Hormonal disorders occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the body. Hormones are chemicals that control various body functions like growth, metabolism, and reproduction. When the endocrine glands produce more or less hormones than needed, it can cause bothersome or even dangerous symptoms.
Some common hormonal disorders include:
- Diabetes - When the pancreas does not make enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or when the body cannot use insulin properly (type 2 diabetes), there is too much glucose in the blood. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, and fatigue. If left untreated, diabetes can cause nerve damage, kidney disease, blindness, and more.
- Thyroid disorders - The thyroid gland controls metabolism. Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) cause different symptoms. Hyperthyroidism can lead to sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, hand tremors, and more. Hypothyroidism may cause weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, and other issues.
- Adrenal disorders - The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol that control blood pressure, metabolism, and stress response. Cushing's syndrome happens when the body makes too much cortisol, while Addison's disease is caused by too little cortisol. Symptoms range from rapid weight gain to severe fatigue, muscle weakness, and more.
- Reproductive disorders - The production of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other sex hormones can become imbalanced, causing irregular periods, infertility, reduced sex drive, early puberty, menopausal symptoms, and other reproductive problems.
What causes hormonal imbalances?
Hormone disorders can stem from issues in the glands themselves. For example, type 1 diabetes is caused by destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Cancers, tumors, or nodules on the endocrine glands can also lead to over- or underproduction of hormones.
In other cases, the endocrine glands work properly, but something interferes with hormone delivery or function. Some potential reasons include:
- Genetics
- Poor diet and nutrition
- Chronic stress
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Autoimmune disorders
- Infections
- Radiation or injury to the glands
- Medications, steroids or illicit drugs
How are hormonal disorders treated?
The treatment plan depends on the specific type of hormone dysfunction, its underlying cause, and severity of symptoms. Common treatment approaches include:
- Medications - Such as thyroid hormone replacements for hypothyroidism or insulin for diabetes
- Surgery - Removing all or part of diseased glands
- Radiation or chemotherapy - For cancerous growths on endocrine glands
- Hormone therapy - Supplementing hormones that are deficient
- Lifestyle changes - Adjusting diet, exercise, sleep, and stress levels
Detecting and managing hormonal disorders early on is crucial for preventing long-term complications. Anyone experiencing unexplained, persistent changes in weight, energy, appetite, mood, or bodily functions should see a doctor to check for a potential hormone imbalance. With proper treatment, many hormone dysfunction disorders can be controlled effectively at Balance Hormone Center.