What affects changes in hormonal levels. How does hormonal imbalance manifest in women? Here are the likely causes of these symptoms
The level of hormones and their balanced interaction have a huge impact on the condition of the female body. Hormonal imbalance is a pathology characterized by insufficient production of sex hormones.
In women, such a failure causes various diseases of the reproductive system and, in combination with immunity disorders, inflammation and sexually transmitted infections, causes a number of serious pathologies: menstrual irregularities, uterine fibroids, hyperplasia, polyps and polycystic disease.
It is very important to regularly conduct gynecological examinations, because a number of diseases of the reproductive system are asymptomatic, without pain, bleeding and other clinical manifestations.
In this article, we will take a closer look at hormonal imbalance in women, find out its first signs, and the main symptoms that are worth paying attention to. Let's not go unnoticed and current methods treatment of this problem in women.
Causes
There are many factors contributing to hormonal imbalance in women. This is primarily due to the dependence of hormonal status on the work of neuroendocrine regulation of the central nervous system, which is located in the brain, and on the proper functioning of the endocrine glands, which are localized in the periphery.
In this regard, the reasons contributing to hormonal disorders can be divided into two large groups:
- Causes, caused by disturbances in the functioning of central regulation.
- Causes, provoked by pathological processes, occurring in the peripheral glands. Malfunctions in their work can be caused by tumors, infections, inflammatory processes, etc.
So, let’s highlight the main causes of hormonal imbalance in women:
- Genetic predisposition. Congenital defects of the hormonal system are a rather complex condition that is difficult to correct. As a rule, the main cause for concern in this case is primary amenorrhea (the complete absence of menstruation in girls after 16 years of age).
- Malfunctions of the endocrine system(problems with proper work pancreas, thyroid and adrenal glands).
- At use of oral contraceptives, they contain hormones, so a disorder begins, which first manifests itself in excess weight.
- Because of colds, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, hormone levels can often be disrupted. It has been proven that those girls who often suffered from various infectious diseases have problems with hormonal levels in adulthood.
- Poor nutrition, when a girl tortures herself with exhausting diets, when food intake is reduced, the body lacks the necessary elements with the help of which certain hormones are produced.
- Diseases of various types, among which are bronchial asthma, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, breast cysts and frequent headaches (migraines).
- Surgical operations relating to the internal genital organs of women.
- Severe nervous breakdown, stress (including chronic stress), depression– all of the above often negatively affects a woman’s hormonal background.
- Excess body weight. The more extra pounds a woman has, the higher the likelihood that she will experience hormonal imbalance.
Such natural states In women, adolescence, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and menopause can affect the imbalance of hormonal levels, but most often the body itself restores the necessary balance of hormones.
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women
The clinical picture of hormonal imbalance in women is directly related to age and physiological state.
In particular, if the formation of secondary sexual characteristics slows down in adolescents, then in women of childbearing age the main symptoms are concentrated on the menstrual cycle and the ability to conceive.
In this regard, the symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women can be different, but the most striking signs indicating this pathology are:
- Irregular menstruation. Frequently delayed periods or their absence for a certain period of time.
- Mood swings and irritability. The woman’s mood often changes, but most of her mood is bad. Manifestation of anger and aggression towards people around him, pessimism, frequent depression - all this can be another manifestation of hormonal imbalance.
- Weight gain. Excess weight, fat deposits quickly appear, while nutrition does not affect it. When a woman is even on a strict diet, eating practically nothing, she still gains weight due to a hormonal imbalance.
- Decreased sex drive. It happens that with hormonal imbalance, women note a decrease in sexual desire and interest in sexual life.
- Hair loss . A common symptom of hormonal imbalance in women is, which can be very intense.
- Headache . Other manifestations may also be characteristic of hormonal imbalance, but they are more of an individual nature. For example, such symptoms may be: the appearance of wrinkles, fibrocystic formations in the breast, uterine fibroids, vaginal dryness.
- Insomnia, fatigue. Due to the fact that the woman’s sleep is disturbed, she does not sleep at night, she is tormented by constant weakness and drowsiness. Even when a woman is well rested, she still feels overwhelmed.
Treatment for hormonal imbalance in a woman is prescribed based on the results of a study of general hormonal levels. Usually, to relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalance, medications are prescribed that contain hormones that are produced insufficiently or completely in a woman’s body.
Specific and nonspecific signs
All those signs that indicate the presence of a hormonal imbalance in a woman can be divided into two large groups: specific and nonspecific symptoms.
TO the first group includes:
- problems conceiving a child;
- an increase in the amount of hair on the body and the rate of its growth;
- menstrual irregularities;
- a sharp increase in body weight while maintaining the same lifestyle;
- uterine bleeding, not related to menstruation.
TO nonspecific signs can be attributed:
- weakness of a woman;
- fatigue quickly even in the absence objective reasons for this;
- frequent headaches;
- sleep disorders (insomnia or, conversely, constant drowsiness);
- decreased sex drive;
- dryness of the vaginal mucosa.
As a rule, when such symptoms are detected, the doctor prescribes additional examinations that allow differential diagnosis.
Symptoms in girls
Symptoms of failure in teenage girls:
- Poorly developed mammary glands.
- If the girl is already 16 years old, and she still has never had (had, but very irregularly) menstruation.
- Excessive amount of body hair or complete absence.
- Excessive thinness, long and thin legs and arms. Weight that does not reach 48 kg.
In many cases, it will be necessary to establish the correct daily routine for the girl and everything will go away on its own. But in severe cases, hormonal medications may be prescribed, which are taken strictly according to the instructions.
