Hormonal imbalances affect many people and can cause a wide range of symptoms. They occur when the delicate balance of hormones in the body is disrupted. These imbalances can lead to various conditions and often require a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment by specialist doctors.
Below you will find further information on hormonal imbalances, as well as a selection of specialists in the treatment of hormonal imbalances.
Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that are produced and released by the endocrine glands.
The blood carries them to their target organs. There, they ultimately control all the body’s metabolic processes, which take place unconsciously and without active intervention.
Processes influenced by hormones include:
There are a wide variety of hormones, and many are probably not yet known.
The most important and common hormones are:
In addition, other hormones such as testosterone play an important role – not only in men, but also in the female metabolism. Hormones regulate numerous processes in the body, such as the menstrual cycle, mood and energy balance.
Hormonal changes can also be decisive when trying to conceive, as even small fluctuations affect the interaction between the various hormonal systems.
Many people think that hormonal imbalances only affect women during pregnancy or the menopause. However, there are a wide variety of hormonal imbalances that can also affect men, children and older people.
Hormonal imbalances occur whenever the body is unable to produce, release or process hormones properly.
These disorders can affect various systems in the body and cause a wide range of symptoms. For those affected, this often means a significant reduction in their quality of life.
The most common hormonal diseases and disorders include:
Diabetes mellitus: Characterised by elevated or reduced blood sugar levels. This leads to nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness and unquenchable thirst.
Diabetes has now become a widespread condition. Patients often develop it over the course of their lives. It is linked to obesity and a lack of exercise (type II diabetes mellitus).
In this case, the pancreas produces sufficient insulin, but the target tissues no longer respond to it properly. Through a change in diet and weight loss, the condition is easily managed and can even be cured.
In the congenital form, type I diabetes mellitus, the islet cells responsible no longer produce enough insulin. The fat, muscle and liver cells can no longer absorb sugar molecules. The cells therefore ‘starve’, which is why the artificial administration of insulin via injections is life-saving.
Thyroid dysfunction in the form of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
In the case of underactivity (medically known as hypothyroidism), often caused by iodine deficiency or inflammation, the thyroid gland produces too few thyroid hormones.
Those affected complain of tiredness, depression or weight gain. The lack of thyroid hormones ultimately leads to a slowing of the metabolism.
In the case of hyperthyroidism (medically known as hyperthyroidism), there is an excess of thyroid hormones. Causes are often autoimmune diseases or tumours.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) @ bilderzwerg /AdobeStock
Disorders of the pituitary gland can also lead to hyperthyroidism.
An overdose of thyroid hormones (whether accidental or deliberate, to achieve weight loss) can also cause hyperthyroidism.
A characteristic feature of hyperthyroidism is the activation of the entire metabolism. This typically leads to nervousness, increased sweating, ravenous appetite and, despite increased food intake, weight loss.
Discussing hormonal imbalances in women would go beyond the scope of this text. A multitude of hormones during puberty, the menopause, pregnancy and breastfeeding, etc., play a role here.
Put simply, the most important hormones for regulating reproductive function in women are oestrogen and progesterone. Even the slightest changes and irregularities can lead to menstrual disorders and even infertility.
The adrenal gland produces the stress hormone cortisol. It controls all the body’s stress responses.
Cushing’s syndrome is a condition associated with symptoms such as central obesity, a moon-shaped face and skin changes (acne, increased hair growth).
Disorders of the pituitary gland (hypophysis), the adrenal glands (adrenal tumours = adrenal adenomas) and the lungs (bronchial carcinoma) can lead to excessive cortisol production.
.jpg "Cushing Syndrom")
Young woman with Cushing’s syndrome @ By Ozlem Celik, Mutlu Niyazoglu, Hikmet Soylu and Pinar Kadioglu - http://mrmjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2049-6958-7-26, CC BY 2.5, Link
The symptoms of hormonal disorders are varied and depend on which hormones are affected.
Many hormonal disorders are accompanied by various symptoms, which may also have other causes.
You should therefore have a blood test carried out if you experience any symptoms. This makes it easy to rule out or confirm any conditions.
