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Growth Hormone Health Feed

My 11 year son is suffering from growth hormone deficiency? What treatment is available for this and what are possible side effects of growth hormone therapy? Thanks.

Dr. Milind Patil 91% (294 ratings)
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MD - Internal Medicine, DM - Endocrinology, DNB (Endocrinology)
Endocrinologist, Pune
The treatment for growth hormone deficiency is to replace growth hormone. Some immediate side effects may occur in terms headache leg swelling bodyache.
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Hormones - How Vital Are They?

Dr. Rajesh Jain 90% (221 ratings)
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MD Preventive Medicine, PG Diploma Diabetes
Endocrinologist, Kanpur
Hormones - How Vital Are They?

Hormones are vital for the human body. They are basically chemicals released into the bloodstream and travel from one cell to another. They travel through the blood and assist organs in performing numerous functions of the human body. Hormones are responsible for a wide range of activities like growth, puberty, facial hair, stress, mood, reproduction, sleep, reproduction and many more. They are also found in other organisms like plants and animals.

Hormones are secreted by endocrine glands. The endocrine glands include pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands. The study of the endocrine system and hormones is known as endocrinology. Also, some major diseases are caused by a hormone imbalance in the human body. The functions or activities of the body affected by hormone secretion are:

  • Growth and development
  • Metabolism
  • Mood
  • Sexual functions like menstruation, fertility, reproduction.
  • Blood Sugar level

Some vital hormones affecting human health:

  • Estrogen: Also known as the female hormone and responsible for a lot of functions and activities associated with a female body. They are secreted by ovaries and are primarily responsible for reproduction, menopause, puberty, moods and even sleep. High level of estrogen production is rare and mostly occurs because of oral contraceptives. Low level of estrogen is more common among girls and women alike. However, the most common disease experienced by females is PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Imbalance of hormones will mostly lead to hair loss, acne, depression and even osteoporosis. You can start by taking supplements like vitamin B complex and magnesium or sometimes even undergo hormonal treatment.
  • Testosterone: It is the male sex hormone. However, they are present in low quantities in females too. The testosterone is responsible for muscle growth and developmental functions. They also control puberty in males, facial hair, libido, erectile functions and formation of sperm. Imbalance can lead to depression, mood swings, insomnia, erectile dysfunction and also acne and hair loss. Excessive secretion of testosterone in females leads to increased hair growth and deepening of the voice. Moreover, regular drinking and smoking may lead to decrease production of testosterone among males.
  • Cortisol: It is one of the many hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. They are responsible for physical, stress regulation, maintenance of the immune system and inflammation, etc. High level of cortisol can lead to stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Low level of cortisol may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and even alcoholism.
  • Insulin: It is one of the most important hormones in the human body and is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the body and maintaining blood sugar level. Its job is to use the sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates and convert it into energy. An imbalance of insulin leads to high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia). Such imbalances can lead to diabetes in humans which vary depending on the blood sugar level of the body.
  • Growth Hormones: They are secreted by the pituitary glands of the body. The hormones are responsible for growth and development in children and teenagers. They are also responsible for the proper functioning of the heart, muscle development, metabolism and many more. Imbalances can lead to stunted growth in children. Consult your doctor for ways to boost growth in your child.

Hormones play a major role in the human body. Their deficiency or imbalance can create serious health issues and disease for humans. So the next time you have difficulty in losing weight or suffering from depression, your hormones are equally responsible along with your genes.

2972 people found this helpful

Osteoporosis - How Parathyroid Hormones Can Be Of Help?

MS - Orthopaedics
Orthopedic Doctor, Coimbatore
Osteoporosis - How Parathyroid Hormones Can Be Of Help?

A human body has a total of 206 bones, and yet it makes life a living hell, if even one of them is harmed. A person living with Osteoporosis feels the same way, except that they are a lot more prone to having their bones broken than a person who doesn’t. There are a variety of ways to go about treating the issue and one of them involves making use of parathyroid hormones. This is a pathbreaking cure for Osteoporosis and is being adopted by many patients worldwide.

