Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands (thyroid, adrenals, ovaries/testes, pituitary) that regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, stress response, and fluid balance. A hormonal imbalance occurs when too much or too little of a hormone is produced, disrupting these vital processes.
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Thyroid Dysfunction: Fatigue, weight gain or loss, cold or heat intolerance, hair thinning
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Sex Hormone Changes: Irregular menstruation, hot flashes, low libido, erectile dysfunction
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Adrenal Issues: Chronic fatigue, salt cravings, low blood pressure, mood swings
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Growth Hormone Disorders: Altered muscle mass or obesity, joint pain, decreased exercise tolerance
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Insulin Dysregulation: Frequent thirst, polyuria, unexplained weight changes, blurred vision
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Autoimmune Disorders: Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease affecting thyroid; Addison’s disease affecting adrenals
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Glandular Dysfunction: Pituitary adenomas, adrenal tumors, ovarian or testicular failure
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Aging & Menopause/Andropause: Natural decline in sex hormone production
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Metabolic Conditions: Type 1 & 2 diabetes impacting insulin levels
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Medications & Treatments: Long-term steroids, chemotherapy, thyroid ablation
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Stress & Sleep Deprivation: Elevate cortisol and disrupt circadian rhythms
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Dietary Factors: Iodine excess/deficiency, caffeine or alcohol abuse
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Weight Fluctuations: Obesity or rapid weight loss altering insulin and sex hormones
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Environmental Endocrine Disruptors: BPA, phthalates, certain pesticides
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Infections & Inflammation: Can impair gland function or accelerate autoimmunity
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Blood Tests:
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Thyroid Panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3
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Sex Hormones: Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, FSH/LH
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Adrenal Function: AM cortisol, ACTH stimulation test
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Diabetes Screening: Fasting glucose, HbA1c
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Urine & Saliva Tests: 24-hour cortisol or salivary cortisol curves
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Imaging Studies: Ultrasound of thyroid/ovaries; MRI for pituitary evaluation
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Dynamic Endocrine Tests: Glucose tolerance, dexamethasone suppression
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Clinical Assessment: Symptom questionnaires, vital signs, physical exam
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Thyroid Hormones:
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Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism
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Methimazole/Propylthiouracil for hyperthyroidism
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Sex Hormone Therapies:
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Estradiol, Progesterone for menopausal symptoms and menstrual regulation
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Testosterone replacement in hypogonadal men
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Clomiphene, Letrozole to induce ovulation
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Adrenal & Glucocorticoids:
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Hydrocortisone, Prednisone for Addison’s or autoimmune conditions
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Growth Hormone:
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Recombinant hGH for deficiency-related growth disorders
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Insulin & Oral Antidiabetics:
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Rapid, long-acting insulins, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, Metformin
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Monitoring & Dose Adjustment:
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Regular labs to titrate dose and avoid over- or under-replacement
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Q1: How soon will I feel better on hormone replacement?
A: Thyroid and adrenal replacements may take 4–6 weeks for full effect; sex hormone therapies often improve symptoms in 2–4 weeks.
Q2: Can I adjust my own dose based on symptoms?
A: No—always work with your healthcare provider. Symptoms overlap and lab guidance prevents overtreatment or side effects.
Q3: Are there risks to long-term steroid use?
A: Chronic glucocorticoids can cause weight gain, bone loss, and immunosuppression. Use the lowest effective dose and monitor bone density.
Q4: How often should I test my levels?
A: Thyroid and adrenal labs are usually checked every 6–12 months once stable; diabetic markers (HbA1c) every 3–6 months.
Q5: What lifestyle changes help balance hormones?
A: Regular exercise, a balanced diet low in processed foods, stress management, and adequate sleep support healthy endocrine function.