messengers play a HUGE role in how we feel, think, and act. When they're in balance, you feel fantastic. But when they're out of whack, it can throw your whole world off-kilter.

What you need is a hormone decoder, and we have it below. We'll walk through some common signs of hormone imbalances, including pesky night sweats and feeling like your brain's on vacation. If any of them sound familiar, it might be worth chatting with your doctor to see if your hormones need a little TLC. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding your hormones is the first step to feeling your best.

And it's not all doom and gloom! If you're looking for natural ways to support your hormonal balance, be sure to check out our newsletter on naturally reversing hormone imbalances.

Uncovering Mood Hormone Imbalances

Use these checklists of common symptoms to help you identify potential imbalances in your mood hormones. If you experience several symptoms related to a specific hormone, consider taking steps to boost that it naturally and also talk to a healthcare professional about possible testing and support.

Cortisol (Stress Hormone)

High cortisol levels can disrupt your sleep and digesting, suppress your immune system, and increase your appetite. If you’re experiencing any of the issues below, it could mean your body is producing an excessive amount of the stress hormone.

• You wake up at 2 am, kicking off your covers and your sheets and pajamas are soaked with sweat.  

• You feel tired but you can't fall asleep or stay asleep at night.

• You're forgetful and have a hard time concentrating.

• You eat right and exercise but can't lose a pound. 

• Your spouse and children are noticing you're more irritable lately.  

• You get sick more often than usual.  

• You crave salty or sugary foods.  

• You have digestive problems like bloating or diarrhea.  

• You feel overwhelmed or easily stressed by minor things.  

• You have muscle tension or headaches.

Oxytocin (Love Hormone)

Oxytocin brings feelings of comfort and happiness. It's a key player in promoting social bonding, intimacy, and emotional closeness. When oxytocin levels are balanced, we experience a greater sense of happiness, contentment, and ease in our relationships. When it’s low, people can have a hard time in their relationships and sex lives.  

• You feel lonely or isolated even when surrounded by people. 

• You have difficulty forming or maintaining close relationships.  

• You find it hard to trust others.  

• You feel anxious or depressed in social situations.  

• You have a low sex drive.  

• You struggle to bond with your baby or pet.  

• You feel emotionally distant from your partner.  

Serotonin (Feel-Good Hormone)

Serotonin, often referred to as the "feel-good hormone," plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. When levels dip too low, it can significantly impact your emotional and physical well-being. Low serotonin levels have been linked to various mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety.

• You feel sad, down, or hopeless.  

• You have lost interest in activities you once enjoyed.  

• You have significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns.  

• You feel fatigued or have low energy.  

• You have difficulty concentrating or making decisions.  

• You experience excessive worry or anxiety.  

• You have low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness.  

• You are overly sensitive to criticism or rejection.  

• You have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you are experiencing this, seek professional help immediately.

Dopamine (Motivation and Reward Hormone)

Dopamine, often called the "motivation and reward hormone," plays a key role in drive, pleasure, and focus. When levels are low, it can lead to a lack of motivation and a decreased ability to experience joy. Furthermore, low dopamine levels can contribute to thrill-seeking behavior and an increased risk of addiction, as individuals may seek out intense experiences to compensate for the lack of natural reward.

• You lack motivation or drive.  

• You feel apathetic or uninterested in things.  

• You have difficulty experiencing pleasure.  

• You engage in impulsive or risky behaviors.  

• You have addictive tendencies.  

• You procrastinate or have trouble completing tasks. 

• You feel restless or fidgety.  

• You have low self-confidence or self-doubt.  

Melatonin (Sleep Hormone)

If you’ve ever had jet lag, you know what disrupted melatonin production feels like. That may be temporary, but if you’re experiencing weeks (or more) of disrupted sleep, you could have low melatonin levels. High melatonin, on the other hand, can make you feel extra tired.  

• You have difficulty falling asleep.  

• You wake up frequently during the night.  

• You feel tired or groggy during the day.  

• You have difficulty regulating your body temperature at night. 

• You experience vivid or disturbing dreams.  

• You feel restless or have an urge to move your legs at night.  

• You wake up too early and can't fall back asleep. 

• You rely on sleep aids or medications to fall asleep.  

• Your mood is negatively affected by changes in seasons or light exposure.  

• You experience jet lag or shift-work sleep disorder.  

• You feel sleepy or sluggish in the evenings.  

Endorphins (Pain and Pleasure Hormone)

Endorphins, often known as the "pain and pleasure hormone," are your body's natural painkillers and mood elevators. When endorphin levels are low, the experience of pleasure and reward diminishes, making everyday tasks feel less fulfilling and motivation harder to come by.

• You have a low pain tolerance.  

• You feel anxious or depressed.  

• You have difficulty coping with stress. 

• You lack motivation or drive.  

• You experience frequent aches and pains.

• You rarely feel happy. 

• You struggle to maintain a positive mood or outlook.  

• You have a decreased interest in sex or physical intimacy.  

• You feel emotionally numb or disconnected from your feelings.  

Adrenaline (Fight-or-Flight Hormone)

Adrenaline, also known as the "fight-or-flight hormone," prepares your body to respond to perceived threats or stressors. However, when adrenaline levels remain elevated for prolonged periods, it can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Chronically high adrenaline levels can contribute to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and even panic attacks.

• You feel anxious, jittery, or on edge frequently.

• You have a racing heart or rapid breathing.

• You experience panic attacks or sudden feelings of intense fear.

• You have difficulty relaxing or calming down.

• You have cold hands or feet.

• You're easily startled or feel hypervigilant.

• You experience trembling, sweating, or hot flashes.

Remember:

• This checklist is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

• If you are concerned about your mood or hormone levels, please talk to a healthcare provider.

• Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management can significantly impact hormone balance.

• You have the power to support your hormonal health and overall well-being.
  

Take advantage of our bi-weekly newsletter with expert tips, actionable advice, and inspiring stories. Subscribe now and make each day your masterpiece!

Along the Same Lines…

We love you,
Mona & The Sol TV Team ❤️

Lastly, some housekeeping…

If you can't find the newsletter, check your spam folder. If it’s there, mark it as “not spam.”

• Whitelist our email. Add our email address [email protected] to your contacts listor your Primary inbox in Gmail.