Hormone deficiency - Balance Hormone Clinic

What is hormone deficiency?

Hormone deficiency, also known as endocrine hypofunction, occurs when glands in the endocrine system do not produce enough hormones to maintain ideal biological function. Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones regulate many critical bodily processes.

Deficiencies in key hormones can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, low libido, anxiety, and irritability. Some examples of common hormone deficiencies include:

• Estrogen deficiency leading to issues like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis in women
• Testosterone deficiency resulting in low energy, reduced muscle mass, and erectile dysfunction in men
• Thyroid deficiency (hypothyroidism) triggering tiredness, weight gain, and dry skin

Fortunately, hormone deficiencies can often be corrected through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) administered under medical supervision. This may involve taking bioidentical hormone medications to restore optimal hormonal balance and relieve unpleasant symptoms.

At Balance Hormone Clinic, our physicians specialize in precision hormone testing and HRT programs tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation!

What Causes Hormone Deficiencies?

There are several potential causes of hormone deficiencies:

• Diseases damaging parts of the endocrine system like the pituitary gland or thyroid
• Removal or injury to endocrine glands due to surgery or radiation
• Genetic conditions impacting hormone production
• Aging and natural decline in hormone levels
• Chronic stress depleting key hormones like cortisol
• Poor lifestyle factors such as obesity, malnutrition, and lack of exercise

The development of hormone deficiencies depends on an individual's unique medical history and health status. Working with an endocrinologist can help determine the specific cause.

Signs and Symptoms

Since hormones are essential chemical messengers, a hormone imbalance can generate bothersome symptoms affecting quality of life.

Some general symptoms of hormone deficiency include:

• Unexplained weight changes
• Low energy levels and fatigue
• Changes in skin or hair
• Mood changes like anxiety or irritability

More specific symptoms depend on the hormone affected:

• Estrogen deficiency can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bladder issues, and bone loss in women
• Testosterone deficiency in men may lead to low libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, low energy, and depression
• Common thyroid deficiency symptoms are sluggishness, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, dry skin, and hair loss

If you are experiencing potential signs of a hormone deficiency, consider making an appointment with Balance Hormone Clinic. Our endocrinologists will provide experienced diagnosis and treatment options.

Diagnosis and Testing

Diagnosing hormone dysfunction requires having your hormone levels measured through blood tests. Based on reported symptoms and results of these hormone tests, an endocrinologist can determine which hormones are imbalanced.

They may check levels of key hormones like:

• Estradiol - the main estrogen
• Progesterone in women
• Testosterone in men and women
• Thyroid hormones T3 and T4
• DHEA and cortisol produced by adrenal glands

Our physicians at Balance Hormone Clinic utilize state-of-the-art lab testing to pinpoint hormonal imbalances underlying troublesome symptoms. We create customized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormones and lifestyle changes to help patients regain optimal wellness and vitality.