Metabolic & Hormonal Treatments

Diseases and disorders with underlying metabolic and hormonal signs (causes) are diverse and must be addressed individually.

The term metabolism defines the process in which the body modifies substances with the use of proteins called enzymes to create a new substance.

The body can then use this new, created substance (examples are amino acids, lipids, or carbohydrates) directly or it can be modified further in additional processes.

A hormone is a chemical compound that is produced in one region of the body and travels to another part of the body to exert its effects. Its target action is typically very specific and thus the region which recognizes the hormone and binds it must have very specific receptors for the hormone.

Different metabolic and hormonal treatments/disorders are covered below where more specific treatments can be addressed.

Any disease or disorder in which an enzyme is absent or does not work properly can create toxic effects, or drastic impairment in the function of an organ or tissue.

Any disease or disorder in which a hormone is absent, is not produced in the appropriate quantities, or is not recognized by its target region can create drastic complications in the function of organs and tissues.

Diagnosis of metabolic or hormonal disorders could be through the observation of the obvious signs, or through blood and/or tissue testing.

If treatment is possible it would likely consist of drugs which mimic or replace the defective enzyme, hormone, or action of the defective metabolic/hormonal process.