Hormone deficiency

What is hormone deficiency?

A hormone deficiency occurs when your body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Hormones are chemicals produced by glands and released into the bloodstream. They travel to organs and tissues and help regulate body functions like growth, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, mood, etc.

Some common hormone deficiencies include:

• Thyroid deficiency: The thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, etc.


• Growth hormone deficiency: The pituitary gland makes inadequate growth hormone. Children may have growth problems and short stature from this.


• Testosterone deficiency: The testes produce too little testosterone. This can affect libido, energy, muscle mass in men.


• Estrogen deficiency: Women produces too little estrogen. It leads to issues like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis.

What causes hormone deficiencies?

Some reasons you may develop a shortage of hormones:

• Diseases affecting glands - like hypothyroidism where your thyroid is underactive


• Inflammation damaging glands


• Infections


• Treatments like surgery or radiation therapy


• Genetic mutations


• Aging and menopause

How is hormone deficiency diagnosed?

If hormone deficiency is suspected based on symptoms, your doctor can do blood tests to measure your hormone levels. Often they need multiple tests to confirm the diagnosis over weeks or months.

They may also examine the glands involved through scans or biopsies. For example, thyroid ultrasound for suspected thyroid issues.

How are hormone deficiencies treated?

Hormone replacement therapy can treat deficiencies. The specific treatment depends on which hormone is lacking:

• Thyroid pills for hypothyroidism


• Testosterone via shots, gels or patches for low testosterone


• Estrogen and progesterone pills/creams for menopausal women

The dose is tailored to the patient and adjusted over time as needed. Ongoing monitoring ensures healthy hormone levels are achieved.

For some diagnoses, medication may help boost natural hormone production by the glands.

I highly recommend getting a full hormonal panel at Vitality Hormone Center if you suspect any imbalance. Their specialists can accurately diagnose and craft custom bioidentical hormone therapy based on your body's needs. Visit them at or call 555-1234 today for a consultation. Managing deficiencies properly helps prevent future health complications.