What it is
Hormones are chemical messengers made by glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries and testes. They travel in the blood and help control growth, metabolism, energy, blood pressure, reproduction, mood and much more.
A hormonal disorder happens when a gland makes too much or too little of a hormone, or when the body doesn't respond to it normally. Because hormones act throughout the body, symptoms can be wide-ranging and easy to mistake for other problems.
Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that specialises in these conditions. The conditions Dr. Marium Zaman sees include:
Common symptoms
Symptoms depend on which hormone is affected, but common signs include:
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Constant tiredness or weakness
- Irregular periods, fertility problems or low sex drive
- Excess hair growth, or hair loss
- Feeling unusually hot or cold
- High blood pressure, especially at a young age or when it's hard to control
- Changes in mood, sleep or concentration
- Changes in appearance, such as a rounder face or stretch marks
- In children, growth or puberty that is too early, too late or too slow
When to see a specialist
- A blood test shows an abnormal hormone level
- A scan found an unexpected lump in a gland, such as the adrenal or pituitary
- You have several unexplained symptoms from the list above
- Your doctor has suggested seeing an endocrinologist
- You already have a hormone condition and need specialist follow-up
Treatment and management
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis. It may involve:
- Replacing a hormone the body isn't making enough of
- Reducing or blocking a hormone that is over-produced
- Treating the cause, such as a gland nodule or tumour, sometimes with referral for surgery
- Regular monitoring with blood tests and, where needed, scans
Many hormone conditions are long-term, and steady follow-up is part of good care.
How an endocrinologist helps
Hormone tests often need care, because the time of day, medicines, stress and pregnancy can all affect the results. Dr. Marium Zaman chooses the right tests in the right order, interprets them alongside your symptoms, and explains the diagnosis and treatment options clearly.
