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What is the endocrine system?The endocrine system consists of nine major glands that produce and secrete hormones into the bloodstream. The major glands are the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, hypothalamus, pineal, parathyroid, pancreas, ovaries (in women), and testes (in men).
Hormones are chemical messengers that send signals to organs and tissues throughout your body. These chemical signals tell the various body parts what to do, when to do it, and for how long to continue.
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As chemical messengers, what bodily functions do hormones control?Hormones control many vital processes in the body, including:
- Growth and development
- Respiration
- Metabolism
- Reproduction
- Sensory perception
- Movement
- Mood
- Sexual development and function
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Can hormone imbalances lead to serious health problems?Yes. When the proper amount of key hormones such as estrogen or testosterone are not produced by the glands, physical problems usually result. This can include dangerous medical conditions such as diabetes, brittle bones, and heart disease.
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Do hormone irregularities also impact my emotions and overall psychological wellbeing?Absolutely. Depression, anxiety, irritability and other emotional problems are common among both men and women suffering from hormonal imbalances.
Produced in the testes, testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. It essential for good health and overall wellbeing. A clinical deficiency of testosterone can result in numerous physical and emotional problems, including a lack of sex drive and greater risk for serious medical conditions.
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Do women produce testosterone as well?Yes, but in much smaller quantities than men. For women, proper levels of testosterone is necessary for a healthy sex drive.
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What are estrogen and progesterone?Produced in the ovaries, estrogen and progesterone (along with testosterone) are the primary sex hormones in women. Many women, particularly those experiencing menopause, suffer a wide variety of physical and psychological problems stemming from the body’s inadequate production of these essential hormones. These women can also be at greater risk for serious medical conditions because of their hormonal imbalance.
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Can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) effectively treat women and men suffering from the negative symptoms of hormonal deficiencies?Yes. This includes the many physical and emotional difficulties commonly encountered by women experiencing menopause and men with clinically low testosterone levels. We encourage you to explore the detailed information on this website to see how HRT may be able to significantly increase your overall health and wellbeing, allowing you to live a richer, fuller life on a daily basis.
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Does Dr. Patel treat all types of hormone problems?No. In some cases, a patient may need to see an endocrinologist (a hormone specialist) to treat a particular disorder. Dr. Patel will discuss this with you during your free initial phone consultation.
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Is it potentially dangerous to take hormones (of whatever kind) without proper lab testing beforehand and careful ongoing medical supervision?Yes. Very serious health problems can result from unmonitored or unprofessional hormone therapy. For example, an investigation by the federal government discovered that 28% of men receiving new testosterone prescriptions from physicians had not had their hormone levels tested beforehand. This means some men might end up with dangerously high levels of testosterone as a result of treatment, which in turn increases their risk for serious medical conditions such as prostate cancer.
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So Dr. Patel believes in the careful use of HRT for women and men?Absolutely. He also believes in the necessity of providing highly individualized patient care. This emphasis on the uniqueness of each patient is explained in more detail in the drop-down category below.