Consequences
Hormonal imbalance causes disturbances in the functioning of the whole organism, so if the cause is not recognized in time, there is a risk of complications, such as:
- infertility;
- obesity;
- osteoporosis;
- sexual dysfunction;
- gynecological diseases of various origins;
- hormone-dependent benign or malignant tumors;
- with an increased risk of developing .
It must be taken into account that dysfunctions and many diseases caused by hormone imbalance are very difficult to treat. But if you know why hormonal imbalance occurs and how you can cope with it, you can significantly ease such an unpleasant process.
Treatment of hormonal imbalance in women
Due to the fact that any hormonal imbalance can lead to quite serious consequences, this condition requires mandatory correction. However, before starting treatment for hormonal imbalance, a woman should find out the reason that triggered the hormonal shift. To do this, you need to consult an endocrinologist and also take a blood test to check your hormonal status.
Depending on the reason that caused the hormonal imbalance, treatment can be based on:
- hormonal therapy and/or treatment of sexually transmitted infections;
- following a special diet (for example, selenium-zinc for adolescents or vegetarian during menopause);
- sometimes surgery is required.
However, in case of hormonal imbalance in women, in most cases, treatment is associated with replacement therapy, which uses a number of artificial drugs similar in structure to the secretion of the gonads, such as Mastodion, Klimadion, Cyclodion. In view of this, the prescription of complex therapy can only be carried out on the basis of laboratory diagnostics.
Also, much attention is paid to nutrition and exercise, adherence to a rest regime and labor activity. Women are often prescribed a diet that increases their intake of fruits and vegetables, herbal infusions and teas, and includes other alternative methods such as nutritional supplements and vitamin complexes. In some clinics, in order to restore the balance of female hormones, hirudotherapy, that is, treatment with leeches, is offered.
Prevention
Everyone knows that preventing a disease is much easier than treating it. Therefore, women who do not want to know about hormonal disorders in women and not have problems with them should do the following as a preventive measure:
- Keep a regular menstrual cycle calendar;
- monitor the nature of menstrual flow.
And the most important thing is to undergo a preventive examination with a gynecologist twice a year, even if there are no visible reasons for concern - unfortunately, “women’s” diseases tend not to make themselves felt for the time being.
(Visited 13,350 times, 1 visits today)
Women's health experts never tire of repeating that maintaining normal hormonal levels is just as important as monitoring weight, blood pressure and blood sugar. Why shouldn't you ignore this advice? Our expert helps you understand this difficult issue -
Natalia Zubareva
, endocrinologist, nutritionist. Member Russian society nutritionists and nutritionists.
For example, you are 40 years old or just over 40 - it doesn’t matter. And it seems like it’s a sin to complain about life: your career is successful, you’re happy with your husband, your children are fine. But still, something is missing, there is no drive, no flight, the soul does not sing, and sex does not inspire. You begin to attribute everything to a midlife crisis, find a bunch of different reasons that explain your increasing apathy every day. But this doesn't make it any better. Experts say it's time to check your hormonal levels - changing them gives all the symptoms listed and even more. Like clockwork
Over the past two decades, the role of hormones in a woman’s life has been the subject of intense study and fierce debate among medical scientists. The most advanced research in the field of childbirth and menopause is devoted to them. Doctors are now writing books about hormones, and they are flying off bookstore shelves like hotcakes. By the way, our expert Natalya Zubareva is also the author of the bestseller “Waltz of Hormones. Weight, sleep, sex, beauty and health just like clockwork.” And the point is not to make a name for yourself on a hot topic, but to talk about the importance of hormonal processes in a woman’s body. Let's be honest with ourselves: we remember about hormones only during critical days, when irritability goes off scale, and before the onset of menopause, when things start to go wrong. nervous system, plagued by headaches and insomnia.
But hormones are not only about health. Our memory, creative thinking, career advancement and, of course, relationships with men are connected with them. Cortisol and telomeres
To further understand the relationship between health and hormonal levels, let's find out what the concept of “hormonal balance” means and what it depends on. “In the body there are many organs and individual cell clusters that are capable of producing hormones and participating in the endocrine regulation of vital functions,” explains Natalya Zubareva. - The pituitary gland and hypothalamus are considered the most important. These glands are located in the brain and, according to their position, control all other organs of the endocrine system: the thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, gonads and pancreas. It is their normal work that provides us with such an important hormonal balance; I call it the “waltz of hormones.” The reasons for imbalance can be very different, and, in our opinion, ordinary person, very insignificant. Our expert gives this simple example: “A woman’s body lives according to circadian rhythms set by the planet itself, and it doesn’t care about our work schedule or habits. If you regularly go to bed after midnight and don’t get up at six or seven in the morning, when the adrenal glands release cortisol into the blood to the maximum, and later, it turns from a hormone of energy and joy into a stress hormone. Increased level cortisol leads to an increase in blood pressure and sugar levels.
