Also known as endocrine disorders, hormone-related conditions occur when there's too much or too little of one or more hormones, leading to hormonal imbalance. Some of these imbalances can be temporary and go away on their own while others can be long-term and require treatment.

Hormone-related conditions are common and can affect almost anyone, but certain groups are more likely be affected:

• Women - women naturally experience several periods of hormone fluctuation throughout their lives, making them more susceptible to hormone imbalances and more likely than men to experience certain conditions, such as thyroid disorders. Women of reproductive age are at increased risk for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the most common female hormonal disorder, which affects approximately one in ten women. Pregnant women may develop specific conditions like gestational diabetes or postpartum thyroiditis and women in their 40s and 50s are likely to experience perimenopause and menopause, characterised by a natural decline in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
• Those with a family history of hormonal conditions
• Individuals with autoimmune diseases are at higher risk for hyperthyroidism
• Individuals who are overweight or obese. This increases the risk of various hormonal conditions, including type 2 diabetes and male hypogonadism
• Individuals suffering from long-term stress. This can elevate cortisol levels, which can disrupt the balance of other hormones, leading to a range of issues.
• Men aged 45 and older. Approximately 25% of men in this group experience low testosterone (hypogonadism)

Symptoms can include mood swings (anxiety, depression), tiredness, low libido, weight changes, changes to the skin (acne, dryness) and hair (loss or excessive growth). Hormone-related conditions in women can also result in irregular, heavy or painful periods, hot flushes or vaginal dryness.

Our experienced Endocrinology Consultants can provide diagnosis and initial care for the following hormone-related conditions:

• General endocrine problems
• Lipid disorders - high cholesterol
• Diabetes mellitus- type 1, type 2
• Pituitary disorders including growth hormone deficiency, high prolactin, nodules
• Parathyroid disease, disorders of calcium metabolism and vitamin D deficiency
• All thyroid conditions such as nodules, goitres, hyper- and hypothyroidism (over- and underactive thyroid)
• Adrenal disorders- adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease, Cushing's syndrome, nodules
• Female and male reproductive problems including patients affected by hirsutism (excess hair growth), polycystic ovaries, hyperprolactinaemia and testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism)

Our experts have access to a range of tests and investigations, including:

• Blood glucose test, HbA1C, C-peptide, diabetes antibodies
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH) test, calcium, phosphate, vitamin D
• Thyroid function test, thyroid antibodies,
• Pituitary function test like growth hormone, prolactin, IGF-1
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test, cortisol, aldosterone, renin, plasma metadrenalines, DHEAS, plasma metanephrines
• Testosterone, LH/FSH
• Dynamic Function Tests eg short synacthen test, dexamethasone suppression test
• Chronic fatigue investigation
• Iron, vitamin levels

Imaging

• Ultrasound of ovaries, thyroid and parathyroid
• CT abdomen and adrenal
• MRI Pituitary

You may need to carry out some tests at home, for example glucose monitoring and some special hormone tests, but full instructions will be provided.

A report will be sent to your Consultant, who will discuss the results and recommend a follow-up, treatment or, if appropriate, a referral to a service specialising in your condition.

Your Consultant will discuss the best treatment for you – this could include medication management or onward referral to a specialist service.

For pricing, please refer to the Endocrinology section of our Pricing page.