Hormones are chemical substances in the body that regulate biological activities such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and energy and nutrient levels. Produced by the glands of the endocrine system, hormones are susceptible to many forms of imbalance, all of which can have symptomatic effects on the body including causing specific illnesses and diseases.
Causes
All glands are susceptible to improper function, the result of which can be hormone imbalance---the over- or under-production of the hormones they produce. While some people are born with inherent disorders in glandular function, typically outside substances and lifestyle are at the root of imbalance. Using anabolic steroids has been shown to affect the testes, while taking prescription birth control pills directly affects the ovaries. Thyroid conditions are known to be the result of poor dietary choices in some cases, and being overly sedentary can impact the pituitary and adrenals. The presence of cancer and certain autoimmune diseases in the body may also lead to imbalance in any part of the endocrine system.
Complications
Depending upon which glandular systems are affected, hormone imbalance will typically manifest within the body in a common set of conditions. Diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, infertility, ambiguous genitalia, menopause, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and obesity are common results of hormone imbalance.
Men
An imbalance in hormones can be the underlying cause of a number of physical symptoms men experience. Some examples of conditions with roots in under- and over-production of male hormones include: thinning hair and baldness, gynecomastia (enlarged and swollen breast tissue), compulsive sexual behavior, scrotal masses (abnormal substances in the scrotum) and cardiomyopathy resulting in an enlarged heart. Hypogonadism, an imbalance resulting in a deficiency in testosterone levels caused by abnormality in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, leads to infertility.
Women
In women, symptoms of hormonal imbalance cause many conditions; some natural and harmless biological processes, such as menopause and its general symptoms, and others untreatable forms of cancer. Lack of menstruation (amenorrhea), excessive menstruation (menorrhagia), irregular menstruation, migraine, hirsutism (excessive female hair growth in male-pattern areas) and cancers involving the reproductive system (ovarian, breast, uterine, etc.) are all influenced by abnormal hormone levels. Research is being conducted in late 2009 to determine just how a hormone imbalance factors in the development of endometriosis, a reproductive disorder wherein the uterine lining grows in other areas of the pelvic region causing irritation, scar tissue, cysts and in some cases infertility.
Children
Hypothyroidism, where there is an inadequate amount of thyroid hormone produced, can prevent normal bone growth in developing children, leading to abnormally short stature if left untreated. Growth hormone deficiency, in which the pituitary gland does not produce an acceptable amount of human growth hormone, can impair normal growth as well. In adults, low levels of human growth hormone are known to cause fatigue and emotional distress.
Treatment
Treatment for hormonal imbalances focuses on restoration of balance in the production, distribution and absorption of the hormones that have been found to be problematic. Depending upon what type of imbalance is present, treatment can include dietary changes, taking prescription drugs, hormone specific injections and/or surgery. Endocrinologists, doctors who specialize in working with hormones, can help determine the best course of treatment.