Another problem with excess cortisol is that it shortens our telomeres, the ends of chromosomes that do protective function. There are studies that show how excess stress and, as a result, excess cortisol shorten telomeres and reduce the activity of telomerase (an enzyme that prevents telomere shortening). The same goes for ghrelin, the hunger hormone. The more you go on strict diets, the more actively this hormone begins to work and swing your appetite. That is, we create many problems for ourselves.” Do without medications
But not only cortisol affects health, sexuality and ability to work. “It is very difficult to think creatively and create when you are depressed, which means it is necessary to maintain normal serotonin levels,” says Natalya Zubareva. - Advancement up the career ladder is impossible without vigor, energy and self-confidence, and for this it is necessary that norepinephrine be at the level. And our hormonal background is responsible for all this.” Unfortunately, maintaining normal hormonal levels is not so easy. After all, the slightest changes in our health and emotional state immediately causes him to hesitate. Age-related changes in the body, various diseases, developmental anomalies, and even climatic and environmental conditions also affect it. You have probably noticed that in the cold season, especially when daylight hours are significantly reduced, minor deviations in well-being occur, but in the spring, on the contrary, you feel a rise, or a “hormonal explosion.” Changes in hormonal levels are associated with many problems, ranging from depression, excess hair growth, to infertility and the development of tumor diseases. It will not be possible to bring hormonal swings into balance with the help of a “magic” pill, no matter how much you would like. “On the contrary, treatment of hormones with hormones sometimes leads to further big problems, warns Natalya Zubareva. - But my many years of practice and thousands of happy, healthy patients confirm that hormonal imbalance can be dealt with without drugs, by changing lifestyle, nutrition and thinking. For example, every season 10–15 patients of my online school get rid of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and after a few months inform me about the long-awaited pregnancy, although conception had not occurred for many years before. On the contrary, if you mindlessly take pills, in particular COCs, eliminating (and sometimes not eliminating) the symptoms, you will not be able to determine the cause of the hormonal imbalance.” Raise serotonin
It is also important to monitor your hormonal levels because hormones really decide everything or almost everything in our body, and therefore in life too. “Very often, ignorance about some problems with hormones leads to the fact that a woman attributes symptoms to other reasons or completely brushes them off, which ultimately leads to even greater health problems,” says Natalya Zubareva. - This, for example, often happens with thyroid disorders. A woman can complain about fatigue for years, cry every day because of some nonsense and not know that this signals problems with her thyroid gland. Or another example - a girl goes to the gym to lose weight and listens to a trainer who recommends that she eat five to six times a day, but at the same time she has insulin resistance, in which such a regimen is simply destructive. And no one would ever think of the simple thought of checking hormonal levels or getting tested. Instead of seeking help from a doctor, the girl continues to “rock the boat” and wait for a miracle of losing weight, but the miracle does not happen for a very clear reason.”
By the way, the example about fitness is given here for a reason. Every time you start exercising, your hormonal system is activated. The hormones released during various exercises provide an additional boost of energy, increase motivation and improve mood. You yourself have probably noticed that after a good workout you feel much freer and more confident than before. And my health is improving. Right? This is because fitness improves the functioning of the heart and lungs, delivering fuel to the muscles, and helps the body recover after hard work. But most importantly, fitness increases the level of serotonin and lowers the level of the stress hormone - cortisol. When is a doctor needed?
Do not consider it a banality, but hormonal disorders, in fact, like any disorders in the body, are easier to prevent than to treat. “Many women naively believe that there is no need to worry about hormones until menopause,” says Natalya Zubareva, “but in fact, our hormonal levels begin to change from the age of 20. DHEA (adrenal androgen) and testosterone levels begin to fall. On the contrary, the level of cortisol may increase, which entails a decrease in the level of other hormones responsible for our sexuality. Or increased testosterone leads to polycystic ovary syndrome. Some experience decreased estrogen and/or progesterone, resulting in estrogen dominance or PMS. And how many women have a low thyroid gland?
Of course, you need to monitor your hormones. From puberty and throughout life. As for ways to support the hormonal system, they are all extremely individual for each of us. And only an endocrinologist can select them. Life hacks from the doctor
Although there are still general recommendations. It is advisable to perform them to maintain hormonal balance. One of the points is giving up bad habits. There’s nothing to talk about here; you yourself understand perfectly well why they have no place in the life of a successful woman who strives to maintain health and attractiveness.
And yet about negative impact We remind you once again about the hormonal background of tobacco and alcohol. Both are not useful. It is useful to control your blood pressure. You can do this yourself using a home blood pressure monitor. And a few more words about proper nutrition. Despite the fact that this topic is so extensive that it requires a separate article, our expert Natalya Zubareva kindly shared her life hacks: “For hormonal balance, you need fish oil or fatty fish several times a week, flaxseed oil (liquid or in capsules) or flaxseed ( for porridge, for example, ground is best), any nuts or seeds in general (not fried, but raw). Amount - a palm per day, approximately 20–30 g. I also recommend eating half an avocado per day, in salads or simply with bread or crispbread.
Use various unrefined oils, and not only exotic ones, but also native sunflower oil. Don’t forget about cottage cheese, with a fat content of at least 2–5%, and wild sesame: unpeeled, unpolished, preferably black. It is an excellent source of bioavailable calcium for bone health, beautiful hair and strong nails." What's for dessert?
It is always difficult to resist chocolate, eclair, cheesecake and other sweets in general. And during PMS, severe stress, quitting smoking is beyond our feminine strength. In all these cases, there is a catastrophic lack of serotonin, and sweets are the easiest way to replenish its supply. “But such a boost in mood comes at a cost,” our expert says in his book. - All calories eaten for the sake of serotonin replenishment pass into adipose tissue precisely in the waist and abdomen.
Solution: eat more complex carbohydrates, since carbohydrate foods consumed in accordance with a properly calculated regimen will reduce the severity of ailments associated with suppression of the serotonin system.”
Hormone imbalance causes:
increased blood glucose levels;weight gain or sudden weight loss;
blurred vision;
weakening libido;
excess body hair growth;
low-grade fever for a long time;
insomnia;
bad mood and increased irritability;
absent-minded attention;
hand tremors;
increased sweating;
blood pressure surges.