If a person takes a look at the drugs which are made use of in the treatment of osteoporosis, he or she will release that their main function is not to repair what is damaged, but rather to slow the rate of further damage like Bisphosphonate.

However, if parathyroid hormones are looked at, it will be seen that they are usually recommended for those people who may even already had had fractures on account of osteoporosis. These people are generally said to have low bone density, which can be quite dangerous. The reason for this being the case is the fact that when parathyroid hormones are used, they have the potential and the ability to increase the rate of growth of the bones; in terms of the mineral density of the bones as well as the strength of the same.

Teriparatide comes in a pen-like device so that it can be introduced into the body by the way of an injection to either the thigh or the wall of the abdomen. It is important to keep in mind that the medicine should be handled with care which goes to mean that it is to be refrigerated at all times.

It is also to be kept in mind that the medicine can have certain side effects. In most cases in which side effects occur, the medicine leads to some dizziness or some leg cramps.

Taking into due account the fact that the drug is a new one, many doctors would not recommend it to people who have problems with their bones other than those which are caused by osteoporosis. Examples of such conditions would be hypercalcemia, which is a condition in which there is too much calcium in the blood or bone cancer. In addition to this, the medicine is not to be used by a person for a duration which is longer than two years.

All in all, it can be said that if a person makes use of parathyroid hormones to treat a problem that can be as bad as osteoporosis, the effects can be quite startling, and that too, in a positive way!

2589 people found this helpful

Can Hormonal Imbalance Lead To Diabetes?

Dr. Hardik Thakker 90% (466 ratings)
MD - Internal Medicine, MBBS
Internal Medicine Specialist, Mumbai
Can Hormonal Imbalance Lead To Diabetes?

Does Hormonal Imbalance Hint the Risk of Diabetes?

Hormones are chemical substances that regulate a vast range of important functions in the body. They are secreted by various glands and organs and can affect important body functions like growth, immunity, blood pressure and glucose levels among several others. Several disorders can arise due to an imbalance of your hormones, particularly Diabetes.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, which is mostly chronic or long lasting in nature. It interferes with the body’s ability to use glucose and chiefly pertains to the hormone called insulin, although other hormones can also be related.

Any imbalance for the following hormones that can lead to diabetes:

1. Insulin

Insulin is a hormone, which is secreted by the pancreas. Diabetes can occur when this hormone is not secreted in adequate amounts or in when it is used inefficiently. During digestion, food gets broken down to glucose, which provides energy to the body. Insulin facilitates the function of moving the glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. In case of diabetes, the glucose remains in the bloodstream due to insulin issues.

2. Cortisol

The adrenal gland is responsible for producing the hormone cortisol, which regulates blood pressure, stress and glucose production. The production of cortisol is controlled by another hormone called ACTH, which is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. Excess quantities of glucose in the body disrupt the function of insulin and trigger the liver to produce glucose, thereby leading to diabetes.

3. Growth hormone

The pituitary gland is responsible for producing certain hormones including the growth hormone. Growth and development of the muscles, bones and other organs of the body fall within the functions of the growth hormone. Overproduction of this hormone can lead to a disease called acromegaly in adults. Excess secretion leads to increase in the glucose levels in the blood, which can subsequently cause diabetes.

 

6639 people found this helpful

Thinning Of Hair: Should You Get Your Hormones Checked?

Dr. Aastha Gupta 91% (480 ratings)
PG Diploma Endocrinology, MD - General Medicine, Certification In Diabetes, MBBS
Endocrinologist, Delhi
Thinning Of Hair: Should You Get Your Hormones Checked?

Thinning hair, noticeable bald spots, large clumps of hair in the hairbrush or shower drain are indications of hair loss. This loss of hair is an effect of hormonal imbalance.

Have You Seen these Signs of Hair Loss?

  • A widening part of the scalp
  • A ponytail becomes noticeably thinner
  • Large clumps of hair in the hairbrush or shower drain and on your pillow after a night’s sleep

Why does it happen?

