Hormonal and metabolic health is critical for maintaining energy balance, growth, reproduction, and overall wellness. Disorders in these systems often arise from imbalances in hormone levels, receptor sensitivity, or metabolic enzyme activity. Early identification and management through healthy lifestyle practices, medical monitoring, and targeted interventions can significantly improve long-term outcomes.
| Disease / Disorder | Role of Hormonal / Metabolic Dysfunction | Notes / Evidence |
| Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus | Insulin resistance combined with beta-cell dysfunction causes chronic hyperglycemia. | Associated with obesity, inactivity, and genetic predisposition; managed with diet, exercise, and medication. |
| Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus | Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leads to absolute insulin deficiency. | Requires lifelong insulin therapy; early diagnosis critical to prevent ketoacidosis. |
| Hypothyroidism | Deficient thyroid hormone production slows metabolism, affecting energy, weight, and thermoregulation. | Most often due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; treated with levothyroxine. |
| Hyperthyroidism | Excess thyroid hormone accelerates metabolic rate, increasing energy expenditure and heart workload. | Commonly caused by Graves’ disease; treated with antithyroid medication, radioiodine, or surgery. |
| Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism disrupt ovulation and promote metabolic disturbances. | Linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. |
| Metabolic Syndrome | A cluster of risk factors—abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance—that raise cardiovascular and diabetes risk. | Preventable through diet, exercise, and weight management. |
| Cushing’s Syndrome | Excess cortisol production alters carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. | Caused by steroid overuse or ACTH/adrenal tumors; requires cause-specific treatment. |
| Addison’s Disease | Adrenal insufficiency reduces cortisol and aldosterone levels, impairing stress response and fluid balance. | Lifelong hormone replacement is necessary. |
| Growth Hormone Disorders | GH deficiency impairs growth in children and alters body composition in adults; excess GH causes acromegaly or gigantism. | Managed with GH replacement or surgery/medications for excess. |
| Obesity | Results from chronic energy surplus, often involving leptin resistance, insulin resistance, and altered appetite hormones. | Increases risk for metabolic, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal diseases. |