Hormones are extremely important for regulating many of the body's functions. When there is too much or too little of a certain hormone, it can cause hormonal imbalances or hormonal disorders. Some common hormonal disorders include: Thyroid disorders The thyroid gland regulates metabolism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold. Hyperthyroidism is when too much thyroid hormone is produced, causing symptoms like sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and irritability. Diabetes The hormones insulin and glucagon work together to control blood sugar levels. In diabetes, the body does not properly produce or use insulin. This causes high blood sugar and symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) This hormonal disorder affects women and involves imbalance of reproductive hormones. Symptoms often include irregular periods, excess hair growth, and small cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can also cause fertility problems. Early or late puberty The hormones controlling growth and puberty can be disrupted. Precocious puberty is puberty that occurs at an abnormally young age. Delayed puberty is lack of physical pubertal changes by an older age. Menopause In middle-age women, estrogen levels drop significantly. The transition is called menopause and often causes hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and interrupting sleep patterns. The causes of hormonal disorders vary. Risk factors include family history, poor diet, chronic stress, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms range from mild to severely debilitating. Treatment depends on the specific hormonal imbalance but may include: