Hormone deficiencies occur when the body does not produce enough of a certain hormone. Some common hormone deficiencies include: Thyroid hormone deficiency
- The thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This leads to hypothyroidism.
- Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, and depression.
- It is typically treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication.
- The pituitary gland does not release enough growth hormone.
- Children may have slowed growth and short stature. Adults may have increased body fat, muscle weakness, tiredness, and higher cholesterol.
- It can be treated with growth hormone injections.
- The testes do not produce enough testosterone in men. This causes low testosterone or hypogonadism.
- Symptoms include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, and mood changes.
- It can often be treated with testosterone replacement therapy such as gels, patches, or injections.
- Women have low estrogen levels, often due to menopause.
- Symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and bone loss.
- Estrogen therapy through pills, patches, gels, or vaginal rings can help manage symptoms.