Hormones control many bodily functions, including fluid balance, metabolism, and the levels of calcium and glucose (sugar) in the blood. Hormones circulate through the bloodstream and affect many different organ systems.

The following are questions you can ask your health care provider regarding hormone disorders:

1. Should I have a blood test to check the function of my thyroid gland?
2. If I am taking thyroid hormone medication, how often should I have a blood test to check if my dose of thyroid hormone is right for me?
3. If I was told I may have an overactive thyroid gland, do I need to have any other tests, like a thyroid nuclear medicine scan, to help figure out what is wrong with my thyroid gland?
4. Could my medications be causing a problem with my thyroid gland?
5. I was told I have an overactive thyroid gland, which can be treated with medications, surgery or radioactive iodine. Given my age and other health issues, what is the best choice of treatment for me?
6. If I don't get outdoors very much, should I take vitamin D?
7. If I don't drink much dairy, should I take calcium tablets?
8. What is the right amount of calcium for me to take each day?
9. If I take calcium, do I have to worry about taking too much calcium?
10. If I am taking a water pill for high blood pressure or some other reason, do I need to be careful about how much salt and potassium I have in my diet?
11. If I am taking corticosteroid medications (like prednisone) now or in the recent past, do I need to worry about my hormone levels being too low if I suddenly become ill?
12. If I am taking corticosteroid medications now or in the recent past, is there some way I can notify other health care providers that I have been taking prednisone should I suddenly become sick, like wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace?
13. If I am a man: I have read that testosterone levels can be low in older men. Should my testosterone level be checked?
14. If I am a man: I was told my testosterone level is low. How do I know if I should be treated with testosterone medication? Given my other health conditions, is it safe for me to take testosterone medication?
15. If I am a woman: I have heard about the risks of taking female hormones (estrogen) after menopause. I have been taking female hormones for a long time and I need advice whether I should stop taking these medicines.
16. If I am a woman: Is it safe for me to take female hormones (estrogen) around the time I am going through the 'change of life' (menopause) for my hot flashes? For how long can I safely take female hormones?