  1. Play of Hormones: Hormonal imbalance is seen in women during menopause, perimenopause, pregnancy, and in endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Progesterone and estrogen are two important female hormones. Progesterone keeps a check on estrogen levels. When progesterone levels are too low, it leads to a state of hyperestrogenism which triggers excessive hair shedding and hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent form of testosterone that normally leads to hair loss. Women, who produce high levels of male hormones (androgens), have increased testosterone levels which can convert to DHT, leading to hair loss.
  2. Stress: When a woman experiences any stressful condition, her adrenal glands increase the release of cortisol (stress hormone). This leads to secretion of adrenaline which leads to increased levels of testosterone and DHT.
  3. Under or over performing thyroid: An overactive thyroid and lack of sufficient parathyroid hormone can also result in thinning of hair. Accompanying symptoms are fatigue, unexplained weight gain, aching joints, constipation, dry skin, feeling cold all the time, and poor sleep.
  4. Pregnancy and childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth change a woman’s hormonal balance and can result in hair loss. Therefore, it is normal for postpartum mothers to experience thinning of the hair and even bald patches. Such hair loss is temporary and heals itself within several months.
  5. Menopause: Menopause also leads to hair loss. During menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels fall and are no longer in balance with DHT levels. This low estrogen level and high DHT lead to hair loss.
  6. Nutrient deficiencies: Low levels of certain nutrients within the body, for example, vitamins A, E, and iron may result in hair loss.

How Can You Help Yourself? 

  1. Consume omega 3-fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are kinds of essential fatty acids (EFAs). They increase hair growth. Sources are walnuts, flax seeds, cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel.
  2. Get plenty of sleep: Lack of sleep causes increased stress levels, higher production of cortisol, and ultimately hair loss. Good amount of sleep will lead to harmonious functioning of the body.
  3. Take dietary and hair supplements to prevent hair loss: Certain supplements can help minimize the production of DHT, prevent DHT from binding to hair follicles, or stimulate inactive follicles to encourage hair growth.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

2130 people found this helpful

Know About Advantage Of Parathyroid Hormones In Osteoporosis!

Dr. Ashwani Maichand 92% (67 ratings)
Fellowship in Joint Replacement , M.Ch , MS - Orthopaedics, MBBS
Orthopedic Doctor, Delhi
Know About Advantage Of Parathyroid Hormones In Osteoporosis!

A human body has a total of 206 bones, and yet it makes life a living hell, if even one of them is harmed. A person living with Osteoporosis feels the same way, except that they are a lot more prone to having their bones broken than a person who doesn’t. There are a variety of ways to go about treating the issue and one of them involves making use of parathyroid hormones. This is a pathbreaking cure for Osteoporosis and is being adopted by many patients worldwide.

If a person takes a look at the drugs which are made use of in the treatment of osteoporosis, he or she will release that their main function is not to repair what is damaged, but rather to slow the rate of further damage like Bisphosphonate.

However, if parathyroid hormones are looked at, it will be seen that they are usually recommended for those people who may even already had had fractures on account of osteoporosis. These people are generally said to have low bone density, which can be quite dangerous. The reason for this being the case is the fact that when parathyroid hormones are used, they have the potential and the ability to increase the rate of growth of the bones; in terms of the mineral density of the bones as well as the strength of the same.

Teriparatide comes in a pen-like device so that it can be introduced into the body by the way of an injection to either the thigh or the wall of the abdomen. It is important to keep in mind that the medicine should be handled with care which goes to mean that it is to be refrigerated at all times.

It is also to be kept in mind that the medicine can have certain side effects. In most cases in which side effects occur, the medicine leads to some dizziness or some leg cramps.

Taking into due account the fact that the drug is a new one, many doctors would not recommend it to people who have problems with their bones other than those which are caused by osteoporosis. Examples of such conditions would be hypercalcemia, which is a condition in which there is too much calcium in the blood or bone cancer. In addition to this, the medicine is not to be used by a person for a duration which is longer than two years.

All in all, it can be said that if a person makes use of parathyroid hormones to treat a problem that can be as bad as osteoporosis, the effects can be quite startling, and that too, in a positive way!

