Hormone deficiency

What is hormone deficiency?

A hormone deficiency occurs when your body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Hormones are chemicals produced by glands and released into the bloodstream. They travel to organs and tissues and help regulate body functions like metabolism, growth, sleep, and more.

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 more.


• Growth hormone deficiency: The pituitary gland makes little or no growth hormone. Children may have growth problems and adults can have issues like less muscle mass and bone density.


• Testosterone deficiency: The testicles produce little testosterone. This can lead to low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and other issues in men.

Causes

Hormone deficiencies can be caused by:

• Pituitary or hypothalamus gland issues


• Problems with glands that make hormones


• Inflammation that damages glands


• Infections


• Tumors


• Medications


• Poor nutrition

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect a hormone deficiency based on symptoms, see your doctor. They can do blood tests to check your hormone levels and find deficiencies.

Based on test results, they may prescribe man-made hormone medications if your body cannot make enough on its own. Taking extra thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, or other hormones can help restore levels and relieve deficiency symptoms.

For long-term treatment, consider seeing a specialist like an endocrinologist. They're experts on hormones and gland disorders that cause deficiencies.

At Second Spring Hormone Clinic, our endocrinologists provide cutting-edge testing and personalized treatment plans for all types of hormone deficiencies. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment to discover if hormone therapy is right for you. We help patients get to the root cause and optimize their wellbeing.