What is hormone deficiency?
Hormone deficiencies occur when the body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Some common hormone deficiencies include:
Thyroid hormone deficiency - The thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This is called hypothyroidism. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more.
Growth hormone deficiency - The pituitary gland does not make enough growth hormone. Children may have slowed growth. Adults can have fatigue, increased body fat, and other issues.
Testosterone deficiency - The testes (in men) do not produce enough testosterone. This can cause low sex drive, lack of energy, depression, erectile dysfunction, and other symptoms.
Estrogen deficiency - Women's ovaries do not produce enough estrogen. This commonly occurs during perimenopause and menopause. It causes hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and bone loss over time.
Hormone deficiencies have several potential causes, including inflammation or tumors impacting hormonal glands, treatment for diseases like cancer that damage glands, and genetic conditions a person is born with.
Diagnosing hormone issues involves blood tests that measure different hormone levels and medical imaging to view hormonal glands.
Treating deficiencies typically involves:
- Lifestyle modifications like improved diet, more exercise, and stress reduction
- Hormone replacement therapy through gels, patches, sprays, or injections
- Medications to support hormonal glands
The specific treatment depends on the hormone involved and the severity of the deficiency.
Getting proper medical care is crucial if you suspect a hormonal issue. An endocrinologist at Renew Wellness can order testing and advise on the best treatment options for your individual health needs.