Hormone deficiency occurs when the body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Hormones are chemical messengers that control various functions across the body. When someone does not make enough hormones, it causes an imbalance that can lead to unpleasant symptoms.
Some common hormone deficiencies include:
- Low testosterone in men, leading to low energy, reduced muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, and mood issues
- Low estrogen in women, causing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, low libido, and bone loss during menopause
- Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism where someone does not produce enough thyroid hormone, potentially causing fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more
What causes hormone deficiencies?
Hormone deficiencies can stem from various issues such as:
- Problems with the glands that produce hormones like the thyroid, pituitary gland, or gonads
- Diseases affecting hormone-producing glands
- Side effects of medications
- Genetic factors
In some cases, the root cause is unknown. Environmental toxins and poor lifestyle habits may also contribute.
How is hormone deficiency diagnosed and treated?
If experiencing potential symptoms, it's important to see an endocrinologist who specializes in hormones. They can run blood work and imaging scans to check various hormone levels. If a deficiency exists, treatment aims to correct the imbalance.
For example, thyroid disorders are treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication to normalize levels.
Testosterone replacement therapy helps increase testosterone in deficient men. Postmenopausal women receive
hormone therapy with estrogen or progestin. Adjusting nutrition, reducing stress, and making other lifestyle changes can also help support healthy hormone regulation holistically.