How Hormonal Disorders Affect Your Health (And What to Do About It)
Hormones are vital chemical messengers that regulate many aspects of your body’s functions, from metabolism and mood to fertility and energy levels. When hormone levels become unbalanced, it can disrupt your health and quality of life. Dr Kelly Hankins, a female obstetrician in Gosford, sees many women affected by hormonal disorders and offers effective diagnostic and treatment options tailored to each individual’s needs.
Understanding Hormonal Disorders
Hormonal disorders occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Because hormones work in delicate equilibrium, even slight changes can cause significant symptoms.
Common Signs and Symptoms
- Irregular menstrual cycles: Missed periods, heavy bleeding, or cycles that are too long or short.
- Weight changes: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite healthy habits.
- Mood changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or mood swings.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness not relieved by rest.
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or poor sleep quality.
- Skin changes: Acne, dryness, or excessive hair growth.
- Fertility problems: Difficulty conceiving or recurrent miscarriages.
Causes of Hormonal Disorders
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A common endocrine disorder causing irregular cycles, androgen excess, and cystic ovaries.
- Menopause and Perimenopause: Natural decline in estrogen and progesterone leading to hot flashes, mood changes, and irregular periods.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect metabolism and energy.
- Stress: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can disrupt other hormones.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep can impact hormonal health.
- Other Medical Conditions: Diabetes, adrenal disorders, or pituitary gland dysfunction.
How Is Hormonal Disorders Diagnosed?
Dr Kelly Hankins uses a combination of detailed history-taking, physical examination, and laboratory testing to identify hormonal imbalances. Blood tests can assess levels of thyroid hormones, reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), and others such as cortisol.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms:
- Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills to regulate cycles, hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms, or medications to adjust thyroid function.
- Lifestyle Changes: Diet rich in whole foods, regular physical activity, stress reduction techniques, and improved sleep hygiene.
- Medications for Specific Conditions: For example, metformin for insulin resistance in PCOS.
- Supportive Care: Nutritional supplements, counselling for mental health support, and alternative therapies as appropriate.
Why Seek Help Early?
Left untreated, hormonal disorders can increase the risk of complications like osteoporosis, heart disease, and infertility. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes and quality of life.
If you are experiencing symptoms that might be linked to a hormonal disorders, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Kelly Hankins. As a qualified female obstetrician, she is committed to helping women in Gosford restore balance and wellness through comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. All medical procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. Always seek the advice of your GP, specialist, or another appropriately qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Where further or specialised care is required, your treating practitioner can provide an appropriate referral.