Hormone-secreting organs called endocrine glands make and release chemicals called hormones. These chemicals control many vital life processes in the body such as blood pressure, blood glucose levels and water balance in the body. Hormonal imbalances happen when the endocrine glands produce lower or higher than normal amounts of certain hormones. These hormonal imbalances are associated with certain symptoms.
Increased Urine Production
MayoClinic.com explains that excess water in the body is excreted by the kidneys in urine. When there is not enough water in the body, the kidneys retain water. Anti-diuretic hormone is released by the pituitary gland and helps maintain water balance in the body. It regulates the amount of water excreted by the kidneys. When the body lacks water, the anti-diuretic hormone stimulates the kidneys to retain water. Increased urination is a symptom of central diabetes insipidus--a condition in which the body is exposed to low levels of anti-diuretic hormone.
Blood Pressure
When blood flows through the arteries, it pushes against the arterial walls with a certain amount of force called blood pressure. Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, it helps maintain blood pressure.
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal imbalance in which the adrenal glands make high amounts of cortisol. High blood pressure is a symptom of this hormonal imbalance.
Addison's disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands produce low levels of cortisol. This causes low blood pressure.
Constipation
The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It makes and releases thyroid hormones. These hormones control the speed at which vital body processes occur. "Thyroid for Dummies," by Alan L. Rubin explains that thyroid hormones are needed for the muscles in the intestines and stomach to push food through the digestive system. In hypothyroidism, the speed of body processes slow down. Due to this, the rate at which food moves through the stomach and intestines is slow. This leads to constipation, a symptom of hypothyroidism.
Rapid Heart Beats
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland makes high levels of thyroid hormones. The presence of high levels of thyroid hormones in the body causes several body processes to occur at a faster rate. One symptom of this hormonal condition is rapid heart beats.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes Insipidus
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Hypothyroidism
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Adrenal Gland Disorders
- "Thyroid for Dummies"; Alan L. Rubin;
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism
