Definition

A hormonal imbalance is caused by an excess or deficiency of a specific hormone. This is a general term that includes a variety of hormone-related disorders.

Causes

Particular life stages are associated with more severe hormonal fluctuations and changes: puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. However, other factors, such as stress, dietary issues, and particular medications (such as corticosteroids and hormone therapy), can also cause hormone fluctuations. Generally, the hormonal imbalance associated with this condition is temporary and will resolve itself once the underlying cause has been treated.

However, the following conditions are capable of inducing significant hormonal imbalances:

Tumor

The presence of tumors or nodules may impair the ability of hormone-producing glands or organs to produce hormones. Hormone imbalances, whether excessive or insufficient, can contribute to the disturbance of bodily functions. Several tumors may manifest on:

• The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. Adrenal hormones regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure, and stress response.
• The thyroid gland is located in the neck area, and its hormones are involved in various functions such as brain development in infants, body temperature management, muscle contractions, metabolic rate control, and body growth.
• The parathyroid glands are located in the neck area alongside the thyroid gland, where the hormones directly impact the bones, kidneys, and small intestine.
• The pituitary gland in the brain secretes hormones to regulate responses to stress, promote sperm production in males or ovulation in females, and control growth, among other functions. Tumors in this gland are the primary cause of acromegaly, which is characterized by an overabundance of growth hormone in adults.

Endocrine Gland Disorders

Damage or injury to the endocrine glands can lead to hormonal imbalance, typically resulting in reduced hormone production. Endocrine gland problems can arise from a variety of factors.

• Incidental wounds caused during a surgical procedure

A particular example of this scenario is during neck or thyroid gland surgery, where inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands may happen due to their proximity to the thyroid gland.

• Impairment of blood circulation to the endocrine glands

Excessive blood loss or insufficient blood supply to the endocrine glands might result in tissue death in the glands responsible for hormone production.

• Virus or bacterial infection

Hypopituitarism is a consequence of a bacterial infection that targets the brain's lining, resulting in reduced quantities of pituitary hormones in the brain. Nevertheless, this problem is infrequent.

• Radiation therapy

Certain patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer may develop endocrine gland disorders.

• Brain or head injury

Brain injuries can result from car accidents, falls from heights, or sports-related incidents involving physical contact. Damage to the pituitary gland located in the brain may result in hormonal production disruption.

Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells instead of the external chemicals it is meant to protect against. The immune system can target glands or organs that produce hormones, leading to hormonal imbalance under specific circumstances. Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, and others.

 Read more about Diabetes Mellitus type 1 here.

Risk factor

Various causes are frequently associated with a higher risk of hormone imbalance. Excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary habits can elevate the risk of hormonal imbalances in the body. Inadequately managed stress and the aging process can both increase an individual's susceptibility to hormone imbalance.

Symptoms

Since the human body generates over fifty different hormones, the manifestation of symptoms may vary under the specific hormone levels that are elevated or decreased.

Common hormonal imbalances involve disorders that impact the body's metabolic processes. Metabolism includes numerous hormones and activities.

Patients with hormonal imbalances may have one of the following symptoms:

• Fluctuations in heart rate from slow to fast
• Unexplained fluctuations in weight
• Gastrointestinal problems, including constipation or diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Tingling and loss of sensation
• Depression or anxiety
• Dysregulation of body temperature
• Problems with the skin, such as acne
• Experiencing excessive hair growth, minimal growth, or hair loss
• Polydipsia and polyuria
• Irregular menstruation
• Infertility issues or reduced libido
• Menopausal women commonly experience hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness, atrophy, or inflammation in females
• Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection in men.
• Male breast expansion, often known as gynecomastia
• Reduced muscular mass.

Diagnosis

During a consultation in a health facility, the doctor will inquire about your symptoms, medical background, and previous treatments in depth. After the interview, the doctor will conduct a physical examination of the body to confirm the findings and perform other tests if needed. Your doctor may suggest several diagnostic tests based on your symptoms.

• If the doctor suspects you have specific hormonal diseases, such as thyroid hormone, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, etc., blood tests may be conducted to examine hormone levels.
• Urine analysis can be conducted to assess hormone levels associated with the menstrual cycle.
• An ultrasound is used to get images of the uterus, ovaries, testicles, thyroid gland, or pituitary gland.
• Additional imaging tests include an x-ray, MRI, and thyroid gland scan.

Management

The underlying cause will determine the course of treatment for hormonal imbalance. The therapy will be modified according to your specific condition, whether you have elevated hormone levels or decreased hormone levels. Treatment options may consist of medication, radiation therapy, surgical treatments, or a mix of other treatment modalities.

If your hormone levels are below normal, you may receive hormone replacement treatment to resolve the declining hormones. Aside from medication treatment, the doctor could suggest lifestyle modifications to manage hormonal imbalances. You may receive recommendations to modify your diet, boost physical activity, and reach your optimal body weight.

Complications

Several chronic medical conditions are related to hormonal imbalances. Without appropriate treatment, you might experience major complications, such as:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Renal injury
• Depression and anxiety
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle atrophy
• Infertility or fertility disorders
• Sexual dysfunction

Prevention

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you may decrease the risk of hormone imbalances. Here are some things you can do:

• Maintain optimal body weight
• Follow a nutritionally balanced diet
• Avoid consuming foods high in sugar and fat, as well as processed foods.
• Engage in frequent exercise or physical activity.
• Minimise stress levels
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.

When to see a doctor?

Hormones are involved in multiple physiological functions in the body. Hormonal imbalances can lead to a range of symptoms and potential problems. If you have persistent symptoms that result in discomfort and pain and impair your daily activities, it is essential to seek medical advice.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!