Diseases Caused by a Hormonal Imbalance

You have heard about some of the health issues that can develop due to a hormonal imbalance, but are you aware of how many different diseases may be caused by a too much or too little of one of the essential hormones?  Along with treating these conditions directly, a physician is also likely to monitor hormone levels to determine if some type of hormone replacement therapy would aid in the management or the recovery from the disease.  Here are a few of the more common issues that may arise.

Addison’s Disease

This health issue can develop as a result of the failure of the adrenal cortex to secrete a normal amount of hormones.  Some of the more common symptoms associated with Addison’s Disease are low blood pressure, feeling physically depleted, lower cognitive ability, and anemia.  

Cushing’s Syndrome

This disease also involves the function of the adrenal cortex.  In this instance, there is an overabundance of hormones secreted and released into the system.   Sometimes known as hypercortisolism, this disease will trigger dangerously high blood pressure. You may also gain weight and have trouble regulating your blood sugar levels.  In some people, tiny lesions that look like pink or purple stretch marks will appear on the arms, back, and legs.  There is even the risk of losing bone density unless treatment is sought.

Mineralocorticoid Deficiency

With this condition, the body is not capable of retaining a healthy amount of sodium.  This paves the way for issues like heart palpitations, weakness and mental issues like depression and anxiety.  Along with using HRT to deal with the hormone imbalance, treatments to increase the sodium level in the body are necessary to reverse the symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is one of the essential organs in terms of promoting a healthy balance of hormone production.  When a hormonal imbalance occurs elsewhere in the body, the thyroid may begin to produce too little or too many hormones.  

With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid goes into overdrive and produces more hormones than the body can handle.  The results can manifest in the form of panic attacks in conjunction with severe anxiety, insomnia, an unexplained weight loss, and generally feeling tired all the time.

Hypothyroidism tends to cause weight gain, produces mental fatigue and an inability to concentrate, and may cause the heart rate to drop to an unsafe level.  The hair may not grow as quickly, and the skin may begin to take on a rough texture.

Hypoparathyroidism

Thanks to the abnormal function of the thyroid, there is less of the parathyroid hormone released in the bloodstream.  The result is a lack of sufficient calcium and phosphorus delivered to various parts of the body.  While this type of hormonal imbalance does prevent proper absorption of these two nutrients, it does not actually remove calcium from the bones.

These are only a few of the diseases that can be triggered due to a hormonal imbalance.  Some of the conditions are permanent, and will require treatment for the rest of your life.  Others can be reversed, along with using HRT testosterone or estrogen treatments to correct the underlying imbalance. If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms associated with these diseases, see your doctor as quickly as possible.  A prompt diagnosis will lead to formulating the right type of treatment process and help you to feel better again.

What Is Hormonal Imbalance Anxiety?

If you have noticed that lately you can’t seem to keep your mind from racing or have a constant feeling that the world is about to crumble, it could be that you are in the early stages of an anxiety disorder.  While anxiety can be triggered by a number of causes, one that you may not think of immediately is a hormonal imbalance.  Here is what you need to know about the impact of a hormone imbalance on your emotional state, and what can be done to get you back on an even keel.

Understanding the Basics

Hormones are responsible for more than the physical characteristics that people associate with gender.  They also play a direct role in regulating mood, cognitive ability, and general emotional well being.  When any type of hormonal imbalance leaves you with too much of some hormones and not enough of another, you can expect your world to change for the worse.  It is only when the balance is restored that you will begin to feel like yourself again.

What Can Be Done?

The most effective way to deal with a hormonal imbalance is to undergo what is known as hormone replacement therapy.  Under the care of a doctor, you will receive carefully measured doses that are aimed at correcting the imbalance.  The exact method involved with the HRT will depend on which approach is most likely to provide the greatest benefits.  

How Soon Will You Notice a Difference?

When it comes to how long it will take to notice things are looking better, there is no set time frame.  Some people find that within a week or two of beginning HRT testosterone treatments, they notice a difference in mood.  A lot depends on how depleted your system is when you begin the therapy and what it will take to restore a necessary balance.  

As the treatments begin to impact the hormonal imbalance, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage.  This means you must communicate regularly with your doctor.  If you notice any unpleasant side effects, report them immediately.  There’s a good chance that making some change to the dosage will make the ill effects go away.  Even at decreased dosages, you’ll begin to feel more like your old self every day.

The thing you need to remember is that hormonal imbalance anxiety is not the end of the world.  Your condition is highly treatable.  Don’t hesitate to seek medical help, and follow the instructions of your physical to the letter.  Little by little, you’ll notice that it’s easier to think clearly, enjoy being around people again, and in general look forward to what the coming day will bring.

What Are the Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Men?

You may think that a hormonal imbalance is something that only happens to older men.  The reality is that every male can experience some type of health issue that leads to a decrease in testosterone and other essential hormones.  Here are a few examples that may surprise you.

Side Effects of Medication

A number of medications can interfere with the natural production of testosterone, estrogen, and other hormones.  Some of the more common drugs to treat conditions like prostate cancer are known to trigger a decrease in testosterone production.  Tricyclic antidepressants can also be the reason for the hormonal imbalance.  There are even medications for ulcers that may have some impact on hormone production. When possible, work with your physician to adjust the dosage or switch to a drug that is less likely to interfere with hormone production.

Chemotherapy

Undergoing chemotherapy treatments to combat cancer also has the potential to trigger a hormonal imbalance.  Depending on the number of treatments and how many are administered each week, it may take some time for the decrease to occur.  There’s a good chance that undergoing hormone replacement therapy soon after completing the chemotherapy will reverse the problem.

Chronic Health Conditions

Did you know that mean with chronic health issues like type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of experiencing a hormone imbalance?  Along with using diet, exercise, and medication to control blood glucose levels, it pays to find out if HRT is needed to restore hormone levels to a normal range.

Ongoing Stress

There is no real way to live without some type of stress.  To some degree, a little stress is a good thing.  When the stress becomes severe and continues for an extended amount of time, it will begin to negatively impact every organ in the body.  That includes the ones that regulate and produce hormones.  Depending on how long the stress has been going on, it may be some time before it is possible to produce enough of each hormone to restore a proper balance.  In the interim, replacement therapy is the only real option.

Injuries to the Pituitary Gland or Hypothalamus

When the vital organs involved in the production of hormones are damaged due to accidents, there is an increased risk of developing hypogonadism.  Choosing to undergo HRT testosterone treatments may be the only way to compensate for the damage and prevent the development of problems like personality changes, reduced libido, and a loss of muscle mass.

Tumors located on or near these organs will also lead to a hormonal imbalance.  Removing the tumor may or may not be enough to restore full function.  If not, then replacement therapy is the best approach.

If you are diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, don’t think that things will never get better.  Treating this type of condition is more effective than ever.  Talk with your doctor about the different forms of administration and how quickly you will begin to notice a difference.  With the right treatment series, you’ll soon feel more like yourself and ready to take on the world.