Feeling happy due to hormones: woman with a towel around her neck stretching her head back and smiling. Foliage, branches and trees in the background.

Conditions Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers and signaling molecules that regulate various processes in the body. Many of them regulate processes that affect the entire body. For example, thyroid hormones are very important for the energy metabolism. As such, hormone system disorders and diseases often also affect the body as a whole.

Hormones

A woman being instructed in how to train with a fitness band A woman being instructed in how to train with a fitness band

Osteoporosis

In people with osteoporosis, bone density declines more than normal. This increases their risk of breaking bones. Osteoporosis can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication.

A doctor performs an ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland. A doctor performs an ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland.

Overactive thyroid

The thyroid gland is classed as overactive when it produces more hormones than usual. This speeds up the metabolism and results in symptoms such as weight loss, perspiration or heart palpitations.

Close-up: the face of a young woman with facial hair. Close-up: the face of a young woman with facial hair.

Hirsutism

Women who have very high levels of male sex hormones may have excess hair growth on their body and face. This condition, known as hirsutism, can be treated in various ways.

Type 2 diabetes: woman holding dumbbells in both hands, actively engaged in sports and smiling. Type 2 diabetes: woman holding dumbbells in both hands, actively engaged in sports and smiling.

Type 2 diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, the blood sugar level is raised because the body’s cells fail to respond properly to the hormone insulin and don’t absorb enough sugar from the blood.

Type 1 diabetes: doctor holding a blood glucose meter to a woman’s finger tip. Type 1 diabetes: doctor holding a blood glucose meter to a woman’s finger tip.

Type 1 diabetes

With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces very little or no insulin. To supply the body with this essential hormone, people with the disease need daily injections of insulin.

Doctor holding a model of a uterus and ovaries explaining something and pointing a pen at the uterus. Doctor holding a model of a uterus and ovaries explaining something and pointing a pen at the uterus.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a female hormone disorder in which there is an excess of male sexual hormones. PCOS can be treated successfully.

A pregnant woman sits on a treatment table. A woman in a blue lab coat and surgical gloves sits next to her holding a measuring device on the pregnant woman’s hand. A pregnant woman sits on a treatment table. A woman in a blue lab coat and surgical gloves sits next to her holding a measuring device on the pregnant woman’s hand.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) increases the risk of certain rare birth complications. This risk can usually be reduced by a change in diet.

A woman lies in bed with a hot water bottle on her abdomen. A woman lies in bed with a hot water bottle on her abdomen.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome refers to set of symptoms that women may have before their monthly menstrual period. Typical symptoms include mood swings, headaches and abdominal pain.

A woman lies in bed with her legs drawn up, holding a hot water bottle to her stomach. A woman lies in bed with her legs drawn up, holding a hot water bottle to her stomach.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease experienced by women. For some, it is barely noticeable; for others, it causes severe pain. Find out more about the symptoms and treatment.

Acne: young woman looking at her face in the mirror. Acne: young woman looking at her face in the mirror.

Acne

Acne can be very distressing. Various things can be done to alleviate the symptoms. However, it takes time and patience to improve the complexion of the skin.

A baby lying on a cushion. The skin above its eyebrows is yellowish and flaky. Someone is applying ointment to the inflamed skin. A baby lying on a cushion. The skin above its eyebrows is yellowish and flaky. Someone is applying ointment to the inflamed skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a non-contagious inflammation of the skin. It causes red patches and oily flakes to form on the skin, especially on the face and scalp. Men are more often affected than women.

A doctor talking to a couple. A doctor talking to a couple.

Infertility

Being unable to have children due to a fertility problem can be very stressful and many couples seek medical assistance. Depending on the cause, there are various treatment options. 

A woman having an ultrasound scan of her neck A woman having an ultrasound scan of her neck

Overactive parathyroid glands

Overactive parathyroid glands can cause bone degradation, kidney stones and cognitive impairments. This hormone disorder can often be cured with surgery.

Hypothyroidism: woman clutching her throat. Hypothyroidism: woman clutching her throat.

Underactive thyroid

With an underactive thyroid, the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This slows down the metabolism. People affected often feel lethargic, have a low heart rate and constipation.

An older woman has stopped during her walk. She is bent forward slightly with both hands on her heart and is having difficulty breathing. An older woman has stopped during her walk. She is bent forward slightly with both hands on her heart and is having difficulty breathing.

Broken heart syndrome

Broken heart syndrome refers to a disruption in the functioning of the heart muscle. It is often triggered by an emotionally stressfully event, such as the death of a loved one.

A man’s very hairy back A man’s very hairy back

Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis)

Hypertrichosis is increased hair growth – either on the entire body or only in certain areas. Depending on the cause, there are various treatment options.

A doctor examines a young woman’s enlarged thyroid gland by touch. A doctor examines a young woman’s enlarged thyroid gland by touch.

Goiter

A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. The most common cause is an iodine deficiency. Various treatment options are available.

Person sitting on the toilet with their trousers down and slippers at their feet. Person sitting on the toilet with their trousers down and slippers at their feet.

Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus causes excessive urination and increased thirst. It is caused by a hormone that is missing or ineffective.