Hormoonsõltuvus

Hormoonsõltuvus refers to a condition where an individual's body has become dependent on exogenous hormones, often administered for medical reasons, to maintain normal physiological function. This dependence typically arises after prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy or other treatments involving hormone administration. When the external source of hormones is reduced or stopped, the body may struggle to produce its own hormones adequately, leading to withdrawal symptoms and functional impairment.

The concept is most commonly discussed in the context of corticosteroid dependence. Individuals who have been on long-term corticosteroid therapy, such as prednisone, for conditions like asthma, autoimmune diseases, or inflammatory disorders, can develop adrenal insufficiency if the medication is withdrawn too quickly. The body's natural production of cortisol by the adrenal glands can be suppressed by exogenous corticosteroids, and recovery of this function can take time. Symptoms of withdrawal can include fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, nausea, and a drop in blood pressure.

Other hormonal systems can also be affected. For instance, prolonged use of certain medications that influence sex hormones might lead to a degree of dependence, though this is less frequently termed "hormoonsõltuvus" in common medical parlance. Management of hormonal dependence involves careful, gradual tapering of the administered hormone under medical supervision to allow the body's endocrine system time to readjust and resume its natural production. This process requires close monitoring by healthcare professionals to prevent severe withdrawal complications and ensure a safe transition back to endogenous hormone production.