Hormones

Hormone medications are drugs that regulate or replace hormones in the body to treat various medical conditions. Hormones are chemical messengers that control essential bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood regulation.

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Hormone therapy (HT) is commonly used to:

• Treat hormone imbalances (e.g., thyroid disorders, diabetes)

• Support reproductive health (e.g., contraception, fertility treatment)

• Manage menopause symptoms

• Treat hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal disorders

• Regulate growth issues (e.g., growth hormone deficiency)

• Manage gender-affirming care in transgender individuals

1. Thyroid Disorders

• Causes: Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease), iodine deficiency, or inflammation

• Symptoms:

  • Fatigue, weight gain (hypothyroidism)

  • Weight loss, rapid heartbeat (hyperthyroidism)

  • Hair thinning or dryness

  • Sensitivity to temperature changes

• Medications:

  • Levothyroxine (Synthroid): For hypothyroidism (replaces thyroid hormone)

  • Methimazole, propylthiouracil: For hyperthyroidism (reduce thyroid hormone production)

  • Beta-blockers: To manage symptoms of hyperthyroidism
     

2. Diabetes Mellitus

• Causes: Insufficient insulin production (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2)

• Symptoms:

  • Frequent urination and thirst

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain

  • Fatigue

  • Blurry vision

• Medications:

  • Insulin injections: For Type 1 and some cases of Type 2 diabetes

  • Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity (Type 2 diabetes)

  • GLP-1 receptor agonists: Stimulate insulin release (e.g., semaglutide)
     

3. Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

• Causes: Natural decline in estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause

• Symptoms:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats

  • Mood swings and irritability

  • Vaginal dryness

  • Sleep disturbances

• Medications:

  • Estrogen therapy: For symptom relief (pills, patches, creams)

  • Progesterone therapy: To prevent uterine thickening in women with a uterus

  • Combination HRT: Estrogen + progesterone
     

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Causes: Hormonal imbalance (excess androgens, insulin resistance)

• Symptoms:

  • Irregular or missed periods

  • Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)

  • Acne or oily skin

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Medications:

  • Hormonal contraceptives: Regulate menstrual cycles

  • Anti-androgen medications: Reduce excess hair growth (e.g., spironolactone)

  • Metformin: For insulin resistance
     

5. Adrenal Disorders (Addison’s Disease, Cushing’s Syndrome)

• Causes: Adrenal gland dysfunction, tumors, or prolonged corticosteroid use

• Symptoms:

  • Fatigue and muscle weakness

  • Weight gain or loss

  • Skin discoloration

  • High blood pressure (Cushing’s) or low blood pressure (Addison’s)

• Medications:

  • Hydrocortisone or prednisone: Replace cortisol (for Addison’s disease)

  • Mitotane or ketoconazole: Lower cortisol levels (for Cushing’s syndrome)
     

6. Infertility and Fertility Treatments

• Causes: Hormonal imbalances, ovulation disorders, low testosterone, or polycystic ovaries

• Symptoms:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual cycles

  • Difficulty conceiving

  • Low sperm count in men

• Medications:

  • Clomiphene (Clomid): Stimulates ovulation

  • Gonadotropins: Boost egg and sperm production

  • Letrozole: Used to induce ovulation
     

7. Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)

• Causes: Genetic factors, pituitary gland issues, or aging

• Symptoms:

  • Slow growth in children

  • Fatigue and reduced muscle mass in adults

  • Increased body fat

  • Weakened bones

• Medications:

  • Growth hormone therapy: Injections of synthetic growth hormone (e.g., somatropin)

Here are some of the most frequently prescribed hormone medications:

1. Thyroid Hormones

• Purpose: Treat hypothyroidism

• Common medications:

  • Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Euthyrox)

  • Liothyronine (Cytomel)

• How they work: Replace missing thyroid hormones.

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2. Insulin and Diabetes Medications

• Purpose: Manage blood sugar levels

• Common medications:

  • Insulin glargine, insulin lispro: For Type 1 diabetes

  • Metformin, semaglutide: For Type 2 diabetes

• How they work: Regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.

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3. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

• Purpose: Treat menopause symptoms and hormone imbalances

• Common medications:

  • Estrogen patches, creams, or pills

  • Progesterone or progestin

• How they work: Replace declining estrogen and progesterone levels.

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4. Corticosteroids

• Purpose: Treat adrenal insufficiency and inflammation

• Common medications:

  • Hydrocortisone

  • Prednisone

• How they work: Mimic natural cortisol.

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5. Fertility Medications

• Purpose: Stimulate ovulation and increase fertility

• Common medications:

  • Clomiphene (Clomid)

  • Gonadotropins (FSH, LH)

• How they work: Stimulate egg or sperm production.

While hormone medications are effective, they may cause side effects, including:

• Thyroid hormones: Weight changes, hair loss, or palpitations

• Insulin: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

• HRT: Nausea, bloating, or increased risk of blood clots

• Corticosteroids: Weight gain, mood changes, or bone thinning

• Fertility drugs: Multiple pregnancies or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Diagnosing hormonal disorders may involve:

• Blood tests: To measure hormone levels (e.g., TSH, insulin, cortisol)

• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans for gland evaluation

• Stimulation or suppression tests: To check adrenal or pituitary function

• Glucose tolerance test: For diabetes diagnosis

• Balanced diet: Maintain healthy blood sugar and hormone levels

• Regular physical activity: Reduces insulin resistance and balances hormones

• Stress management: Lowers cortisol levels

• Routine health screenings: For early detection of hormonal imbalances

• Adequate sleep: Essential for hormone regulation

1. Are hormone medications safe for long-term use?

• Some, like thyroid hormones, are safe for lifelong use, but HRT should be monitored due to possible risks.

2. Do fertility drugs guarantee pregnancy?

• No, but they significantly improve the chances of conception.

3. Can hormone medications cause weight gain?

• Yes, some medications (e.g., corticosteroids, insulin) can cause weight gain as a side effect.

4. Is HRT safe for menopausal women?

• Yes, but it should be prescribed based on individual risk factors.

5. Can hormone therapy be used for gender-affirming care?

• Yes, transgender individuals may use estrogen or testosterone therapy as part of gender-affirming care.