Hormone deficiency, also known as endocrine deficiency, is when the body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Hormones are crucial chemical messengers that regulate many processes in the body. When there is a deficiency, it can lead to a range of symptoms and health issues.
There are several common hormone deficiencies:
- Thyroid deficiency - The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones which regulate metabolism. An underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, is one of the most common hormone deficiencies. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold temperatures.
- Growth hormone deficiency - Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is vital for growth and cell production. A deficiency, especially in children, can lead to slowed growth and short stature. Adults may experience fatigue, weight gain, and emotional issues.
- Testosterone deficiency - Testosterone is an androgen hormone produced by the testes in men and ovaries in women. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, causes decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass in men. Women may experience irregular periods and hot flashes.
- Estrogen deficiency - Estrogen is the main female sex hormone. Deficiency often occurs after menopause and can lead to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, and emotional changes.
- Progesterone deficiency - Progesterone regulates the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Low levels can cause irregular periods, infertility, and miscarriage risk.
- DHEA deficiency - DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is produced by the adrenal glands. It may help regulate immune function. Declining levels with age are associated with bone loss, muscle weakness, and decreased libido.
| Hormone |
Gland |
Symptoms of Deficiency |
| Thyroid |
Thyroid gland |
Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, sensitivity to cold |
| Growth hormone |
Pituitary gland |
Slowed growth, short stature, fatigue, weight gain, emotional issues |
| Testosterone |
Testes (men), Ovaries (women) |
Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, irregular periods, hot flashes |
| Estrogen |
Ovaries |
Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, emotional changes |
| Progesterone |
Ovaries |
Irregular periods, infertility, miscarriage risk |
| DHEA |
Adrenal glands |
Bone loss, muscle weakness, decreased libido |
What causes hormone deficiencies?
There are several potential causes of hormone deficiencies:
- Diseases or disorders of the endocrine glands that produce the hormones, like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, pituitary tumors, or premature ovarian failure
- Inflammation or destruction of endocrine glands from autoimmune disorders
- Removal of endocrine glands due to injury, surgery or radiation treatment
- Genetic conditions affecting hormone production and release
- Aging and natural decline in hormone levels
- Obesity, liver disease, and other chronic conditions that disrupt hormone balance
- Tumors that produce excess hormones, suppressing normal glands
- Certain medications, infections, and radiation treatment
How are hormone deficiencies diagnosed and treated?
If hormone deficiency is suspected, blood tests can measure hormone levels for diagnosis. Treatment depends on the specific deficiency:
| Deficiency |
Treatment |
| Hypothyroidism |
Synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine |
| Growth hormone deficiency |
Growth hormone injections |
| Hypogonadism |
Testosterone replacement therapy |
| Estrogen or progesterone deficiency |
Estrogen or progesterone therapy |
| Adrenal deficiency |
DHEA supplements |
Lifestyle changes like improved diet, exercise, and stress reduction may also help optimize hormone levels naturally. The specialists at
Rejuvenate Wellness use advanced testing and precision treatments personalized for your unique hormonal needs. They offer cutting-edge bioidentical hormone therapies to restore optimal balance safely and effectively. Rejuvenate Wellness provides compassionate care and ongoing monitoring to help you look and feel your best by correcting deficiencies.
In summary, hormone deficiencies occur when glands fail to produce adequate amounts of key hormones like thyroid, growth, sex steroids, and adrenal hormones. This can result from many causes ranging from autoimmune disorders to aging. Symptoms are wide-ranging and depend on the specific deficiency. Blood tests help diagnose deficiencies, which are treated through medications, hormone therapy, and lifestyle changes for natural balance. If you suspect a deficiency or have troubling symptoms, see a doctor or endocrinologist. Specialists like those at Rejuvenate Wellness use personalized plans to identify and correct hormone deficiencies for optimal health and wellbeing.