We are living in a time where “hormone imbalance” is one of the most common diagnoses given

to women —

and one of the least helpful.

It sounds medical. It sounds validating.

But it tells you absolutely nothing about what is actually wrong.

In this episode of Endocrine Matters, Dr. Arti Thangudu breaks down why the term “hormone

imbalance” is not a real medical diagnosis — and what it’s often being used to cover up.

This episode explores:

🧠 Why “hormone imbalance” is not a recognized diagnosis in medicine

📊 The difference between real endocrine conditions and vague symptom labels

⚠ How this term is used to oversimplify complex medical issues

🔍 The truth about adrenal fatigue and why it’s not a real diagnosis

💊 The risks behind unregulated hormone and adrenal support supplements

📈 Why hormone testing like the DUTCH test is often misunderstood or misused

🩺 What a proper hormonal evaluation should actually look like

Dr. Thangudu also explains how women often end up with this label — not because their

symptoms aren’t real, but because the healthcare system frequently fails to provide thorough,

individualized evaluation.

And when that happens, it creates space for vague diagnoses, unnecessary supplements, and

missed conditions that deserve real treatment.

This episode is about reclaiming clarity in your health.

Because your symptoms are real —

but the explanation you’re given needs to be real too.

About the Host

Dr. Arti Thangudu is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in endocrinology, diabetes,

and metabolism, with additional certification in Lifestyle Medicine and menopause care. She

focuses on evidence-based care, metabolic health, hormone health, and improving

transparency in healthcare.

In This Episode You’ll Learn

• Why “hormone imbalance” is not a real medical diagnosis

• The difference between vague symptom labels and true endocrine disorders

• What adrenal fatigue actually is (and isn’t)

• The risks of hormone and adrenal supplements

• How proper hormone testing and diagnosis should be done

Resources Mentioned

If you’ve been told you have “hormone imbalance,

” consider discussing proper evaluation with a

qualified physician, including:

• Thyroid function testing

• PCOS evaluation

• Menopause and perimenopause assessment

• Adrenal function testing when appropriate

Learn More / Connect

✨ See Dr. Thangudu in clinic:

Complete Medicine → https://www.sacomplete.com/💌 Stay connected:

📲 Follow Dr. Arti Thangudu

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/drartithangudu

About Endocrine Matters

Endocrine Matters is a podcast dedicated to hormone health, metabolic health, thyroid disease,

menopause, obesity medicine, and evidence-based healthcare education.

Each episode breaks down complex medical topics so patients can make informed, empowered

decisions about their health.

What Does Hormone Imbalance Really Mean?