As parents, overprotecting your children comes naturally. Hyperfixating on the tiniest changes in their height, weight, mood, and so on becomes routine. Most of the time, these concerns are simply our paranoia, but at other times, they may stem from noticing subtle yet consistent changes in your child that do not fit the definition of normal. Hormones are essential for growth and development; imbalances can affect children in different ways. Some changes may be noticeable; others may not come to your attention immediately.
Given below is a proper guide for parents about hormonal imbalance and uncommon changes, so that they know what symptoms call for a trip to a paediatrician.
What is a Hormone Disorder?
Hormone imbalance has become a pretty common disorder found in growing children or teenagers. Simply put, a hormone disorder occurs when your body produces too much or too little of one or more hormones. While natural fluctuations occur, extreme imbalance can affect a person’s physical or emotional health. Timely detection of signs and proper treatment becomes necessary, as hormones are essential for many bodily functions, such as:- Metabolism
- Growth and Development
- Sexual Health
- Reproduction
- Internal Balance
Common Signs of Hormone Disorder in Children
While many changes in an adolescent child may be a result of puberty, an extreme and consistent state of those changes might be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Although most hormonal changes are manageable, some may be chronic and can affect health and quality of life. Early detection can ensure timely, appropriate treatment in such cases. Given below are some of the common signs that indicate a hormonal imbalance:Delay in Onset of Puberty
The age of hitting puberty varies from child to child, but an extreme delay or early onset can be a sign of a hormone disorder. No or early signs of breast development and menstrual cycle in girls, or facial hair growth or deepening of voice in boys are some common symptoms.Unstable Menstrual Cycle
Many reasons can cause menstrual cycle instability and irregularity, such as poor diet, stress, or genetics; hormonal imbalance may be one of them. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can lead to heavy, irregular, or absent periods in young girls.Sudden Weight Gain or Los
Unexplained ups and downs in the weight of a child with no changes in eating habits can be a cause of concern, as well as a symptom of a hormonal imbalance. These sudden and unexplained changes usually point towards disorders like Thyroid or PCOS in girls.Constant State of Fatigue
If your child is persistently tired, has low stamina compared to other children their age, and is constantly fatigued during physical activity, this may be a red flag. Because children are naturally active, this may contribute to an imbalance in adrenal hormones.Skin Related Issues
Skin-related issues are a common sign of a hormonal disorder. Excessively dry or oily skin, or acne at a young age, can result from an imbalance. It can lead to skin breakouts and affect skin texture, negatively impacting a child’s self-esteem.Excess Hair Growth or Loss
Childhood hormone problems can be identified by changes in hair, which may lead to excessive growth of facial or body hair (hirsutism) or to extreme hair loss or thinning. Lack of sleep, poor diet, or high stress levels can trigger such an imbalance.Mood Swings and Sleep Issues
A drop in estrogen levels of a teenager simultaneously affects their mood-stabilizing hormones and can lead to unusual behaviour or constant mood swings like irritation, depression, or anxiety. It can also disrupt their sleep cycle, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.How to prevent Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalances are not within our control, but good habits can help maintain overall health and support balanced hormones. If the above-mentioned symptoms are missing in your child, that’s a good sign to work towards keeping them in check, by including some healthy practices in your daily routine, such as:- Managing stress levels
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Regularly doing some physical activity
- Getting good hours of sleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight