Consequences of Hormone Deficiency: 5 Ways it Can Damage Your Health

Throughout an individual's life, their hormonal balance is going to go through quite a few transitions. For many people, these hormonal changes are completely natural and actually lead to the healthy development of their bodies and minds. Unfortunately, when there is a severe hormonal imbalance it can lead to a variety of medical issues. Here is a look at some of the consequences of a hormone deficiency and when it may be time to seek out hormone replacement therapy. Chronic Fatigue One of the most popular functions of hormones such as testosterone is to give a person energy and drive. When a person has low testosterone levels or a hormone imbalance, then they may begin to notice that they have less and less energy. This is much different than being tired in the morning after a long night and the patient may slowly lose interest in most physical, social, or professional activities. Persistent Weight Gain There are few bodily functions that are as closely tied to our hormones as our metabolism. It is natural for everyone's metabolism to slow down as they get older, but what happens when a person cannot maintain a healthy weight no matter how well they eat or the amount of exercise that they do. Depression, Irritability, and Mood Swings Emotional problems are very difficult to diagnose due to just how many medical conditions can result in issues such as depression and mood swings. For those that are considering pharmaceuticals to fix their emotional issues, having a quick hormone test carried out could help them avoid taking daily prescription medication. Once you have ruled out other factors such as stress, then it is time to consider HRT. Premature Mortality Studies now show that one of the most unfortunate side effects of a hormone deficiency is premature mortality. These studies revealed that patients with a hormone deficiency were three times more likely to suffer from premature mortality. The general consensus is that these mortality issues are the result of the patient's cardiovascular health. A Diminished Libido A human's sexual drive will naturally decline as they grow older, but severe changes to their hormones will speed up this process. For men, this will generally take place during andropause, or the period in which their testosterone production goes down. Anyone that has begun to notice some of these signs should explore their options for a complete hormone test and hormone replacement therapy if they do have a deficiency. Places like Genemedics Health Institute specialize in treatment for hormone testing and hormone replacement therapy.