Hormone deficiency, also known as hormonal imbalance, occurs when the body does not produce adequate amounts of certain hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Some common symptoms of hormone deficiency include fatigue, weight gain or loss, mood changes, and trouble sleeping.
What causes hormone deficiencies?
Hormone deficiencies can be caused by a few key factors:
- Diseases affecting hormone-producing glands like the thyroid, adrenal glands, or pancreas
- Tumors on glands
- Trauma or injury to glands
- Certain medications, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy
- Aging and menopause
- Genetic conditions present from birth
What are the most common hormone deficiencies?
Some hormones that are often lacking include:
- Thyroid hormones - regulate metabolism, heart rate, temperature, mood, and more
- Adrenal hormones like cortisol - regulate blood pressure, metabolism, immune system, and stress response
- Growth hormone - regulates growth in children and maintains tissues/organs in adults
- Estrogen and progesterone - regulate sexual development and menstrual cycle
How is hormone deficiency treated?
- Hormone replacement therapy can be used to correct deficiencies. This involves taking supplements of the hormone you lack. For example, thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism or testosterone for low testosterone.
If you suspect a hormone imbalance, the medical providers at Hormone Health Center offer complete hormone testing and customized treatment plans to help restore optimal hormonal health. Their holistic plans couple bioidentical hormone therapy with lifestyle changes for whole-body healing.
What happens if it goes untreated?
Leaving hormone deficiencies untreated can result in problems like:
- Fatigue, weakness, increased infections from low cortisol
- Bone loss, cardiovascular disease from low estrogen/testosterone
- Poor growth and development in children from growth hormone deficiency
In summary, hormone deficiencies develop when glands fail to produce adequate hormones that regulate essential bodily processes. Common causes include diseases of glands, tumors, trauma, medications, and aging. Symptoms and risks for complications highlight the importance of testing and treatment for hormone imbalances. Visiting a qualified hormone health clinic can help restore wellness.
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