The endocrine system of the body is a finely tuned system that relies on all the different hormones being in a state of balance.

Hormones include estrogen progesterone, testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid hormone, DHEA, cortisol, prolactin and insulin. If an individual experiences an excess or deficiency of any one of these hormones, it results in an endocrine disease.

When giving these replacement hormones to a deficient individual, for example, a man in andropause, it is critical that baseline levels be obtained and that the correct dose of the medication is monitored with ongoing therapy. By keeping replacement levels in physiologic range, it enables the individual to get the benefits of the hormone with little or no adverse effects. Hormone levels are usually assessed with blood testing. Saliva testing may also be useful in some instances.

Check out Dr. Rob discussing symptoms and treatment of an under active thyroid