Dr. Berg’s Healthy Keto and Intermittent Fasting Podcast

7 Hormone Signs You Can SEE in the MIRROR

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Jul 24, 2025

Hormone imbalances can reveal themselves right in your reflection! Discover how thyroid issues lead to bulging eyes or weight gain. Delve into the impact of androgens on skin conditions like acne and hair loss. Learn how high cortisol might give you a round face and increase midsection weight. Plus, the effects of estrogen are discussed—think puffy faces and wrinkles. Each hormonal sign connects to lifestyle choices, making it vital to manage diet for better reflection.

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INSIGHT

Thyroid Hormones Show Visibly

Thyroid hormone extremes visibly affect the body, from bulging eyes to hair thinning.
Hashimoto's, an autoimmune thyroid issue, is prevalent and closely linked to immune health.

ADVICE

Manage Hashimoto's Naturally

Avoid gluten if you have Hashimoto's thyroid to reduce immune system attacks.
Boost selenium and vitamin D3 with foods like Brazil nuts and supplements to support thyroid and immune health.

INSIGHT

Androgens Influence Skin and Hair

High androgens cause acne and hair changes, differing between men and women.
Low androgen leads to muscle loss and specific hair thinning in men.

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Hormone imbalance signs are often very easy to detect, just by looking in the mirror!

The thyroid gland is small but controls your digestive system and metabolism. If your thyroid hormones are too high, you may notice bulging eyes, a fast metabolism, significant weight loss, and excessive sweating.

A hypothyroid will cause weight gain and hair loss. Around 90% of hypothyroidism is an issue related to the immune system called Hashimoto’s. If you have Hashimoto’s, you’ll want to avoid gluten and increase selenium and vitamin D3.

Androgens include testosterone and DHT. High levels of androgens can cause acne, specifically around the jawline and on the back. Women may experience a deepened voice, increased facial hair, and may also notice hair thinning. Men with high androgens may experience balding.

To keep your androgen levels normal, avoid carbohydrates, sugar, and starches, and avoid frequent eating. Also, use a high-quality water filter to avoid plastics.

High cortisol symptoms include a round face (cortisol face), buffalo hump, and weight gain in the midsection. High cortisol can exaggerate stretch marks in women and speed up aging.

High estrogen symptoms include a puffy face, spider veins, skin tags, and melasma. Low estrogen can make you appear older and cause wrinkles. Cholesterol is vital for estrogen production, so certain drugs and low-fat diets could cause your estrogen levels to decrease.

When growth hormone declines, you may look older and gain weight in the midsection. Intense exercise for short durations, a low-carb diet, and more sleep can increase growth hormone.

High progesterone is rare but can cause fluid retention. Low progesterone is much more common and can cause a puffy face. You might also appear dull and tired, and may experience acne.

High insulin symptoms include belly fat, skin tags, and swollen eyes. Low insulin can cause excessive weight loss, cravings for carbs, and constant hunger. Sugar, starch, and frequent eating trigger insulin.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.