Hormones send messages through the body, telling it to regulate and perform various functions. These include growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction which are of course vital core processes for the human body. When these hormones become imbalanced, then the body does not function properly, and people exhibit one of several hormone-related disorders.
Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, then patients often get hyperthyroidism. This is more common in women. It causes several symptoms including weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, insomnia, and sweating. Treatment plans can include removal of the thyroid, radioactive therapy, various medications, and other treatments deemed necessary by an endocrinologist that will lead the care team for the patient.
Hypothyroidism
The converse of hyperthyroidism is hypothyroidism, which happens when the gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It’s also more common in women and is also common among older people. Symptoms include weight gain, dry skin, depression, fatigue, and other signs. The person might also experience hair loss and bowel movement issues. Treatment includes hormone replacement medications to rebalance the thyroid.
Diabetes
The most common hormonal disorder is diabetes. This is a metabolic condition caused by the body not creating enough insulin or being unable to use it properly. Insulin regulates blood sugar, and high levels can cause heart disease, damage nerves, and disrupt proper kidney function. Treatment includes management of blood sugar through medication, weight loss, insulin therapy and dietary changes. An endocrinologist is needed to discuss diabetes information with a patient, as they have the experience necessary to prescribe a complete diabetes treatment plan and to guide the patient through the process.
Infertility
For women assigned female at birth, hormonal imbalances are the top cause of infertility. Conditions include Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when the ovaries produce too much androgen, a male hormone. This can then interfere with ovulation and form cysts on the ovaries, which prevents fertilization. Symptoms include acne, weight gain, hair growth and irregular periods. Managing the condition involves weight loss, medication, and fertility treatments. Another condition causing infertility is anovulation, which is when an egg is not released during menstruation due to hormonal imbalance.
Hypogonadism
A condition afflicting both men and women when their glands do not produce enough testosterone or estrogen. These are the primary sex hormones and can drive symptoms including lowered sex drive, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and lowered bone density.
The human body produces dozens of hormones, each of which impacts and controls bodily functions. A hormonal imbalance can impact your metabolism, which are the different chemical reactions inside your body. These imbalances often produce symptoms, including tiredness, diarrhea or constipation, tingling hands, high cholesterol, anxiety, feeling excessively warm or cold, warm and moist skin, skin tags, and others. These are a range of possible symptoms that can indicate many other non-hormonal conditions.
Aligning symptoms to a hormonal imbalance requires the skilled eye of an endocrinologist. Dr. Brian Fertig is a respected endocrinologist and is Founder and President of the Diabetes & Osteoporosis Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dr. Fertig is a noted author and expert on endocrinological diseases and conditions, especially as they relate to human metabolic processes. He provides readers with a wealth of content, including diabetes information in his book Metabolism & Medicine. It offers readers detailed information about various human processes and how they relate to aging and chronic diseases. Buy Metabolism & Medicine today to learn from one of the field’s most knowledgeable experts, Dr. Brian Fertig.