What is hormone deficiency?
Hormone deficiencies occur when the body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Some common hormone deficiencies include:
Thyroid hormone deficiency
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism by producing thyroid hormones. A thyroid hormone deficiency, or hypothyroidism, happens when the thyroid does not make enough hormones. This can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and constipation. Hypothyroidism is commonly treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication.
Growth hormone deficiency
Growth hormone is important for growth and metabolism, especially in children. A growth hormone deficiency causes slowed growth and short height. Children with this deficiency are treated with growth hormone injections to add the missing hormone.
Testosterone deficiency
Testosterone regulates many processes in males like bone and muscle health, sperm production, and sex drive. Low testosterone, also called male hypogonadism, causes symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass. Testosterone replacement can treat this deficiency.
Estrogen deficiency
The hormone estrogen is essential for females in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and bone health. Estrogen deficiency often happens around menopause when the ovaries slow estrogen production. It can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep trouble, and osteoporosis. Estrogen supplements can relieve deficiency symptoms.
Diagnosing hormone deficiencies involves recognizing symptoms and testing hormone levels with bloodwork or medical imaging. The right treatment can resolve deficiencies by replacing the inadequate hormones.
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