Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and development as a child transitions from childhood to adulthood. During this time, your child undergoes physical and psychological changes. Adolescents often face new challenges and responsibilities, such as starting high school or college, getting a job, or becoming sexually active. They may also struggle with issues like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. However, adolescence is also a time when young people can discover their talents and passions, make lifelong friends, and build the foundation for their future adult lives.
It is no secret that hormones impact adolescent health. Adolescents usually experience mood swings due to hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones rapidly changing. However, mood swings and other behavioral issues that occur frequently are a cause for concern.
What Are the Signs of Hormone Issues in Adolescents?
Hormonal imbalances can affect adolescents in a number of ways, and the symptoms can easily be observed, which is why parents should be mindful of negative changes in their child’s physical appearance, mood, and behavior.
It is important to know that hormonal imbalances in adolescents:
Increase susceptibility to mental health issues
Adolescents with hormonal imbalance are at increased risk for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Hormones affect mood, sleep, and energy levels, and an imbalance of hormones combined with external stressors that adolescents have to deal with can result in a change in how a child’s brain functions, and may lead to the development of a mental health condition.
Cause other medical issues
Hormonal imbalance in adolescents can cause acne and weight gain, which can lead to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In girls, hormonal imbalance can lead to irregular periods and excessive hair growth.
Symptoms of Hormone Issues in Adolescents
Below are the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance in teens:
- Frequent mood swings
- Irregular or missed periods
- Sleep issues
- Difficulty staying focused
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Acne
- Dry and coarse skin and hair
- Excessive hair growth
- Increased sensitivity to cold or heat
- Constipation or frequent bowel movements
- Increased or decreased heart rate
When it comes to behavioral issues, it usually takes an expert to determine whether your child’s behavior is due to a hormonal imbalance or a mental health condition. Fortunately, there are medical doctors that specialize in the medical needs of adolescents and can provide them with the appropriate treatment.
When To Talk to a Doctor for Adolescent Hormone Issues
If your teen is experiencing any sort of physical, mental, or behavioral issues, it is important to seek out a doctor as soon as possible. Hormonal imbalances and their variety of symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and disruptive to your teen’s life. If you suspect that your teen may be dealing with a hormonal imbalance, make an appointment with a board-certified pediatrician, so they can get the specialized care and treatment they need.
Board-Certified Pediatrician for Adolescent Health Services in Tuckahoe, NY
The board-certified pediatricians and staff at Village Pediatric Group focus on providing high-quality and comprehensive care to patients under the age of 21. Adolescent care and mental and behavioral services are among the many services we can provide, and rest assured, there are a variety of effective treatments available for hormonal imbalances and mental health issues.
Get your child the help they need to be happy, healthy, and successful. Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians today. Call (914) 771-7070 or use our convenient appointment request form.
