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 bloodstream to tissues and organs, controlling most of the body's major functions. Even small changes in hormone levels can cause serious health issues.
Some of the most common hormonal disorders include:
- Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland controls metabolism. An underactive thyroid causes fatigue and weight gain. An overactive thyroid leads to rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and nervousness.
- Diabetes happens when the body doesn't properly produce or respond to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. This can cause dangerously high blood sugar.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder affecting reproductive hormones in women. It can cause irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, and more.
- Early or delayed puberty occurs when puberty hormones are out of balance during adolescence. This affects growth and development.
- Menopausal disorders happen due to plunging estrogen levels leading up to menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness are common symptoms.
Some risk factors for hormonal disorders include family history, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and obesity. The specific symptoms depend on which hormones are affected.
If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, it's important to see your doctor. They can run blood tests to check various hormone levels. Based on test results and symptoms, they'll recommend tailored treatment options. These may include hormone replacement therapy, medications, supplements, or lifestyle changes.
What tests help diagnose hormonal disorders?
Doctors use blood and sometimes urine or saliva tests to measure your hormone levels. Common lab tests include:
- Thyroid function tests
- Fasting blood glucose
- Reproductive hormone panels
- Testosterone tests
- DHEA-Sulfate tests
- Insulin tests
What are some lifestyle changes to improve hormonal health?
Natural ways to help balance hormones include:
- Eating a nutritious, balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough high-quality sleep
- Practicing stress reduction techniques
- Achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight
- Limiting exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals
In summary, hormonal disorders are complex conditions requiring an integrative medical approach combining pharmaceutical treatment, therapeutic lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies for optimal management. Paying attention to diet, activity levels, sleep quality, stress, and other modifiable factors can go a long way in supporting overall hormonal health.