The Hormonal Disruption Caused by Concussions – What You Should Know
Struggling with lingering concussion symptoms? You’re doing everything right—rehab, exercise, clean eating—but recovery still feels slow. What if your hormones are the missing piece? In this post, we’ll uncover the surprising link between concussions and hormonal imbalances, how they impact recovery, and what you can do about it.
Table of Contents
Understanding Hormonal Dysfunction After a Concussion
How Common Are Hormonal Dysfunctions?
Recognizing Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
How to Diagnose Hormonal Imbalances
Treatment Options for Hormonal Imbalances
Understanding Hormonal Dysfunction After a Concussion
After a concussion, your brain experiences a neurometabolic cascade, which can disrupt blood flow and inflammation. This cascade can impact critical structures like your pituitary gland, a small but crucial control center for hormone regulation. Damage to this gland can lead to various hormonal deficiencies such as:
Growth hormone insufficiency
Low testosterone
Adrenal insufficiency
This hormonal disruption can result in fatigue, muscle loss, and cognitive difficulties, leading many to mistakenly attribute their symptoms to other issues like stress or vestibular problems.
How Common Are Hormonal Dysfunctions?
Research suggests that hormonal dysfunction can occur in up to 30% of mild traumatic brain injury cases and even higher in moderate to severe cases. For example:
Growth hormone deficiency can range from 5% to 40% one year post-concussion.
Adrenal insufficiency is especially common among stressed athletes.
In military veterans with blast-related injuries, up to 42% may experience pituitary dysfunction.
For women, hormonal imbalances can manifest as menstrual irregularities within 90 days post-injury, affecting recovery and long-term health.
Recognizing Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
Symptoms of hormonal imbalances often overlap with common post-concussion symptoms, making them easy to overlook. Key symptoms to watch for include:
Fatigue and poor exercise tolerance
Weight gain or loss
Mood swings and cognitive difficulties
Menstrual issues in women
How to Diagnose Hormonal Imbalances
If you suspect hormonal issues are affecting your recovery, it's essential to undergo a thorough evaluation. Start with standard concussion assessments, including:
Symptom scoring (e.g., PCSS)
Vestibular ocular motor screening (VOMS)
Neurological exams
Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Testing (BCTT)
Etc…
For further investigation, consider hormone testing, which may include:
Thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4, and antibodies)
Cortisol testing (morning, at least; ideally, multi-point)
Sex hormone levels (testosterone, estrogen, SHBG, etc…)
Growth hormone screening (e.g., ITT or IGF-1 levels)
Treatment Options for Hormonal Imbalances
Once hormonal deficiencies are identified, the treatment is often simple replacement:
Hormone Replacement Therapy: This may involve replacing low levels of growth hormone, testosterone, or cortisol.
Dietary Interventions: A balanced diet rich in omega-3s, creatine, and other nutrients can support hormone regulation.
Integrative approaches, such as botanical or nutraceutical supplements, may also be beneficial but should be tailored to individual needs.
Final Thoughts
If you're experiencing fatigue, mood issues, or poor performance long after a concussion, consider that hormonal imbalances might be the missing piece. Addressing these issues can significantly enhance your recovery journey.
Don't forget the basics: prioritize sleep, nutrition, and stress management. If you found this information helpful, feel free to check out my other blogs on alcohol after concussion and sleep after a concussion.
Thanks for reading, and take charge of your health!
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