By chemical structure Hormones are divided into three groups:
- Protein-peptide
- Amino acid derivatives
- Steroid
Hormones are formed in very small quantities and act on the body through the blood (humoral). Their activity is determined by a number of conditions: the supply of necessary vitamins and microelements, amino acids not synthesized by the body, etc.
In a broader sense, hormones include substances that are produced in cells and affect other cells: hormones of animals that do not have a circulatory system; hormones that are not produced in the endocrine glands (prostaglandins, erythropoietins, etc.); plant hormones.
Hormonal background - the ratio of hormones in the human body.
What causes hormonal changes?
Changes in hormonal levels are caused by a large number internal and external factors: age-related changes in the body, various diseases, psycho-emotional state, developmental anomalies, climatic and environmental conditions, etc.
For example, a slowdown in a number of physiological processes in winter time is associated with changes in hormonal levels, and is manifested by corresponding deviations in well-being. In spring, such processes are activated, which is marked by a “hormonal explosion.”
There are also differences between female and male hormonal levels.
A woman’s hormonal background is not constant and depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle.
An increase in hormonal levels is observed during pregnancy: production large quantity hormones are observed in the first trimester, and then the expectant mother’s body gradually adapts to the new state.
What are the main glands that produce hormones?
The endocrine system consists of the following components: thyroid, parathyroid (parathyroid), pancreas, thymus (thymus), adrenal glands and genitals, pituitary gland and pineal gland.
The activity of each component of the endocrine system is interconnected with the functioning of the others:
- The pituitary gland produces hormones (tropic hormones, prolactin, etc.) that regulate the activity of other endocrine glands
- Thyroid hormones (thyroid hormones are hormones containing iodine: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)) are responsible for the processes of development, growth and metabolism
- The parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormones (parathyroidocrines) and regulates calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the body
- The adrenal cortex produces sex hormones and hormones responsible for carbohydrate, fat, protein and mineral metabolism. The adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and norepinephrine, which support normal work heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and blood glucose levels. The adrenal glands also synthesize mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids
- Pancreatic hormones (insulin, glucagon) are responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates and other substances
- The gonads provide the formation of secondary sexual characteristics and the formation of germ cells
- The pineal gland regulates the cyclical and rhythmic processes of the body, producing the night hormone melatonin and the daytime hormone serotonin.
- The thymus gland produces hormones responsible for the development of immune system cells
Main signs of hormonal imbalance
1. Weight loss with increased appetite. This sign may indicate increased thyroid function. In this case, such a symptom may be supplemented by hand tremors, sleep disturbances, mood swings and nervousness, sweating, heart problems, a prolonged increase in temperature to 37–37.5oC, and sexual dysfunction.
2. Many hormonal imbalances are accompanied by obesity. So, in case of problems with the thyroid gland, weakness, drowsiness, hair loss, dry skin, decreased blood pressure and temperature, hoarseness.
3. Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) may be a manifestation of gonadal dysfunction. In women, this is most often associated with increased testosterone production. May be accompanied by acne (pimples), oily skin, dandruff, menstrual irregularities and fertility problems.
4. The formation of striae (purple stretch marks on the skin) indicates a disorder of the hypothalamic-pituitary system or dysfunction of the adrenal glands. At the same time, there may be an increase in blood pressure up to high values, deposition of adipose tissue in the abdomen, back, neck and face, sexual dysfunction, hypertrichosis, noticeable decrease in immunity.
5. The manifestation of the initial signs of acromegaly is characterized by an enlargement of the skull (lower jaw, cheekbones and brow ridges), hands, feet, and is associated with the production of excess amounts of somatotropic hormone - growth hormone. Accompanied by joint pain, headaches, numbness of the limbs, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and other symptoms.
6. A tumor of the pituitary gland may be accompanied by a sharp and persistent deterioration in vision, accompanied by headaches.
7. Early sign diabetes mellitus Itching of the skin may occur, accompanied by thirst, frequent urination and an increase in urine volume. Furunculosis, poor healing of scratches and wounds, and fatigue may occur.
8. Pale, rough, flaky skin, mood swings, slow reactions, memory impairment - may indicate the occurrence of hypothyroidism. At the same time, red spots on the legs and itchy skin, severe sweating at normal temperatures and in the absence of additional physical activity, may be a sign of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
9. Convulsive muscle contractions, constant headaches, ringing in the ears may indicate a lack of parathyroid hormone. An excess of this hormone is manifested by constant weakness, depression, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Features of a woman's hormonal background
The balance of sex hormones plays a vital role in a woman’s life. The task of such hormones is to ensure the functioning of the female reproductive system. Changes in hormonal levels caused by an imbalance of sex hormones cause the following problems:
- menstrual irregularities
- infertility; miscarriage
- labor disorders; uterine bleeding
- menopausal manifestations; development of tumor diseases (uterine fibroids, etc.)
Hormonal imbalance during puberty is manifested by the following symptoms:
- late onset of menstruation (absence before age 16)
- irregular menstrual cycle
- pronounced thinness; excess hair growth
- poor development of mammary glands
Hormonal imbalance in menopausal women is manifested by symptoms such as:
- increased fatigue
- absent-mindedness; depressive states
- Mood swings in the week before your period starts
- joint pain; breast engorgement
- night sweats
- early rise
Hormones that regulate the functioning of the female body include:
1. Estrogens- Most of them are produced by the ovaries, and very little by the adrenal glands. As the girl grows up, they are responsible for the formation of a female-type figure: wide, rounded hips, narrow shoulders; determine the growth and development of the genital organs. In adult women, they are responsible for the regularity of the menstrual cycle, the condition of the endometrium of the uterus, the body’s readiness to conceive, bear and give birth to a child. They prevent the development of atherosclerosis, regulate water-salt metabolism, calcium and phosphorus content, are responsible for the functioning of the sebaceous glands and the level of skin moisture. Lack of estrogen provokes the development of osteoporosis, cervical erosion, obesity, breast tumors, autonomic disorders and depressive states.
