Our body’s hormones are essential to many functions of our body. The endocrine system controls the production of hormones in our body. This system consists of a network of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones then travel to different areas of the body to regulate and control various processes and systems, including:
- Growth
- Metabolism
- Mood
- Reproductive function
- And other important bodily processes and functions.
Significant effects on overall health and well-being can occur when the body stops producing hormones. Various reasons can cause hormone production to decrease, including age, injury, surgery, and disease, to name a few. This blog post will explore and discuss how a decrease in hormone production can affect your body.
Changes In Hormone Production Due To Aging
A decrease in hormone production occurs naturally as we age. This can lead to various health issues, such as low levels of estrogen, which may also cause menopausal symptoms. Menopausal symptoms you may experience could include hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Similarly, men who experience low levels of testosterone may experience a reduction in muscle mass, bone density, and sexual drive.
In some cases, age may also lead the body to begin to overproduce hormones. For example, an overactive thyroid occurs when there is a surplus of hormones being produced. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid might include tremors, nervousness, and weight loss.
Hormone Production And Trauma
Hormone production can also be affected when the body has been injured. For example, if the pituitary gland were damaged due to a traumatic brain injury. The pituitary gland produces hormones that control various functions, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. This could result in hypopituitarism and could lead to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and low libido.
Disease Can Affect Hormone Production
Your body’s hormone production can also be affected by various diseases. For example, an imbalance in insulin production in someone with diabetes could lead to high blood sugar levels. Similarly, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease) can cause an individual’s immune system to attack their thyroid gland. This attack would cause an inactive thyroid, leading to symptoms that might include depression, fatigue, and weight gain.
Hormone Response To Surgery
Hormone production in the body can also be affected by surgery, particularly when the surgery involves the removal of or damage to hormone-producing glands. For example, surgically removing ovaries or testes could significantly decrease the body’s estrogen or testosterone levels.
Similarly, surgical removal of the thyroid gland could cause an underactive thyroid, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, depression, and fatigue. In some cases, the surgical removal of a tumor in the pituitary gland may also cause the body to experience a decrease in hormone production.
Contact Us For More Information
When the body decreases or halts the production of hormones, our overall health and well-being may begin to suffer. If you believe that you may be experiencing a hormone imbalance, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Here at Hale Wellness Clinic, we provide our clients with comprehensive and individualized evaluations and treatment plans. If you would like more information about hormone treatment options, please contact us today. The more we understand about our bodies, the happier and healthier we can then strive to become. Don’t wait. Contact us now.
