What are hormonal disorders?
Hormones are extremely important chemical messengers that regulate many of the body's functions. When hormone levels are too high or too low, it can cause serious health problems. Some common hormonal disorders include:
- Thyroid disorders - The thyroid gland regulates metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, and anxiety. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, and feeling cold.
- Diabetes - In diabetes, the body can't properly regulate blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops making insulin, causing blood sugar to rise. In type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, and fatigue.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) - This affects women and causes a hormonal imbalance that can lead to irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity. It also increases the risk for diabetes and infertility.
- Adrenal disorders - The adrenal glands produce cortisol to regulate metabolism and help the body deal with stress. In Cushing's syndrome, the body makes too much cortisol, causing weight gain, high blood pressure, and bone loss. Addison's disease is when the adrenals don't make enough cortisol.
- Pituitary disorders - The pituitary gland in the brain influences hormones made by other glands. A pituitary tumor can cause hormonal imbalances leading to rapid growth (gigantism), excessive thirst and urination, irregular periods, erectile dysfunction, and more.
What causes hormonal disorders?
Hormone disorders can be caused by a variety of factors:
- Genetics - Some conditions like type 1 diabetes are linked to genetic mutations.
- Autoimmune disorders - The immune system may attack endocrine glands like the thyroid.
- Tumors - Both malignant and benign tumors on endocrine glands can affect hormone production.
- Poor diet and lack of exercise - This is a key factor in obesity-related hormonal issues like type 2 diabetes.
- Pregnancy - Hormone changes during pregnancy can lead to temporary disorders like gestational diabetes.
- Infection or injury - In some cases, damage to endocrine glands from injury, surgery, or infection may lead to hormone deficiencies.
- Aging - Hormonal changes occur naturally with aging, especially during puberty, menopause and andropause.
- Environmental factors - Exposure to certain toxins, pollutants and medications can interfere with hormone levels.
How are hormone disorders diagnosed and treated?
If hormonal imbalance is suspected, doctors can order blood tests to check hormone levels. They may also examine the thyroid, do pelvic exams, order MRIs of the pituitary, or conduct glucose tolerance tests. Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the specific disorder:
- Medications - These include thyroid hormone replacements, insulin, birth control, steroids, and more. We can provide prescriptions at Hormone Harmony.
- Surgery - This may be done to remove tumors on endocrine glands or nodules on the thyroid.
- Radiation therapy - For cancerous growths on glands like the pituitary.
- Lifestyle changes - A healthy diet, exercise, and stress management help control hormonal disorders like diabetes.
Managing hormonal disorders can be challenging, but with the right treatment plan tailored to your needs by an endocrinologist, you can get symptoms under control and prevent complications. Hormone Harmony has top specialists to help diagnose and treat any hormonal imbalance through comprehensive testing, personalized care plans, and cutting-edge therapies. Contact us today to restore hormonal harmony and regain your health!