What are hormonal disorders?
Hormonal disorders occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Hormones are chemicals that help cells or organs do their jobs. Examples of hormones include:
- Insulin - manages blood sugar levels
- Thyroxine - regulates metabolism
- Estrogen and progesterone - regulate female reproduction
Some common hormonal disorders include:
- Diabetes - when the body does not make or use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels
- Thyroid disorders - the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or makes too much (hyperthyroidism)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - disorder of the female reproductive system with symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, and infertility
What causes hormonal disorders?
Hormonal disorders can be caused by different factors like:
- Genetics
- Autoimmune diseases - when the body's immune system attacks healthy cells
- Infections
- Tumors on glands
- Damage to glands during surgery or radiation therapy
How are hormonal disorders diagnosed?
To diagnose a hormonal disorder, doctors typically:
- Ask about symptoms and medical history
- Conduct a physical exam
- Order blood tests to check hormone levels
- Perform imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI to examine glands
How are hormonal disorders treated?
Treatments depend on the specific hormonal disorder but may include:
- Medications like hormone therapy, insulin, or thyroid medication
- Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and stress management
- Surgery to remove tumors on glands
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to Renew Wellness. Hormonal disorders can impact quality of life, but getting an accurate diagnosis and following the recommended treatment plan can help manage symptoms.