Hormone Deficiency: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options

When dealing with hormone deficiency, a condition where the body fails to produce enough of a specific hormone. Also known as endocrine deficiency, it can affect metabolism, growth, mood, and reproductive health. Understanding the basics helps you spot signs early and choose the right care.

Key Topics Covered

One of the most common forms is thyroid deficiency, where the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This subtype falls under the broader umbrella of hormone deficiency and often shows up as fatigue, weight gain, or cold intolerance. Blood tests for TSH and free T4 are the standard way to confirm it, and levothyroxine replacement is the go‑to treatment.

Another critical area is hormone therapy, medical regimens that replace or block hormones to manage conditions like breast cancer or menopause. For patients with hormone‑sensitive breast cancer, drugs such as anastrozole target estrogen production, directly addressing a hormone deficiency that fuels tumor growth. The therapy requires careful monitoring of hormone levels and side‑effect management.

Nutrition also plays a role. Selenium, an essential trace mineral that supports the enzymes converting thyroid hormone precursors into active forms, can improve thyroid function and mitigate deficiency symptoms. Foods like Brazil nuts or supplements provide the needed amount, but dosing should align with recommended daily values to avoid toxicity.

All these pieces—diagnostic testing, medical replacement, targeted hormone therapy, and supportive nutrients—interact to restore balance. Below you’ll find articles that dig into each of these angles, from detailed medication comparisons to practical supplementation tips, giving you a full picture of how to tackle hormone deficiency head‑on.