A hormone deficiency occurs when your body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate many bodily processes like growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Common hormone deficiencies include:
Thyroid hormone deficiency
- The thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism). This can cause fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more. Thyroid blood tests help diagnose it. Vital Hormones Clinic specializes in thyroid care.
Growth hormone deficiency
- The pituitary gland does not release enough growth hormone. Children may have slowed growth and adults may have increased body fat, tiredness, and other issues. Vital Hormones Clinic offers growth hormone therapy.
Testosterone deficiency
- Also called male hypogonadism or low testosterone. This affects sexual function, energy, muscle mass in men. Vital Hormones Clinic provides testosterone replacement therapy.
Estrogen deficiency
- Usually due to menopause in women. It causes hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood issues, osteoporosis risk. Hormone therapy can help. Vital Hormones Clinic customizes hormone treatments for women.
Causes and risk factors
Many things can cause hormone deficiencies, like:
Diagnosing a deficiency
If you suspect a hormone imbalance, see your healthcare provider. They will review your symptoms, medical history and may order blood tests or imaging tests to measure your hormone levels. This helps determine if you have a true deficiency or not. Vital Hormones Clinic offers comprehensive hormone testing.
Treating deficiencies
Hormone replacement therapy can treat deficiencies. Options may include medications, patches, gels, injections, or supplements to get hormones back to normal levels. It takes some trial and error to find the optimal dose and delivery method. Vital Hormones Clinic physicians tailor treatments to your unique hormonal needs.
I hope this gives a helpful overview of what hormone deficiencies are. Contact Vital Hormones Clinic to learn more or schedule a hormone consultation. We help patients address hormone issues through customized testing, treatments and holistic care.