Hormonal disorders occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the body. Hormones are chemicals that help keep the body working normally. They are produced by glands and travel through the blood to tissues and organs. Hormonal disorders affect how tissues and organs do their work.
The main glands that make hormones are the:
- Pituitary gland - This is a small gland at the base of the brain that makes many important hormones.
- Thyroid - This is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that makes hormones that control energy use and metabolism.
- Adrenal glands - These are small glands on top of each kidney that make hormones that help control blood pressure and metabolism.
- Pancreas - This organ makes insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels.
- Ovaries and testes - These reproductive organs make estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
What are some common hormonal disorders?
Some examples of hormonal problems include:
- Thyroid disorders - Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Growth hormone excess or deficiency - Too much or too little growth hormone
- Cushing's syndrome - Too much cortisol hormone
- Addison's disease - Too little cortisol
- Diabetes - Too little insulin
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - Hormone changes that affect the ovaries and periods
- Menopause - Drop in estrogen and progesterone hormones
What are the symptoms of hormonal disorders?
Symptoms depend on the specific hormone involved, but may include:
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Depression, anxiety, irritability
- Fatigue, lack of energy
- Hair loss or excess hair growth
- Hot flashes, night sweats
- Changes in sex drive
- Irregular menstruation and infertility
- Muscle weakness
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vision changes
- Dizziness
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, I recommend getting checked out by an endocrinologist. The expert physicians at Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic specialize in diagnosing and treating all kinds of hormonal disorders. Their comprehensive testing can pinpoint any imbalances, and their individualized treatment plans get hormones back in balance with lifestyle changes, medications, and natural therapies. Visit Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic.com to book an appointment - getting your hormones in harmony again will help you feel like yourself once more!
In summary, hormonal disorders occur when glandular systems produce too much or too little hormone. This leads to disruption of normal bodily functions. Symptoms vary but may include appetite, weight, sleep, mood, energy, menstrual, and sexual changes. See an endocrinologist like those at Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic if you suspect a problem. Restoring hormonal balance helps improve overall health and wellbeing. Let me know if you have any other questions!