The human body is a dynamic machine, with countless moving parts, and an array of chemicals and tissues working together. When this machine does not work properly, people often feel symptoms. Some of these symptoms might point to a hormonal/metabolic concern, which would require the help of an endocrinologist.
The endocrine system is responsible for regulating a range of bodily functions through hormones produced by various glands. These include the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs. When these glands aren’t working properly, it can lead to a wide array of health issues. The tricky part for patients and care providers is the symptoms associated with endocrine disorders are often vague or similar to other conditions.
Here are some key signs and symptoms that might indicate an underlying endocrine condition, signaling that it’s time to schedule a visit with an endocrinologist.
- Unexplained Weight Changes
Sudden and unexplained weight loss or gain is one of the most common signs of an endocrine imbalance. For instance, significant weight gain might be related to conditions like hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This slows down your metabolism, so you might take in a steady number of calories, but your bodily processes are not using that food energy efficiently. Rapid and unintended weight loss can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism or uncontrolled diabetes where you have hormonal imbalance that dampens your appetite and your metabolic process is accelerated.
- Fatigue or Weakness
People all feel tired from time to time, due to normal fluctuations, stress, a late night of Netflix, or a host of other instances. If a patient is experiencing chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, it could be a sign of an underlying hormonal issue. Conditions like hypothyroidism can slow down a person’s metabolism, so they feel drained and unable to perform their typical busy schedule. Adrenal gland disorders, such as Addison’s disease, can cause extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure. If fatigue is interfering with your daily life, it’s important to explore the possibility of an endocrine disorder, instead of thinking you need more caffeine or simply need to sleep more.
- Changes in Heart Rate or Blood Pressure
Hormonal imbalances can significantly affect your cardiovascular system. Hyperthyroidism can cause your heart to race or pound, while hypothyroidism might slow down your heart rate. Many people can feel these effects, and might think they are having a heart attack, but the underlying cause is hormonal imbalance. Adrenal gland disorders, such as Cushing’s syndrome can also cause spikes in blood pressure or irregular heartbeats. Anyone that notices palpitations, frequent dizziness, or unexplained changes in heart rate or blood pressure should talk to their doctor about an endocrinology referral.
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles or Infertility
Hormonal health plays a critical role in reproductive function. It’s needed to support both the growing child’s core functions, but also to protect the mother’s health. Look for signs like irregular or absent menstrual periods and difficulties conceiving, which can be signs of endocrine problems. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one such disorder where hormonal imbalances disrupt ovulation, leading to irregular cycles and sometimes infertility. Thyroid imbalances can also affect menstrual patterns. If you are experiencing persistent irregularities in your cycle or having trouble conceiving, you can work with a reproductive health specializing endocrinologist.
- Unusual Hair Growth or Loss
Unusual changes including sudden hair loss, thinning, or excessive hair growth in unusual areas (especially for women), can point to an endocrine disorder. Excessive androgen production, as seen in PCOS, can lead to hair growth on the face, chest, or back, while thyroid problems can result in thinning hair or hair loss.
- Frequent Mood Swings or Anxiety
Mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, or mood swings can come from outsider stressors or life changes, but they can also start with hormonal imbalances. Thyroid disorders, particularly hyperthyroidism, may cause feelings of restlessness, nervousness, or irritability. Hypothyroidism can contribute to depression or a general sense of sluggishness. Adrenal disorders, which affect stress hormones like cortisol, may lead to anxiety or panic attacks, as a patient’s system is effectively in a stimulated “flight or fight” response due to excess adrenal hormones.
People that experience several of these symptoms at the same time, or if they feel they are pronounced or worsening should make an appointment with their doctor. Their general practitioner will take some vitals, ask related questions, and might order some labs, while offering an endocrinology referral.
One of the leading experts in the endocrinology field who helps patients uncover the cause of their symptoms is Dr. Brian Fertig, founder of Fertig Metabolism. He has extensive experience in treating metabolic and endocrine disorders and is the author of the “Metabolism and Medicine,” a book series that examines the ways metabolic processes manage every part of human health. Patients with hormonal imbalances and health practitioners can both use Dr. Fertig’s work as an excellent complementary resource for understanding and managing endocrine health.