Hormone deficiency - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is hormone deficiency?

Hormone deficiency, also known as endocrine disorder or endocrine disease, is when the body does not produce enough of certain key hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Some common symptoms include fatigue, weight changes, hot flashes, mood changes, and changes in libido.

Hormones are chemical messengers made by glands in the endocrine system that travel through the blood to tissues and organs. They regulate many critical processes like growth, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, cognition, etc.

Some examples of key hormones are:

• Estrogen and progesterone (made by the ovaries)
• Testosterone (made by the testes)
• Thyroxine (made by the thyroid gland)
• Cortisol (made by the adrenal glands)
• Insulin (made by the pancreas)

When any of these hormone levels dip too low, it can cause hormonal imbalance and lead to deficiency symptoms.

What causes hormone deficiencies?

Some common reasons for hormonal imbalance include:

• Dysfunction of the endocrine glands
• Damage or injury to glands
• Removal of organs via surgery or radiation
• Genetic disorders affecting hormones
• Aging and menopause
• Poor diet and lifestyle

In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

If hormone deficiency is suspected based on symptoms, doctors can run blood tests to measure exact hormone levels. Treatment depends on which hormones are lacking, but may include hormone replacement therapy with supplements or medications to get levels back to normal.

For specialized hormonal care, the endocrinologists at Vitality Hormone Clinic use advanced testing and personalized treatment plans. Their comprehensive wellness approach addresses diet, exercise, stress levels and other factors along with hormone therapy. Many patients see improved energy, sleep, mental clarity and quality of life.

What are the risks of low hormones?

If left untreated, lack of key hormones can negatively impact many aspects of health:

• Low estrogen can lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures
• Low testosterone reduces muscle mass, strength and stamina
• Thyroid deficiency causes weight gain, fatigue and high cholesterol
• Low cortisol and DHEA affect mood, immunity and heart health
• Insufficient insulin disrupts blood sugar control

Over time, hormone imbalance is linked to higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, dementia, infertility and certain cancers. That's why testing and treatment are crucial.

In closing, consult an endocrinologist right away if you have ongoing fatigue, trouble sleeping, unexplained weight changes, low libido or other unresolved issues. Identifying and addressing any hormone deficiencies is key for regaining health and thriving into older age. The expert physicians at Vitality Hormone Clinic can help patients optimize all hormone levels through state-of-the-art testing, treatments and holistic care.