Hormone deficiency - Balanced You

Hormone deficiency, also known as endocrine hypofunction, occurs when glands in the endocrine system do not produce enough hormones to maintain proper biological function. This can negatively impact many critical bodily processes like metabolism, growth, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood. Some common signs and symptoms of hormone deficiency include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Developmental delays in children
• Changes in skin or hair
• Depression or mood changes
• Hot flashes
• Fertility issues

What Causes Hormone Deficiencies?

There are several potential causes of hormone deficiencies:

• Pituitary disorders: The pituitary gland produces hormones that signal other glands to release hormones. Pituitary disease can disrupt this signaling.
• Hormone production diseases: Diseases of the thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive glands themselves can impair hormone production.
• Tumors: Both benign and cancerous tumors on glands can affect hormone levels.
• Medications: Some medications like steroids, pain meds, and psychiatric drugs impact hormone production.
• Injury or removal: Head trauma or surgery that damages glands can lead to deficiency.

How is Hormone Deficiency Diagnosed and Treated?

If hormone deficiency is suspected, a physician will check hormone levels using blood tests, urine tests, or medical imaging. They may also examine symptoms and medical history.

Treatment depends on the specific hormone deficiency:

• Thyroid hormone deficiency can be treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication.
• Diabetes insipidus is treated with desmopressin medication.
• Testosterone and estrogen deficiencies may be treated with hormone therapy.
• Growth hormone deficiency may be treated with growth hormone injections.

Lifestyle changes like improved diet, exercise, and stress management may also help alleviate some hormone deficiency symptoms.

In summary, hormone deficiencies occur when endocrine glands do not produce adequate amounts of hormones essential for health. Warning signs like fatigue, changes in weight and skin, and fertility problems should be evaluated. Treatment typically involves hormone therapy and lifestyle changes.

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