Hormones are chemicals released from the endocrine glands. They affect processes such as growth, development and reproduction in the body. When the body is exposed to higher or lower than normal hormone levels, a hormonal imbalance occurs. Autoimmune reactions, infection, tumors and nutritional deficiencies can lead to hormonal imbalances. Treatment for hormonal disorders include administering synthetic hormones and surgery.
Surgery
Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. Too much of this hormone results in acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children. These hormonal disorders can be caused by tumors in the pituitary gland. Cushing's syndrome is another hormonal disorder that could also be caused by tumors. In this hormonal disease, the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone cortisol. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library explains that hormonal imbalances caused by tumors can be treated by surgical removal of the tumor or the affected gland.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Diabetes is caused by an imbalance that involves the hormone insulin. This hormone removes glucose from the blood and moves it into the cells. When little to no insulin is in the body, blood glucose levels in the body go up, which leads to type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Treatment for this type of hormonal imbalance requires the administration of insulin. Other hormonal disorders such as Addison's disease, central diabetes insipidus and hypothyroidism are treated with hormone replacement therapy.
Radiation
Although surgery is used to treat hormonal imbalances caused by tumors, it sometimes does not totally solve the problem being treated. In this case, radiation therapy can be used to treat the hormonal disorder. According to the Hormone Foundation, the process for radiation therapy begins with an MRI or magnetic resonance imaging. The MRI helps physicians determine the size and location of tumor. After this, radiation can be delivered directly to the tumor. This type of therapy is done by delivering small amounts of radiation over time. The Hormone Foundation explains that radiation therapy works slowly and because of this, other treatments such as hormone replacement therapy are used in conjunction with it.
