A hormone deficiency occurs when your body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Hormones are chemicals made by glands in the endocrine system that help regulate bodily functions like growth, metabolism, reproduction, and more.
Some common hormone deficiencies include:
- Thyroid hormone deficiency: The thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more. This is called hypothyroidism.
- Growth hormone deficiency: The pituitary gland makes inadequate growth hormone. Children may have growth failure and short stature. Adults can experience fatigue, high cholesterol, and decreased muscle mass from this deficiency.
- Testosterone deficiency: Known as male hypogonadism, this occurs when the testes produce little testosterone. Symptoms include erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, loss of body hair, and decreased bone density.
What causes hormone deficiencies?
Hormone deficiencies can stem from issues in the glands that produce hormones. For example, Hashimoto's disease damages the thyroid gland. Tumors, radiation treatment, infections, and certain medications can also damage endocrine glands. Some kids are simply born lacking certain hormones.
How is a hormone deficiency diagnosed?
If symptoms suggest a shortfall in a certain hormone, a doctor will order blood tests to measure your hormone levels. This shows if they are lower than normal. Sometimes they do stimulation tests to check if glands are working correctly.
How are hormone deficiencies treated?
Treatment involves
replacing the deficient hormone. Options include:
- Synthetic hormones taken by mouth, injection, or skin application
- Bioidentical hormones that match natural hormones structurally
- Medications to stimulate your gland to produce more hormones
If you think you may have a
hormone deficiency, consider getting a checkup at Vitality Health Center. Their endocrinologists specialize in hormonal conditions and offer advanced hormone testing and replacement therapies to help patients feel their best. Give them a call today to discuss your symptoms!
I hope this overview on hormone deficiencies and their causes, diagnosis, and treatments helps provide some insight. Let me know if you have any other questions!