2. Progesterone- pregnancy hormone, synthesized by the corpus luteum of the ovary. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dissolves and the amount of progesterone decreases. This hormone determines a woman’s ability to become a mother by regulating the menstrual cycle, conception and gestation. Prepares the chest for breastfeeding. A decrease in progesterone levels can cause the development of inflammatory processes in the uterus, spontaneous abortion, disruption of the ovulatory cycle, uterine bleeding, and increased duration and pain of menstruation. Elevated levels of progesterone can lead to menstrual irregularities, the formation of corpus luteum cysts, and the development of renal failure.
3. Testosterone- produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, provides sexual desire in women. A decrease in the level of this hormone can cause kidney failure, malfunction of the sweat and sebaceous glands, and menstrual irregularities. An increase in testosterone levels is manifested by male-type hair growth and a decrease in voice timbre.
4. Hormones of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus(produces liberins and stanines, which regulate the formation of hormones in the pituitary gland).
5. - produced in the pituitary gland, stimulates the maturation of a new follicle in the ovary.
6. Luteinizing hormone (LH)- produced by the pituitary gland, responsible for ovulation in the follicle and the synthesis of estrogen in the ovary. Begins to act after FSH works.
7. Prolactin- affects the corpus luteum, causing the formation of progesterone, determines the development of mammary glands in teenage girls, and is responsible for milk production in a nursing woman.
8. Oxytocin- at the end of pregnancy and after childbirth, it causes contraction of the uterus and breast muscles, increasing the formation of milk.
9. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)- produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Pregnancy tests are based on a qualitative analysis of the content of this hormone in urine. A low level of HCG may indicate a non-developing or ectopic pregnancy, a threat of miscarriage and a number of other problems. High level HCG in a non-pregnant state may be a sign of tumor processes in the body.
Diseases that cause hormonal imbalance:
- PCOS and adrenal tumors lead to increased testosterone production
- A pituitary tumor can cause an increase in the production of any sex hormone, depending on the location of the tumor
- uterine fibroids
- viral infections (flu, rubella, measles, mumps, etc.)
Of significant importance are the genetic predisposition to hormonal imbalance, environmental conditions, overwork, disturbances in diet and sleep, and the period of onset of sexual activity (both too early and too late have a negative impact). A significant change in hormonal levels is observed after an abortion.
Diagnosis of hormonal imbalances involves blood tests for sex hormones (taken on a strictly defined day of the menstrual cycle), ultrasound of the adrenal glands and pelvic organs.
Treatment of hormonal imbalance
It is carried out by a gynecologist-endocrinologist and includes eliminating the cause of the disease, taking vitamins and hormonal medications, according to an individually selected regimen. An important role is played by the provision of psychotherapeutic assistance to patients with increased or decreased hormonal levels. In particularly severe cases, surgical intervention is possible.
Hormonal imbalance caused by natural factors usually does not require treatment. So, after childbirth, the restoration of hormonal levels occurs spontaneously. When menopause occurs, traditional medicine can help relieve symptoms.
Immediate treatment requires hormonal imbalance after an abortion, which, otherwise, can lead to serious problems. It is also necessary to normalize hormonal levels in the event of the development of fibroids, polycystic disease, polyps and other diseases, to prevent their degeneration into malignant formations.
Folk methods for normalizing hormonal levels in women
- Traditional healers recommend herbs that normalize hormonal levels, such as calendula, nettle and meadow clover. The use of these components in the composition of the mixture allows you to restore hormonal levels
- To ease your well-being during menopause, infusions of lily of the valley, St. John's wort, sage, mint, and lemon balm are recommended
- Correction of hormonal levels is possible with the help of acupuncture, aromatherapy and acupressure
- According to the advice of lithotherapists (specialists in stone treatment), jewelry made from stones considered “feminine” will help normalize hormonal levels: hematite, beryl, andradite
These methods require regular implementation over a long period of time.
Features of hormonal levels in men
Most often, the question of studying hormonal levels in men arises when an unsatisfactory spermogram result is received, or when it is necessary to determine the ability to conceive. In this regard, the following hormones are determined:
1.Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)- activates Sertoli cells (causes the growth of seminiferous tubules), increases testosterone production, promoting sperm maturation. Elevated levels of FSH may indicate diseases such as alcoholism, inflammation of the testicle (orchitis), kidney failure, pituitary tumor, and insufficient function of the gonads. Additionally, high FSH levels may occur after taking certain medicines, exposure to x-ray radiation. A decrease in FSH levels is observed after surgery, with obesity, decreased function of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, fasting, and after taking certain drugs (anabolic steroids, etc.).