The most common symptoms include:
As there are a wide variety of different hormonal disorders, various causes and risk factors may be responsible.
Some important examples are listed below:
Hormonal imbalances can also arise when endocrine organs such as the ovaries, pituitary gland or adrenal glands become out of sync. In PCOS, for example, elevated androgens and fluctuating oestrogen levels lead to menstrual problems, absent periods or difficulty conceiving. Changes in prolactin, cortisol or FSH can also disrupt the hormonal balance and contribute to hormonal imbalance.
The hypothalamus also plays a central role, as it acts as a higher control centre regulating many hormonal systems. If this regulation is disrupted – for example, by stress, chronic illnesses or metabolic changes – this can have far-reaching consequences for the entire body and trigger various hormonal disorders.
Various examination methods are used to diagnose hormonal disorders:
Taking a medical history (anamnesis): The medical history is certainly one of the most important initial steps. The focus is on questions regarding the development of symptoms, specific operations or medication use.
Blood test: Next comes the blood test, which also provides very important clues as to the presence of a hormonal disorder. On the other hand, the blood test can also rule out hormonal disorders. In that case, further diagnostic tests for the described problems are possible.
Saliva tests for specific hormones: These can also provide an initial overview of hormone status and any potential imbalances. This applies in particular to female sex hormones. Saliva tests are regularly used for this purpose.
Urine analyses to determine hormone metabolites
Imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI: To examine hormone-producing glands. This is useful, for example, when examining the thyroid or the ovaries. They are also used to confirm the diagnosis of a hormonal imbalance.
A hormone test usually involves a blood sample © Alexander Raths / Fotolia
The treatment of hormonal disorders depends on the cause and the individual symptoms.
Common treatment approaches include:
Specialists in the treatment of hormonal disorders are endocrinologists. These doctors specialise in hormonal disorders and metabolic disorders and offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
Hormonal imbalances can cause a wide variety of symptoms depending on the type of disorder. They particularly affect people of childbearing age who experience an irregular cycle or symptoms such as PMS. It is crucial to monitor hormone levels regularly in order to detect changes at an early stage.
Drug therapy is primarily used when the known hormones produced by the body are not present in sufficient quantities or are out of balance. This applies to both hormonal disorders of the thyroid and gender-specific imbalances, which in the long term can even increase the risk of osteoporosis.
When taking hormonal preparations – whether hormone replacement therapy, blockers or regulating medication – the treatment plan is tailored individually to the patient. This ensures that hormonal imbalances are stabilised in the long term and symptoms are effectively reduced.
The course of hormonal disorders depends heavily on the cause and on timely and appropriate treatment.
Many hormonal disorders can be well managed through targeted therapies, significantly improving the quality of life for those affected. However, it is important to attend regular medical check-ups and to follow the treatment consistently.
In summary, it can be said that hormonal disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms and complaints. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment are required.
With the right treatment and the support of specialist doctors, the quality of life of those affected can be significantly improved.
If symptoms persist, consult an endocrinologist to identify and treat any potential hormonal imbalances at an early stage.
What role does LH play in hormonal imbalances?
In women, LH regulates ovulation, and in men, it influences testosterone production. If LH levels are too high or too low, this may indicate underlying causes such as glandular disorders, hormonal imbalances or thyroid conditions.
What are the typical symptoms of hormonal disorders in women?
Hormonal disorders in women often manifest as an irregular menstrual cycle, breakthrough bleeding, loss of libido, depressive moods or other gynaecological complaints such as PMS.
Can hormonal imbalances also occur in men?
Yes. In men, hormonal disorders often manifest as a loss of libido, reduced drive or changes in physical performance. These are frequently caused by a dysfunctional gland, stress or a thyroid disorder.
How do hormonal imbalances affect daily life?
Typical symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, hair loss or weight fluctuations. Changes in the menstrual cycle, libido or general well-being can also indicate a hormonal imbalance.
When should hormonal causes be considered in the event of symptoms?
In cases of breakthrough bleeding, an irregular menstrual cycle, loss of libido, depressive moods or recurring hormonal symptoms, an endocrinological examination should be considered, as hormonal imbalances are a common possible cause.
