The endocrine glands are responsible for producing hormones in the body. Hormones act as messengers in the bloodstream, producing important cells or acting as triggers in producing other hormones necessary for bodily functions. The pituitary gland, thyroid, thymus, adrenal, and pancreas are the major glands that produce hormones. Both men and women rely on these glands except for the hormones made by the reproductive system.

Men rely on the testes for testosterone and sperm development. Women have the ovaries for the production of estrogen and progesterone. All hormones are important for reproduction and any imbalance can lead to infertility and other health problems.

What causes hormone imbalance in men?

Low testosterone or androgen deficiency has two possible causes: one is primary which can result from a problem with the testes; and the other is secondary which results from a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus and the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Hormone imbalance may also be the result of both causes.

Here is a list of possible causes that may lead to hormone imbalance in men:

• Testicular trauma or other related injury and infection.
• Pituitary disorders such as high production of prolactin (a hormone that affects testosterone levels)
• When under serious medication like opiate pain medication
• Genetic factors like having Klinefelter syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
• Chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS; type-2 diabetes; liver and kidney disease

What causes hormone imbalance in women?

Women also rely on the pituitary gland to release FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) to trigger the ovulation of eggs in the ovaries. The ovaries are also responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone for normal sexual development and menstrual cycle. An imbalance may be caused by a problem with the pituitary gland or the ovaries. Here are some possible causes that may lead to hormone imbalance in women:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hypothalamic amenorrhea or the absence of menstrual periods.
• The pituitary gland is releasing too much prolactin (a hormone that affects estrogen levels)
• Primary ovarian insufficiency or insufficient eggs
• An overactive or underactive thyroid gland
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Adrenal gland disorder or also known as Cushing’s syndrome
• Tubal blockages

There are hormone testing kits that you can use to determine if you are suffering from hormone imbalance. Get checked today and consult your doctor with the results.

Source:

http://www.hormone.org/Reproductive/hypogonadism.cfm

http://www.hormone.org/Reproductive/female-infertility.cfm

Posted under Hormones
Tags: Hormone imbalance, hormone testing kits, Men, testosterone levels, woman hormone imbalance.