2. Luteinizing hormone (LH) provokes the formation of testosterone by Leydig cells, increases the permeability of the seminiferous tubules to testosterone. High levels of this hormone can be a sign of a pituitary tumor and kidney failure, or the result of stress, fasting, or sports training. A decrease in LH is observed with genetic abnormalities, smoking, obesity, stress conditions, nervous exhaustion, decreased function of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
3. Testosterone produced in the testes and adrenal cortex, affects the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, development muscle mass and skeleton, has an activating effect on sexual function (sexual desire, potency), stimulates the production of sperm, regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands and bone marrow. There are noticeable daily fluctuations in testosterone levels: higher levels in the morning with a tendency to decrease in the evening. A high level may indicate hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex, and in boys - premature puberty. Low testosterone levels are characteristic of Down syndrome, chronic prostatitis, renal failure, and obesity. Deviations from the norm may occur after taking certain medications.
4. Prolactin participates in the regulation of water-salt metabolism, promotes the production of testosterone, the formation and development of sperm. A normal increase in prolactin is observed during sleep, sexual intercourse, and physical activity. A pathological increase in hormone levels is observed in hypothyroidism, cirrhosis, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), deficiency of vitamin B6, etc. Hyperprolactinemia (constant increase in prolactin) is one of the significant causes of male infertility. A decrease in prolactin levels is the result of taking a number of medicines(anticonvulsants, morphine, etc.), failure or apoplexy of the pituitary gland.
5. Estradiol- one of the female sex hormones of the estrogen class. It is formed in the testes and in the adrenal cortex, but the main part of this hormone is synthesized from testosterone in peripheral tissues. As a result, an increase in subcutaneous fat (obesity) leads to an increase in the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Estradiol exhibits anabolic activity, accelerates bone growth, delays the removal of sodium and water from the body, reduces cholesterol levels, but at the same time it can increase irritability and nervous tension. An increase in estradiol content is typical for some testicular tumors, cirrhosis, and taking medications (anabolic steroids, cimetidine, troleandomycin, etc.). A decrease in estradiol levels is observed with weight loss, a diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates, in vegetarians, smoking, hypogonadism (underdevelopment of the gonads), chronic prostatitis and other diseases. The decrease may also be due to the use of chemotherapy drugs, aminoglutethimide and other drugs. 6. Testing for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in men is used to diagnose testicular tumors.
Hormonal imbalance in men caused by age-related changes, causes a number of problems:
- decreased performance; increased blood pressure
- deterioration of the cardiovascular and circulatory system
- development of diabetes mellitus; increased bone fragility, etc.
Diagnosis of disorders and treatment of hormonal imbalances in men are similar to those in women. A specific requirement is the need to determine the level of prolactin and gonadotropins when a decrease in testosterone levels is detected. Treatment regimens and replacement therapy are selected strictly individually.
How to improve hormonal levels with food?
Including foods such as fish (a source of omega-polyunsaturated acids), soy products, berries (a source of phytoestrogens), cabbage, and spinach in the diet helps improve hormonal levels. Sunflower seeds, nuts, pomegranates, dates allow you to compensate for estrogen deficiency. If you have a lack of progesterone, you can eat wild yam (Dioscorea, Chinese root, Atlantic yam, Mexican yam).
Is there a way to prevent hormonal disorders?
The human body is one system, in which even the slightest deviation in the content of one hormone from the norm can lead to disruption of the entire hormonal balance and cause serious changes in well-being. Therefore, it is very important to promptly seek advice from a specialist (and perhaps more than one) in order to avoid serious consequences. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable! Like any disease, hormonal disorders are sometimes easier to prevent than to treat: follow a diet and sleep regime, avoid stressful situations, promptly treat concomitant diseases, and so on.
In any case, the best prevention of hormonal disorders is love and happiness!
A perfect model appearance, regular and easy periods, a friendly and even character... This complex of individual characteristics is traditionally considered ideal, but is rarely encountered in everyday life. There are many reasons for this, but even the most self-conscious ladies understand deep down that they don’t want to hear the truthful answer to the eternal question “My light, mirror, tell me...”. And their hormonal background is responsible for this state of affairs. They rarely pay special attention to it, preferring to treat not the root cause, but the consequence. After all most of female sores are caused precisely by an imbalance of hormones in the body, and not by the action of external factors or individual characteristics of the body. But we have to admit that both doctors and their patients are more willing to treat “traditional” diseases...
Normalizing hormonal levels is a difficult task, but with the right approach it can be done. You may have to reconsider your long-term habits, change your diet and pay more attention to a healthy lifestyle, but the result is worth it. You won’t be able to completely forget about doctors, but you can make visits to the antenatal clinic less burdensome.
Choose a treatment strategy with your doctor
Generalized algorithm of actions
- Find out the root cause. Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands (there are more than 100 of them), so before you begin “military operations,” you need to understand what you have to fight with. It is impossible to do this at home, so you need to start with a visit to the doctor.
- Follow your diet. We will discuss the details below, but if you are used to having sandwiches for breakfast, lunch at McDonald's, and dinner around 11 pm, it would be too naive to count on a positive result.
- Remember the benefits of exercise. You will be surprised, but you can walk to the nearest store, and replace half a day in the beauty salon with a workout in the fitness center.
- Don't stay up past midnight so you can jump to attention in the morning with the first roosters. The 8 hours of rest allotted to the body is not a whim, but an urgent necessity.
- Get rid of bad habits. 50 grams of red wine with dinner won't hurt you, but if you change the bottle in the refrigerator every 2-3 days, it's already too much. But cigarettes should go into the trash bin without any reservations.
- Be positive. If you believe in success, then everything will definitely work out.
Attention! Drug adjustment of a woman’s hormonal levels should be carried out strictly under the supervision of a specialist. A review of the appropriate drugs, as well as individual selection of dosage, is beyond the scope of this material and cannot be objective outside of medical prescription!
