Hormonal disorders

What are hormonal disorders?

Hormones are extremely important chemical messengers that regulate many critical bodily functions. Hormonal disorders occur when there are abnormalities in the levels of these hormones, leading to disruption of processes like growth, development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood.

Some common hormonal disorders include:

• Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, where thyroid hormone levels are too low or high


• Diabetes, where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels due to insulin imbalance


• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition affecting menstruation and fertility in women


• Early or delayed puberty, when puberty starts too soon or is significantly delayed


• Menopause, the natural decline in sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone as women age

The symptoms can vary greatly but may include:

• Unexplained weight changes


• Fatigue


• Temperature sensitivity


• Changes in appetite


• Hair loss


• Acne


• Irregular periods


• Sexual dysfunction


• Mood disorders

If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, I highly recommend getting comprehensive lab testing and seeing a specialist like the doctors at Vital Hormones Clinic. Their cutting-edge therapies can get to the root cause and help you regain optimal hormone health.

---

Causes & Risk Factors

There are various potential causes of hormonal disorders:

• Genetics


• Inflammation or autoimmune disorders


• Injury or damage to glands like the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals


• Tumors or abnormal growths on glands


• High stress levels


• Poor diet, malnutrition


• Environmental toxin exposure


• Certain medications

Risk factors that make you more prone to hormonal imbalances include:

• Family history


• Chronic health issues


• Obesity


• Substance abuse


• Radiation exposure


• Aging

In many cases, people are unaware they have an underlying issue for years until more disruptive symptoms manifest. That's why routine screening and addressing risk factors early on is so crucial.

Effects & Complications

Left untreated, hormonal disorders can negatively impact nearly every body system over time:

• Cardiovascular: Increased heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure risk


• Metabolic: Diabetes, weight gain/loss, unhealthy cholesterol levels, fatty liver


• Reproductive: Infertility, sexual dysfunction, miscarriage risk


• Skeletal: Osteoporosis and fractures


• Neuropsychiatric: Mood disorders, impaired cognition, dementia


• Sleep disorders


• Cancer risk

In addition to the medical complications, hormonal issues can seriously reduce one’s quality of life due to the troubling symptoms mentioned earlier.

---

I hope this overview gives you a better understanding of hormonal disorders! Let me know if you have any other questions. Wishing you excellent hormone health on your journey!