What are hormonal disorders?
Hormones are extremely important chemical messengers in our body that regulate many critical bodily functions. Hormonal disorders occur when there are abnormalities in the levels or functioning of these hormones, leading to disruption of normal physiological processes.
Some key things to know about hormonal disorders:
- They can affect anyone, but are more common in women due to the complex hormonal regulation involved in the menstrual cycle and reproduction.
- Symptoms are wide-ranging and depend on the specific hormone involved, but may include irregular periods, infertility, weight gain/loss, acne, fatigue, mood changes, etc.
- There are various types of hormonal disorders related to different glands and hormones:
- Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism involve abnormal levels of thyroid hormones.
- Diabetes results from issues with insulin secretion from the pancreas.
- Reproductive hormonal abnormalities include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), amenorrhea, endometriosis, and more.
What causes hormonal imbalances?
- Dysfunction of the glands producing the hormones (pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovaries/testes)
- Tumors that overproduce hormones
- Genetic predisposition
- Autoimmune problems
- High stress levels
- Poor diet, obesity
- Pregnancy and menopause transitions
How are hormonal disorders diagnosed and treated?
Accurate diagnosis requires blood tests of hormone levels plus imaging and genetic tests in some cases. A comprehensive evaluation by an endocrinologist is recommended.
Treatment depends on the specific disorder but may involve:
- Hormone replacement medications: Thyroid hormones, insulin, testosterone, birth control pills
- Medications to treat symptoms or limit hormone production
- Surgery in case of tumors
- Lifestyle modification: Diet, exercise, stress management