Hormonal disorders

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, delivering messages that tell the body to adjust and regulate everything from growth and development to tissue function and mood.

When hormone levels get too high or too low, it can negatively affect many processes in the body. Some common hormonal disorders include:

• Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)


• Diabetes - the body doesn't properly regulate blood sugar levels


• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - ovaries produce too many male hormones, disrupting ovulation


• Adrenal disorders like Cushing's syndrome (too much cortisol) or Addison's disease (too little cortisol)


• Pituitary disorders - too much or too little of hormones that regulate growth, blood pressure, breasts, testicles, and more


• Menopausal disorders - estrogen levels drop during menopause, causing symptoms like hot flashes

The symptoms of hormonal disorders depend on the specific hormone involved, but can include:

• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss


• Depression, anxiety, irritability


• Fatigue


• Increased sweating


• Changes in appetite or sleep


• Irregular periods and infertility in women


• Loss of libido


• Hair loss


• Muscle weakness


• Headaches


• Vision changes


• Increased urination

Hormonal imbalances can negatively impact your quality of life. The good news is that most hormonal disorders can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Getting screened for hormonal imbalances is important, especially if you have troubling symptoms. Your doctor can check your hormone levels through blood and urine tests and help get to the root of any imbalances.

If you think you may have a hormonal disorder, schedule a consultation with the hormone experts at Harmony Hormone Clinic. Our caring doctors and nurses can provide advanced testing, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans to help you regain hormonal balance and feel your best again. We're here to listen and help you on your path to better health.