3481 people found this helpful

Parathyroid Hormones and Treatment of Osteoporosis

Dr. Deepak Kumar Arora 88% (164 ratings)
MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics
Orthopedic Doctor, Delhi
Parathyroid Hormones and Treatment of Osteoporosis

A human body has a total of 206 bones, and yet it makes life a living hell, if even one of them is harmed. A person living with Osteoporosis feels the same way, except that they are a lot more prone to having their bones broken than a person who doesn’t. There are a variety of ways to go about treating the issue and one of them involves making use of parathyroid hormones. This is a pathbreaking cure for Osteoporosis and is being adopted by many patients worldwide.

If a person takes a look at the drugs which are made use of in the treatment of osteoporosis, he or she will release that their main function is not to repair what is damaged, but rather to slow the rate of further damage like Bisphosphonate.

However, if parathyroid hormones are looked at, it will be seen that they are usually recommended for those people who may even already had had fractures on account of osteoporosis. These people are generally said to have low bone density, which can be quite dangerous. The reason for this being the case is the fact that when parathyroid hormones are used, they have the potential and the ability to increase the rate of growth of the bones; in terms of the mineral density of the bones as well as the strength of the same.

Teriparatide comes in a pen-like device so that it can be introduced into the body by the way of an injection to either the thigh or the wall of the abdomen. It is important to keep in mind that the medicine should be handled with care which goes to mean that it is to be refrigerated at all times.

It is also to be kept in mind that the medicine can have certain side effects. In most cases in which side effects occur, the medicine leads to some dizziness or some leg cramps.

Taking into due account the fact that the drug is a new one, many doctors would not recommend it to people who have problems with their bones other than those which are caused by osteoporosis. Examples of such conditions would be hypercalcemia, which is a condition in which there is too much calcium in the blood or bone cancer. In addition to this, the medicine is not to be used by a person for a duration which is longer than two years.

All in all, it can be said that if a person makes use of parathyroid hormones to treat a problem that can be as bad as osteoporosis, the effects can be quite startling, and that too, in a positive way! If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an orthopedist.

2574 people found this helpful

I am 40 years old female and I have hormonal imbalance problem. Hair growth on body, weight put on, constipation and wrinkle on face its all about hormonal changes. Please suggest me what would I do for hormonal balance.

Dr. Nandeesh J 90% (588 ratings)
Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), M.D.(Ayu)
Ayurveda, Chitiradurga
I am 40 years old female and I have hormonal imbalance problem. Hair growth on body, weight put on, constipation and ...
There is possibility of polycystic ovarian disease which presents with the features you have mentioned like weight gain, hair growth. It can be managed medically with oral medicines through Ayurveda. Kindly consult me personally online. I need to confirm the diagnosis by taking detailed history and guide you properly with detailed diet and regimen plan.
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My friend was diagnosed with back pain and now doctors have found a growth around his spine, they told him it is due to the hormones in chicken that he has been consuming. Are the hormones in chicken harmful, if yes why is it still legal to use these hormones on them?

Dr. Pallavi K Kanade 90% (384 ratings)
Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Ayurveda, Pune
My friend was diagnosed with back pain and now doctors have found a growth around his spine, they told him it is due ...
1) do massage with warm sesame oil or suitable oil for 15 min. Afterwards take hot fomentation for 10 min. 2) start natural calcium supplement. 3) do regular stretching exercise 4) in yoga do bhujangasan, halasan & suryanamaskar. Life-style correction 1) correct your sitting posture. 2) take small pillow or back rest for lower back. 3) foot should rest to floor easily. 4) take small break after 1 hr & walk few steps. 5) do neck & upper back extension, give feedback after 4 days.
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What is the advantage of hormone therapy after the operation and radiation treatment for breast cancer. How many years hormone therapy required? How do check growth of cancer cell in breast after hormone treatment.

Dr. Harris Mahammad Sepai 91% (483 ratings)
MD - Radiation Oncology, MBBS, DNB (Radiotherapy)
Oncologist, Howrah
Hormone therapy has an established role as an adjuvant therapy in receptor positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen can even be given receptor status unknown patients based on positive result on receptor status unknown patients (early breast cancer trialists' collaborative group trial). Previously 5 years of adjuvant hormone therapy is recommened. Recently nccn guidelines recommend for 10 years of treatment based on positive result of continuing hormone therapy up to 10 years.
1 person found this helpful
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