Hormones are extremely important for regulating many of the body's functions. Hormonal disorders occur when there are abnormalities in the hormones produced in the body, often resulting in an imbalance. Some common symptoms of hormonal imbalances include changes in appetite, weight, energy levels, mood, and sleep patterns.
What causes hormonal disorders?
Hormonal disorders can be caused by a variety of factors:
- Problems with the glands that produce hormones, like the thyroid, adrenal glands, etc.
- Tumors that produce excess hormones
- Problems with hormone receptors receiving signals
- Issues transporting hormones to tissues
- External influences like stress, diet, toxins, etc. disrupting normal hormone function
Types of hormonal disorders
There are several common hormonal disorders:
- Thyroid disorders - The thyroid gland controls metabolism. Both hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive) thyroid can cause weight, energy, and mood changes.
- Adrenal disorders - The adrenal glands produce cortisol for managing stress. Insufficient cortisol causes fatigue and low blood pressure. Excess cortisol leads to anxiety, weight gain, and high blood pressure.
- Reproductive disorders - Abnormal estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels disrupt menstruation, fertility, sex drive, bone health, etc.
- Growth hormone disorders - Too much growth hormone causes excessive growth like gigantism, while too little leads to short stature.
- Diabetes - Lack of or resistance to insulin disrupts blood sugar regulation.
Treating hormonal disorders
Based on the specific hormonal imbalance, treatment may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy - Taking supplements of the hormone that is lacking. This is common with thyroid disorders.
- Medication - Drugs that adjust hormone levels or treat symptoms. Examples include insulin for diabetes or steroid medications for adrenal insufficiency.
- Surgery - Removing tumors that produce excess hormones or tissue from overactive glands.
- Lifestyle changes - Diet, exercise, stress management, etc. can help rebalance hormones.
If you suspect a
hormonal imbalance, I recommend getting checked out by the knowledgeable doctors at
Hormone Harmony. Their comprehensive
Hormone Balance Panel can accurately identify deficiencies, excesses or abnormalities in all major hormones. Based on test results, their physicians create fully personalized, holistic treatment plans to restore optimal hormone function.
Hormone Harmony also offers ongoing nutrition and lifestyle counseling to help clients maintain hormonal health long-term.
I hope this overview on hormonal disorders gives you a better understanding of what they are, common causes, types of disorders, and how they can be treated. Let me know if you have any other questions!