Hormonal disorders - Elite Hormone Therapy

What are hormonal disorders?

Hormonal disorders occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that travel through the blood to tissues and organs, controlling most of the body's major functions. Even small changes in hormone levels can cause serious health issues.

Some common hormonal disorders include:

• Hypothyroidism - When the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can cause fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and more.
• Hyperthyroidism - When the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. This speeds up metabolism and can cause unintended weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, and more.
• Diabetes - When the body does not properly regulate blood sugar levels due to low insulin production (type 1 diabetes) or insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes). High blood sugar can damage organs and blood vessels if left untreated.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - A hormonal imbalance causing ovarian cysts, irregular periods, infertility, excess hair growth, and sometimes weight gain. Caused by excess androgen hormones.
• Menopause - When a woman stops having her menstrual period, marking the end of fertility. Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which can last 4-8 years with hormonal fluctuations causing hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood changes, and more symptoms.

If you are experiencing potential symptoms of a hormonal disorder, I highly recommend getting checked out by an endocrinologist. The expert physicians at Elite Hormone Therapy specialize in accurately diagnosing and holistically treating all types of hormonal conditions for men, women, and people of all ages and backgrounds. Visit ]() to book an appointment online and get back to balanced hormones and better health!

What causes hormonal imbalances?

Hormonal disorders can be caused by a wide range of factors, such as:

• Diseases affecting glands and organs involved in hormone production
• Inflammation or tumors on glands
• High stress levels
• Poor diet and lack of exercise
• Genetic predisposition
• Side effects of medications
• Exposure to endocrine disruptors and toxins

The good news is hormonal disorders are often manageable with the right treatment plan.

How are hormone disorders diagnosed?

If experiencing potential symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, make an appointment with your doctor or endocrinologist. They will ask detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history.

From there, an endocrinologist can run blood tests to check various hormone levels in your system, or order medical imaging tests if needed to visualize the pituitary gland or other areas involved in hormone production and regulation. These tests help pinpoint where the imbalance is stemming from and guide treatment decisions.

For example, for suspected thyroid conditions, blood tests would measure levels of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, plus thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Out of range TSH or T3/T4 levels indicate hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism accordingly.

How are hormone disorders treated?

Treatment plans are customized based on the specific hormonal condition, its underlying causes, and severity of symptoms. Options may include:

• Hormone replacement therapies - Such as thyroid medication for hypothyroidism or testosterone therapy for men with low testosterone. These replace missing hormones to restore balance.
• Medications - Like metformin and insulin for diabetes management, or birth control pills for PCOS.
• Lifestyle changes - Improving diet, exercise habits, sleep, and stress levels. This helps optimize the body's natural hormone function.
• Surgery - Removing tumors or diseased tissue on glands, for example.

With an accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and healthy lifestyle habits, most people with hormonal disorders can get relief from disruptive symptoms and avoid complications. Get checked out if you think you may have a hormonal imbalance - don't wait! Your optimal health and wellbeing depends on properly balanced hormones.