Hormones and metabolism
Thyroid hormones and stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, influence metabolic performance (basal metabolic rate) and stress perception. The thyroid gland helps regulate growth, bone health, cardiovascular functions, brain development and function, energy levels, reproductive health, and intestinal function.
Hormones are generally networked with one another via control loops, e.g., thyroid diseases (the most common being Hashimoto’s thyroiditis*) lead to problems related to disorders in other hormonal systems (e.g., menstrual cycle disorders). In our specialist Endocrinology Department, functional testing of these hormonal control loops is carried out. Only after exact determination of these systems can hormonal deficiencies be identified. Hormonal control loop analysis following stimulation tests is a principal focus of endocrinologists.
Our centre has its own in-house hormone laboratory specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of:
- Thyroid gland diseases (nodular development, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, and hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism
- Diseases of the parathyroid gland (regulates bone metabolism), osteoporosis
- Adrenal gland disorders, e.g., adrenal adenomas, elevated male hormone levels (DHEAS, androstenedione, testosterone)
- Enzyme disorders
- Hormone disorders affecting men: sexual and erectile dysfunction, infertility, hair loss
- Hormone disorders affecting women: menstrual disorders, problems falling pregnant, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hair loss
- Bone diseases (osteoporosis)
Please note: At our centre in Frankfurt, blood samples for laboratory testing are taken in the morning and the patient must arrive in a fasted state.
- *More information on Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (interview with fitbook):
