CAN HORMONAL DISORDERS CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?

Hormones are chemical substances produced by special glands in our body. These chemicals control many functions throughout the body including how efficiently we metabolize food. This in turn determines whether we lose or gain weight. They also affect body temperature and certain nervous system functions. Diseases of the endocrine glands can result in either too much or too little of the hormones being produced. In either case the results are noticeable throughout the body.

Hormones known to affect body weight and Fat Metabolism are: 1) Thyroid Hormone, 2) Growth Hormone, 3) Corticosteroids and DHEA, 4) The Sex Hormones - Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone, and 5) Insulin.

THYROID HORMONE deficiency is the most common hormonal disorder to affect women. This causes among other symptoms, unusual weight gain, lethargy, sleepiness and feeling cold even in warm weather.

Thyroid hormone excess leads to Anxiety, Palpitations, difficulty sleeping, excessive hunger, and Weight Loss.

GROWTH HORMONE has recently received a lot of attention. This hormone is produced in the Pituitary Gland of the Brain and its level decline with age. This decline in Growth Hormone with age is thought to be responsible for the increase in body fat, decrease Muscle Mass and Strength, and decrease Energy associated with Aging. Replacement of this Hormone can reverse these effects and other effects of Aging such as Skin changes, Sleep problems and improves Mood.

CORTICOSTEROIDS AND DHEA are produced by the Adrenal glands that sit atop the Kidneys. These hormones are responsible for Sugar and Mineral metabolism in the body. An excess of these hormones can lead to Obesity and loss of Muscle Mass and Strength. Similarly an imbalance in mineral metabolism leads to unusual Water Retention and Weight Gain.

Many diseases of the Endocrine Glands cause very non-specific complaints and are usually attributed to normal aging and therefore go unnoticed and untreated for a long time. Being aware of some of the signs and symptoms of these Hormonal Disorders and seeking Medical advise can lead to earlier detection and treatment of these conditions and prevent unusual and unnecessary Weight Gain and Metabolic imbalance.

To learn more about these and other Hormonal disorders, contact Lubna Ahmad, M.D. The Endocrine Clinic, at 7010 Smoke Ranch Road, Suite 100, Las Vegas NV 89128, Tel: 702-228-5000.