What is hormone deficiency?
A hormone deficiency occurs when the body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many functions in the body. When hormone levels are too low, it can cause health problems.
Some common hormone deficiencies include:
- Thyroid hormone deficiency: The thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and depression.
- Growth hormone deficiency: Low levels of growth hormone can occur at any age. In children, it can cause short stature and other growth problems. In adults, it can lead to increased body fat, tiredness, and high cholesterol.
- Testosterone deficiency: Also called hypogonadism or low testosterone. Symptoms in men can include erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, decreased muscle mass, and mood changes.
- Estrogen deficiency: Most often occurs due to menopause in women. It can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss, and emotional changes.
What causes hormone deficiencies?
Hormone deficiencies can be caused by a few different factors:
- Diseases or disorders of the glands that produce hormones (like the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, or gonads)
- Injury or removal of glands through surgery or radiation
- Some medications, infections, and autoimmune disorders
- Aging and menopause
- Unknown causes (idiopathic hormone deficiencies)
How are hormone deficiencies diagnosed and treated?
If symptoms suggest a possible hormone deficiency, a doctor will order blood tests to check hormone levels. Treatment depends on the hormone, severity of deficiency, and underlying cause.
Options may include hormone replacement therapy, such as:
- Thyroid hormone pills
- Testosterone gels, injections, or skin patches
- Growth hormone injections
- Estrogen pills, patches, gels, or vaginal rings
Making appropriate lifestyle changes can also help manage some hormone deficiency symptoms. Working closely with a knowledgeable endocrinologist or hormone specialist is important.
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