Is it possible to correct hormonal levels at home? If you have already visited a doctor and agreed on treatment tactics with him, then yes. Moreover, no special effort is required from you. After all, many deviations can be dealt with with a properly selected diet or by following a gentle daily routine.
Estrogen (sex hormone)
Estrogen is the sex hormone
The attractiveness of a woman depends on him, her good mood, level of physical and mental activity, ability to conceive and bear a child normally. It also helps with work of cardio-vascular system and participates in the absorption of calcium.
- The main source of natural estrogen is soy, yoghurt, milk, butter and hard cheeses.
- Traditional medicine suggests using tinctures and decoctions based on hops, arnica, linden, licorice root, sage, ginseng and chamomile to normalize the level of the sexuality hormone.
- Drinking beer to increase estrogen levels is a vicious and harmful practice.
Cortisol
Foods high in ascorbic acid will correct cortisol imbalance
Its excess in the body can cause puffy cheeks, morning depressed mood, bad sleep, chronic depression, constant stress and fat folds in the waist area.
- Herbal medicine and folk remedies. Siberian ginseng, St. John's wort, licorice, ginkgo biloba, eleutherococcus, and sea buckthorn will help you. Fish oil has also proven itself to be quite good.
- Choose regular tea as your morning tonic rather than traditional strong coffee.
- Give preference to foods high in ascorbic acid. It's green Bell pepper, citrus fruits, potatoes. In winter, you should take multivitamin complexes and add lemon to your tea.
Somatropin (growth hormone)
A protein diet and exercise will compensate for the lack of somatropin
In charge of strengthening muscles, restoring the body after prolonged physical and mental stress, and is directly involved in shaping our mood. Consequently, a lack of somatropin leads to a decrease in performance, the appearance of “extra” centimeters at the waist, and makes the muscles flabby and weak.
- High protein foods increase growth hormone levels. Give preference to lean meat, poultry and sea fish.
- Set aside a few hours a week for sports (ball games, cycling, gym).
- Give up bad habits.
Melatonin (sleep hormone)
Adding bananas, rice and corn to your diet will increase your melatonin levels.
It promotes muscle relaxation, reduces the level of adrenaline in the blood and creates the right background for proper rest.
- Take special complexes high in calcium, magnesium and vitamin B
- Add bananas, rice and corn to your daily diet.
- Make sure there is good ventilation and natural light in the bedroom.
Leptin (satiety hormone)
The main condition for leptin production is sound sleep.
Its lack provokes a constant feeling of hunger, which has the most negative effect on the figure..
- The best supplier of leptin is Omega-3 polyunsaturated acids. They are found in some fatty fish, nuts and sunflowers.
- A necessary condition for the production of the satiety hormone is proper sleep. Don't limit yourself to a night's rest. A short nap (30-40 minutes) during the day will also help.
Serotonin (hormone of joy)
Dark chocolate promotes serotonin production
The informal name is mood hormone. After all, it is the lack of serotonin that provokes a feeling of dissatisfaction with life, fatigue and weakness.
- The easiest way to control the level of the joy hormone is on the culinary front. In addition to traditional dark chocolate, you can also try turkey, eggs, lean beef, chicken and hard cheese.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks, coffee and any yeast products.
Estradiol (femininity hormone)
The presence of meat, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet will increase estradiol levels
Chronic fatigue, tendency to depression, menstrual irregularities and excess weight- all this is a consequence of a lack of the main female hormone. But the optimal level of estradiol ensures smooth skin, firm and attractive breasts, as well as high overall body tone.
- Review your diet. Dishes made from lean meats and fish, eggs and vegetables will help you. And don't forget about fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Minimize your use pasta, bread, coffee, beans and beer.
Progesterone
Progesterone normalizes fat levels in tissues
A normal level of this hormone is a necessary condition for conception, gestation and subsequent lactation.. It is also involved in the digestion process, regulates the menstrual cycle and normalizes the level of fat in tissues.
- Add sweet red peppers, raw nuts, avocados, raspberries and olives to your diet. Progesterone is also found in many types of fish, seeds and pumpkin juice.
Insulin
The hormone maintains the natural level of glucose in the blood, enhances permeability cell membranes, participates in many metabolic processes in the body, helps in the transport of amino acids and suppresses the activity of enzymes that break down fats. It is important to understand that a lack of insulin is no less harmful than its excess. It is not found in food, but the characteristics of our diet can both slow down and speed up its formation.
- Insulin catalysts: beef, fish, dairy products, confectionery and baked goods, pasta, fruits, oatmeal and hard cheeses.
- Insulin Slowers: Legumes, grains, low-fat dairy, most vegetables, nuts, avocado, pear, pomegranate and citrus fruits (excluding tangerines).
- If you eat the main amount of food in the first half of the day and split it into 4-5 times, insulin production is noticeably reduced. The opposite is also true: a hearty dinner, which accounts for half of the daily requirement, increases the level of this hormone.
Dopamine (pleasure hormone)
Dopamine levels increase significantly during sex
It is responsible for mood and promotes the transmission of pleasure impulses to the brain, ensures concentration, normalizes kidney function, guarantees proper sleep, slows down gastric peristalsis and has the most positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Foods that promote the production of dopamine: fish, beets, fruits (bananas, strawberries, apples), chocolate, infusions and teas from dandelion, nettle, ginseng.
- If you want to increase the level of this hormone, do not neglect carnal pleasures: during sex, the concentration of dopamine increases significantly.
