Dorothy FarrarHormone fluctuations (hormonal disorders)
Hormone fluctuations (hormone imbalances) are the pathological fluctuations in the hormone levels in our body. These fluctuations become problematic when they result in symptoms that are associated with psychological strain for the patient.
What are hormone fluctuations (hormonal disorders)?
The body’s hormone levels each have normal value ranges within which they are allowed to move in order to still be considered unproblematic. If the hormone levels in the blood are above or below this, one speaks of problematic hormone fluctuations.
The upper and lower limits mark ranges within which hormone levels in the blood do not result in problematic effects. Hormone fluctuations, on the other hand, are accompanied by noticeable effects for those affected and are therefore considered to be a pathological development.
causes
The mode of action of hormones is based on control circuits. As soon as a certain value in the body falls below or exceeds the normal limit or a stimulus affects our body, the production of hormones or the production stop is initiated.
In a healthy person, these levels are a normal development intended to control the post-production or curtailment of the production of new hormones as needed. With hormone fluctuations, however, it is the case that this inner balance of the body is out of whack.
There are many reasons for this. Some hormonal disorders are due to unhealthy diet, others arise from a genetic and congenital defect, and still others are autoimmune . Diseases of those organs that play a role in the respective hormone control circuit also come into question. For example, you may have been crushed or become ill yourself; in most of these specific cases, a tumor plays a role.
When to the doctor?
Hormone fluctuations should promptly see a doctor. It is advisable to consult a doctor at the first sign of exhaustion, depression or lack of concentration. Although these symptoms are not always based on a hormonal imbalance, they are caused by a disease that needs to be treated. If there is actually a hormonal disorder, this can be quickly corrected with early treatment. Only in the case of hormone fluctuations during puberty, during pregnancy or during menopause is a doctor’s visit not absolutely necessary. The symptoms usually subside on their own once the physical and mental changes are over.
Anyone who feels severe psychological strain due to hormone imbalances or generally feels unwell should still consult a doctor. This is especially true when there are intense states of anxiety, sleep disorders or inner restlessness . If the hormone fluctuations cause physical problems, an immediate visit to the doctor is recommended. The doctor will determine the cause of the disorder and, if necessary, refer the patient to a specialist. In addition, a therapeutic consultation is offered.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of hormone fluctuations:
Hormone fluctuations gradually set in, and most diseases of this type have a gradual course. The symptoms vary depending on the hormone. An example of a pathological hormone fluctuation would be the thyroid defect. Hypothyroidism can lead to poor concentration, reduced performance, exhaustion or depression . The symptoms of a hormonal fluctuation are inherently almost never specific and thus do not allow the patient to conclude that there is a hormonal fluctuation – he himself first thinks of completely different diseases.
Diagnose
The diagnosis of a hormonal fluctuation is initially made via a blood test . Hormones are transported in the blood, which means that a hormone deficiency can also be detected most effectively via the blood. Depending on the type of hormone fluctuation, the diagnosis may also involve an examination of the affected organs. For example, if cancer is suspected to be the cause, endoscopy or biopsies may be needed.
Before that, however, ultrasound scans or similar, less invasive methods can be used to rule out or confirm a suspicion. However, hormone fluctuations can usually be diagnosed by measuring the hormone levels in the blood – the difficulty is more in recognizing the hormone fluctuation as such and not initially looking for a wrong cause.
complications
Slight hormone fluctuations are often only temporary and do not result in any complications apart from a short-term impairment due to tiredness and lack of concentration. However, if the hormone level does not settle down to a normal level on its own, hormonal imbalances can cause massive problems.
If left untreated, insufficient or excessive production of thyroid hormones can lead to the formation of a goiter, cardiac arrhythmias and infertility . A life-threatening metabolic imbalance (thyrotoxic crisis) is also possible. A strong imbalance of the sex hormones becomes noticeable in women, among other things, through a reduction in fertility, while in men, in addition to a possible inability to conceive, the loss of sexual performance is in the foreground.
Hormonal disorders also often have a strong influence on the psyche: irritability, depression, sleep disorders and anxiety are often due to poorly adjusted hormone levels. Malignant tumors can in turn trigger hormonal imbalances. On the other hand, hormones seem to play a not insignificant role in the development of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Further complications arise from the underlying disease, in the context of which the hormonal disorder occurs. Treatment is usually carried out with appropriate medication that brings the hormone balance back into balance: As a side effect, susceptibility to thrombosis, stroke and heart attack can increase, with some preparations weight gain is also possible.
treatment and therapy
The general treatment of hormonal fluctuations (hormonal disorders) generally treats hyperfunction and hypofunction differently. In the case of hypofunction, either the missing hormone itself or a substance is supplied to the body that compensates for the deficiency.
In the case of overproduction, the body needs a substance that slows down hormone production and thus ends the hormone fluctuations. In any case, however, it is not so easy to treat the hormonal imbalance. If the hormone fluctuations are due to a tumor in one of the organs within the hormone control circuit, for example, the tumor must first be removed before there is an improvement. Before that, the maximum possible treatment could be symptomatic – and the person concerned would not experience any improvement for a long time.
Until the hormone fluctuation has improved itself, symptomatic treatment can be used in most cases to alleviate the suffering of the person concerned. However, a long-term and sweeping improvement in the condition will only develop if the hormone fluctuation itself has been corrected and the hormone levels are back within the normal range.
prevention
Many hormone fluctuations (hormonal disorders) cannot be prevented, as they are caused by cancer, for example. Other hormone fluctuations, such as those caused by food, can usually be effectively prevented by eating healthily. Insulin , for example, is produced more after we have eaten sugary food.
Such a predictable hormone fluctuation can be prevented by stopping the problematic eating behavior. If a pre-existing condition is known that can lead to hormone fluctuations, then one can also consciously avoid those situations that lead to hormone fluctuations and thus to the symptoms of the disease. At the same time, it is possible to get advice from the doctor treating you if an underlying disease has been diagnosed.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.