Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are chemicals that send signals between cells in the body, regulating everything from a person’s blood pressure to how well they sleep at night. They play roles in such diverse processes as growth, cell repair, appetite, metabolism, fertility, reproduction, and the regulation of pain. These physiological messengers are produced throughout the body, and through their communication with our organs and one another, they help maintain a balance
designed to keep a person happy and healthy. Common hormonal imbalances that we come across in our clinical practise are:
Diabetes mellitus: A hormonal imbalance in a person influences the blood sugar levels, which are associated with diabetes mellitus. Hormones are responsible for the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. Sometimes, this imbalance of hormones leads to abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood, causing diabetes. In diabetes, individuals experience unintended weight loss, nerve damage, and excessive thirst. Moreover, the risk of ailments such as heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke increases manyfold when a person is diagnosed with diabetes. Common hormones responsible for diabetes are
1. Insulin Insulin secretion leads to diabetes when it is used inefficiently in the body. The hormone is produced by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It is during the digestion process that food gets converted into glucose and is sent to the bloodstream. Glucose, which is responsible for powering cells with energy, remains in the bloodstream in high quantities.
2. Cortisol Cortisol is another hormone that is responsible for regulating blood pressure. It helps the body deal with stressful situations or recover from surgery or illness by regulating glucose production. Cortisol in excessive quantity, however, inhibits insulin and stimulates the liver to produce more glucose, which leads to diabetes.
3. Growth hormone Growth hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland, is responsible for streamlining body functions such as the development of body organs, bones, and muscles. Excessive production of growth hormones may lead to acromegaly. Diabetes is counted among the consequences of acromegaly, as the condition may increase blood glucose levels by inhibiting the movement of glucose into the cells.
Human Growth Hormone
Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual’s ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of illness, disability, and death. Being overweight or obese puts you at risk for a number of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and respiratory disorders. The risk of developing these diseases is even higher when extra weight is concentrated near the waist (belly fat).
Thyroid imbalance and/or disease is one of the most common conditions in the world today. The problems tend to be worse in women and in adults than in children. Common types of thyroid imbalances include underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a mild infection of the thyroid gland, Grave’s disease or hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules. Goiters Thyroid cancer. The most common causes of thyroid imbalance are stress, iodine antagonists in the environment, copper and mercury toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies.