Hormone deficiency - Vitality Hormone Center

Here is a 477-word answer on "What is hormone deficiency?":

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 can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and depression.
• Hypothyroidism is the medical name for an underactive thyroid. Treatment is daily thyroid hormone replacement pills.

Growth hormone deficiency

• Growth hormone is needed for growth and development in children/teens. A deficiency can lead to short stature if not treated.
• Adults need growth hormone too. Not having enough can affect bone/muscle health and metabolism.

Testosterone deficiency

• Testosterone helps develop male sexual traits/function. Low testosterone causes fatigue, low sex drive, loss of muscle mass, etc.
• Testosterone levels decline naturally with age but can also be too low in younger men. Replacement testosterone therapy may help.

Estrogen deficiency

• Estrogen drops sharply at menopause, causing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, insomnia, etc.
• Hormone therapy with estrogen/progestin relieves menopause symptoms but has some health risks if used long term.

Cortisol deficiency

• Cortisol regulates metabolism and helps the body deal with stress.
• Addison's disease causes cortisol deficiency. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, low blood pressure. Cortisol replacement therapy is the treatment.

Diagnosing hormone deficiencies involves blood tests to check levels along with assessing symptoms. Treatment depends on the hormone involved but may include medications/hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and treatment of underlying health conditions.

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