Hormone Deficiency
When the body produces too little of a hormone
Quick Facts
- Type: Endocrine (hormonal) condition
- Examples: Thyroid, adrenal, growth, and sex hormones
- Symptoms: Vary widely by the hormone involved
- Treatment: Often hormone replacement
Overview
Hormone deficiency occurs when a gland in the endocrine system does not make enough of a particular hormone. Hormones are chemical messengers that control many vital processes, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, mood, and the body's response to stress. When a specific hormone runs low, the processes it governs are disrupted, producing a wide range of possible symptoms.
Because the body relies on many different hormones, hormone deficiency is not a single illness but a category that includes conditions such as an underactive thyroid, adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone deficiency, and low sex hormones. The symptoms and treatment depend on which hormone is lacking. Most deficiencies can be diagnosed with blood tests and managed effectively, often by replacing the missing hormone.
Symptoms
Symptoms differ greatly depending on the hormone involved, but some general patterns are common.
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Unexplained weight changes
- Sensitivity to cold or feeling unusually tired and weak
- Mood changes, low mood, or difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sex drive, fertility, or menstrual cycles
- Slowed growth in children
- Dizziness, low blood pressure, or salt cravings with adrenal deficiency
Severe deficiencies of certain hormones, such as a sudden lack of adrenal hormones, can become medical emergencies and need urgent treatment.
Causes
A gland may fail to produce enough hormone for several reasons.
- Autoimmune conditions: The immune system attacks a gland, as in some thyroid and adrenal disorders.
- Damage to a gland: From surgery, radiation, infection, or injury.
- Problems with the pituitary gland: The pituitary directs other glands, so pituitary disorders can cause multiple deficiencies.
- Genetic or congenital conditions: Present from birth.
- Aging and natural decline: Some hormones fall with age.
Risk Factors
- Autoimmune diseases
- Previous surgery or radiation involving an endocrine gland or the pituitary
- A family history of hormone disorders
- Head injury or pituitary disease
- Certain infections or inflammatory conditions
- Older age for some hormones
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually involves blood tests to measure hormone levels and find the source of the problem.
- Hormone blood tests: Measuring the level of the suspected hormone and related regulating hormones.
- Stimulation tests: Checking how a gland responds when prompted, used for some deficiencies.
- Imaging: Scans of the affected gland or the pituitary when a structural cause is suspected.
- Additional tests: To identify autoimmune or other underlying causes.
Treatment
Most hormone deficiencies are treated by replacing the missing hormone and addressing the cause.
- Hormone replacement: For example, thyroid hormone for an underactive thyroid, corticosteroids for adrenal insufficiency, or sex hormone replacement when appropriate.
- Treating the underlying cause: Managing the gland or pituitary problem behind the deficiency.
- Ongoing monitoring: Regular blood tests to keep hormone levels in the right range.
- Emergency treatment: Some deficiencies, such as an adrenal crisis, require urgent hormone treatment.
With proper replacement, many people with hormone deficiency live healthy, normal lives.
Living With Hormone Deficiency
- Take replacement hormones exactly as prescribed and do not stop suddenly
- Attend regular follow-up blood tests to adjust doses
- Carry medical identification if you have a deficiency that can become an emergency, such as adrenal insufficiency
- Know the warning signs of your specific deficiency
- Tell other clinicians about your condition before procedures or during illness
When to See a Doctor
See a clinician if you have persistent unexplained fatigue, weight changes, mood changes, or other symptoms suggesting a hormone problem. Seek emergency care if you have signs of a severe deficiency such as:
- Sudden severe weakness, confusion, vomiting, and very low blood pressure (possible adrenal crisis)
- Fainting or collapse
- Rapid worsening of symptoms during illness or stress
If you already take hormone replacement, follow your clinician's advice about adjusting doses during illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hormone deficiency?
A hormone deficiency is when a gland does not make enough of a particular hormone. Hormones control processes like metabolism, growth, and the stress response, so a shortage disrupts whatever that hormone normally regulates. Examples include underactive thyroid and adrenal insufficiency.
What are common symptoms of low hormone levels?
Symptoms depend on the hormone but often include persistent fatigue, weight changes, mood changes, cold intolerance, and changes in sex drive or menstrual cycles. In children, slowed growth can be a sign. Adrenal deficiency may cause dizziness and low blood pressure.
How are hormone deficiencies diagnosed?
They are usually diagnosed with blood tests that measure the level of the hormone and related regulating hormones. Stimulation tests, imaging of the affected gland or pituitary, and tests for autoimmune causes may also be used depending on the suspected deficiency.
Can hormone deficiency be treated?
Yes. Most are treated by replacing the missing hormone, such as thyroid hormone for an underactive thyroid or corticosteroids for adrenal insufficiency, along with addressing the underlying cause. With proper replacement and monitoring, many people do very well.
When is a hormone deficiency an emergency?
Certain deficiencies can become emergencies, especially an adrenal crisis, which causes sudden severe weakness, confusion, vomiting, and very low blood pressure. This needs urgent hormone treatment. People with adrenal insufficiency should carry medical identification and know the warning signs.
References
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Endocrine diseases.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Endocrine disorders.
- Mayo Clinic. Hypopituitarism.
- Hormone Health Network, Endocrine Society. Hormones and endocrine function.