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 does not make enough thyroid hormone. This causes symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and depression.
Hypothyroidism is the medical name. Levothyroxine medication can treat it.
Growth hormone deficiency
The pituitary gland makes little or no growth hormone. Children may grow slowly and adults may feel tired and have more body fat.
Growth hormone therapy injections can help treat the deficiency.
Testosterone deficiency
The testes produce little testosterone. This causes low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, and weaker bones in men.
Testosterone replacement therapy is available.
Estrogen deficiency
Women's ovaries make little estrogen. It causes hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, and osteoporosis in women.
Estrogen pills, patches, gels, or rings can help ease deficiency symptoms.
Some causes of hormone deficiencies include pituitary gland injury or tumors, thyroid disease, and certain medications or infections.
Doctors can test blood levels of hormones to diagnose deficiencies. Replacing missing hormones through medications, supplements, or gels can help people feel much better.
While inconvenient, most hormone deficiencies are treatable once identified. See your doctor whenever feeling extremely fatigued, having sexual health issues, or noticing changes in growth or weight - it may indicate a deficiency needing treatment. Maintaining proper hormone levels is crucial for overall health and wellbeing.
I tried to provide an informative overview of common hormone deficiencies, their symptoms, and treatment options available. Let me know if you have any other questions!