Aging is unavoidable, and there are many changes that come along with the process. For women, the hormonal changes that are experienced can be significant. They can affect our weight, moods, energy, and overall sense of self and well being. Understanding how these changes affect you can help you to better manage the changes.

Here are five things you should be aware of when it comes to your hormonal changes:

1. Fatigue

Many people just assume that feeling tired all the time is part of having a busy life. But, it is often related to hormonal changes. If you are feeling chronically tired, you should see your doctor and be checked for insulin, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and adrenal hormones and ensure that all of these levels are adequate.

2. Insomnia

Obviously, chronic insomnia can be a direct cause of chronic fatigue. But, the insomnia may be caused by hormonal imbalance. Those with low progesterone levels may find that they wake many times during the night and have difficulty falling back asleep. Low estrogen can lead to hot flashes and night sweats, which further disrupt your sleep. If you struggle with insomnia, it is time to have your hormone levels checked by your doctor.

3. Hair Loss

Any changes in hair texture or volume may be related to hormonal changes. When your hair becomes thinner at the crown, it might be a sign that your thyroid hormones are off. If you have thinning in the temple areas, you might have low progesterone or estrogen levels. If your hair is thinning overall, this could be a sign of high androgen levels or increased DHT in your body.

4. Irritability

Having chronic irritability is more than having a bad day at work or just being in a bad mood. It could be related to hormone shifts that may be tied to your menstrual cycle. The variations in hormones can wreak havoc on your emotions. If you find that you have excessive crying or depression, or major bouts of anxiety, see your doctor and get your hormone levels checked.

5. Gaining Weight

Hormonal imbalance can be related to sudden changes in weight, particularly when the weight gain shows up in the abdomen or arms. This could indicate insulin resistance. When you gain weight in your breasts, this could be a sign of a problem with your estrogen levels. Weight gain in the hips and thighs may be thyroid-related.

When you understand how hormonal imbalance can affect your health, you can talk to your doctor about solutions that can get you back in balance.