What Can a Hormone Imbalance Cause?

Hormones are substances our bodies produce that affect nearly every human function. Hormones affect how and when we grow and develop, how our body responds to outside forces and how our body processes the foods we eat. A minor change in normal hormone levels can cause a huge impact on a person's health and well-being.

In Men

• There are some hormonal imbalances that only affect men. These imbalances involve the hormone testosterone. According to the American Geriatrics Society, when men have low testosterone levels, they can experience issues such as decreased sex drive, difficulty maintaining an erection, infertility or an increase in breast size. When men have increased testosterone levels, they can develop prostate issues such as an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.

In Women

• Women have issues affected by testosterone imbalances, but they are different than those that affect men. In women, the issue is often an increased amount of testosterone. This can result in excess body hair growth, called hirsutism. Women can also have problems related to decreased estrogen levels. According to the National Institutes of Health, decreased estrogen can cause vaginal dryness and an increased risk of developing osteoporosis (bones losing their strength).

In Both Genders

• There are several hormone imbalances that can affect both genders. Thyroid hormone imbalances can lead to weight gain, depressed mood and a lack of energy when the levels are low. When they are high, they can lead to tremors, an irregular heartbeat and bulging eyes. According to the American Geriatrics Society, hormones produced by the adrenal glands can also cause problems when they are imbalanced. Decreased levels of cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands, can lead to weight loss and loss of appetite. An increase in cortisol can lead to mental confusion and weight gain in the face, created a "moon face" appearance.

In Children

• The most notable hormone imbalance in children is a decreased production or a lack of human growth hormones. According to the National Institutes of Health, children who are under the fifth percentile on the standardized growth chart may have a human growth hormone deficiency. Children can also be affected by the same types of hormone imbalances as adults.

Treatments

• Hormone replacement therapy is the treatment recommended for many hormone deficiencies. In some cases, such as with human growth hormone replacement therapy, there are few side effects. Other hormones, particularly the sex hormones testosterone or estrogen, can increase the risk of disease or cancer when given as part of hormone replacement therapy. According to the National Institutes of Health, drugs that suppress the gland production for the hormone in question are used to treat the overproduction of hormones.