What is hormone deficiency?
A hormone deficiency occurs when your body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Hormones are chemicals produced by glands and released into the bloodstream. They travel to organs and tissues and help control mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, and other essential processes.
Common hormone deficiencies include:
- Thyroid hormone deficiency - The thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and feeling cold.
- Growth hormone deficiency - The pituitary gland does not release enough growth hormone. Children may experience slowed growth. Adults can have decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, tiredness, and other issues.
- Testosterone deficiency - Known as male hypogonadism, this occurs when the testes produce little testosterone. Symptoms can include erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, decreased facial/body hair, fatigue, and mood changes.
- Estrogen/progesterone deficiency - In females, low estrogen levels can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, menstrual irregularities, and fertility issues. Low progesterone can also cause menstrual problems and trouble getting pregnant.
What causes hormone deficiencies?
Hormone deficiencies can be caused by:
- Diseases affecting glands that produce hormones (e.g. pituitary tumors)
- Inflammation or injury to hormone-producing glands
- Birth defects impacting endocrine glands
- Damage from surgery or radiation treatments
- Genetic conditions
How are hormone deficiencies treated?
Doctors can treat hormone deficiencies in a few ways, including:
- Hormone therapy - Taking supplements to replace the hormone your body cannot adequately produce. This may include thyroid hormone pills, testosterone injections, or estrogen patches.
- Medication - Drugs that stimulate your endocrine glands to produce more hormones naturally.
- Lifestyle changes - Diet, exercise, stress reduction, and other changes to support your endocrine system's function.
If you suspect a hormone deficiency, I recommend getting a medical evaluation to determine the cause. The doctors at Hormone Optimal Care specialize in hormone balancing and can provide advanced hormone testing, accurate diagnoses, and customized treatment plans to help resolve deficiencies. Reach out for a consultation today if you have troubling symptoms that hormone instability could be causing. With proper treatment, most people find great relief.