Q and A: about health and research

Since 1997, I’ve been puzzled by the consistent neglect of the endocrine system—particularly hormones—in standard medical testing. Despite its central role in maintaining metabolic balance, hormonal regulation is often treated as secondary or peripheral, especially outside of overt reproductive concerns. In conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the focus has traditionally been on reproductive symptoms, reinforcing a narrow view of endocrine disorders as primarily affecting women’s fertility. This limited perspective not only overlooks the systemic nature of hormonal regulation but also contributes to incomplete and delayed diagnoses in both women and men . The endocrine system governs critical functions such as metabolism, glucose regulation, stress response, and energy management. When this system is not fully assessed, key hormonal imbalances—like insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, or adrenal stress—are often missed. Hormonal dysfunction may present differently ac...