Histamine
It regulates the most important functions of the body, dilates blood vessels, stimulates the production of gastric juice and enhances the contraction of the muscles of the uterus. But excess histamine can provoke an allergic reaction, which sometimes ends in anaphylactic shock.
Malfunctions of the endocrine system are no less dangerous than, for example, disruptions to the functioning of the cardiovascular or digestive system, because they can lead to such serious consequences as the development of diabetes mellitus, deterioration of vision... A general practitioner tells readers of the site how identify the first signs of hormonal disorders.
All diseases have different roles. One disease comes at once, with all its might, posing a daring challenge to the body: who will win?!
The other creeps up unnoticed and systematically torments: it either “bites” or lets go, gradually making our existence unbearable.
And the third walks with us hand in hand all our lives, influencing our character, worldview and quality of life along with genes and external factors.
Hiding under different masks, diseases often become elusive. It is especially difficult to recognize an endocrine disease (when the body's normal production of hormones is disrupted).
Often, people with such disorders are examined by a variety of specialists before getting to the right place, and, having become disillusioned with traditional medicine, self-medicate in vain.
Such patients come to the endocrinologist only when the disease has reached its apogee or has changed its face so much as a result of numerous health experiments that it is extremely difficult to diagnose and treat it.
Hormonal balance
Hormonal disorders do not always have specific symptoms. Often their manifestations are similar to a variety of ailments, and sometimes are perceived only as cosmetic defects.
Therefore, you need to know the warning signs, and if they appear, you should immediately seek qualified help.
It is better to exclude a dangerous pathology in a timely manner than to later pay with your health for your self-confidence and negligence.
What is the endocrine system?
In the body, there are many organs and individual cell clusters that are capable of producing hormones and participating in the endocrine regulation of vital functions.
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus are considered the most important. These glands are located in the brain and, according to their position, control all other organs of the endocrine system: thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, gonads and pancreas.
Lesions of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland rarely manifest as isolated, specific symptoms. Usually the function of the endocrine glands under their control also suffers.
What to do?
Possible signs of hormonal imbalance
Hormonal balance
1. Losing weight due to increased appetite. Under the advertising slogan “If I eat, I lose weight!”, perhaps there is a person with an overactive thyroid gland.
In addition to weight loss, it is usually a concern causeless and prolonged increase in body temperature to 37-37.5 °C, interruptions in heart function, excessive sweating, tremor (shaking) of the fingers, sudden mood swings, nervousness, sleep disturbance.
As the disease progresses, sexual function is impaired.
Often what attracts attention is a constantly surprised look - goggle-eyed eyes. When the eyes are wide open, they shine and seem to bulge out: between the iris and eyelids, a strip of white sclera remains above and below.
2. Obesity may not only be a problem poor nutrition and physical inactivity. Obesity accompanies many endocrinological disorders.
If adipose tissue is deposited evenly throughout the body, appetite is either unchanged or slightly reduced, and it’s worrying dry skin, weakness, lethargy, constant drowsiness, hair loss and brittleness, then we can assume a decrease in thyroid function.
Such people have chilliness, decreased body temperature and blood pressure, hoarseness, periodic constipation.
Hormonal balance
5. Changes in appearance are an early sign of acromegaly. Facial features become rough: the brow ridges, cheekbones, and lower jaw increase.
The lips “grow”, the tongue becomes so large that the bite is disrupted.
This condition develops in adults with excessive formation of growth hormone - somatotropin, which is produced in the hypothalamus.
Happening fast growth hands and feet. A person is forced to change shoes very often.
Complaints about numbness in the limbs, joint pain, hoarseness, impaired sexual function. The skin becomes thick, oily, and increased hair growth is noted.
6. Visual impairment may also be a consequence of pathology of the endocrine system. Rapid and persistent deterioration of vision, accompanied by persistent headaches, is a reason to suspect a pituitary tumor.
Wherein characteristic feature is loss of the temporal fields of vision, and other signs of hormonal regulation disorders mentioned above often develop.
7. Itchy skin should be a reason to check your blood sugar levels and may be an early sign diabetes mellitus
In this case, itching more often occurs in the perineum (which forces you to consult a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist).
Appears thirst, dry mouth, the amount of urine increases and urination becomes more frequent.
Furunculosis becomes a common disease, wounds and scratches heal very slowly, weakness and fatigue gradually develop.
Weight can fluctuate both in the direction of obesity and in the direction of weight loss, depending on the form of the disease and the constitution of the person.
- Turkey stewed in a slow cooker: spicy, with vegetables, in sour cream, cream and walnuts
- Types of speech: description, narration and reasoning
- Martyrs Tatiana. Moscow Church of St. Martyrs Tatiana Temple of the Martyr Tatiana at Moscow State University schedule
- Milotici: return of the Russian village Moravov Alexander Viktorovich
- Why you shouldn't cry in front of the mirror
- Martyrs Tatiana. Moscow Church of St. Martyrs Tatiana Temple of the Martyr Tatiana at Moscow State University schedule
- Actors Spiderman Aunt May Aunt May in Spiderman
- Making sounds for children Lessons on making sounds for children
- Criteria for preparing an act on write-off of motor vehicles
- Pink salmon in the oven - delicious and easy recipes for baked fish Pink salmon fillet baked with vegetables
- What does a lizard tattoo mean?
- Deciphering the natal chart of the house
- What does mulberry help with?
- Photo report “Birthday of Samuil Yakovlevich Marshak in the group”
- Breathing at high pressure Breathing correctly at high pressure
- Bryansk State University named after
- Tasks to test spelling and punctuation literacy
- Macroeconomic calendar
- The Forex Economic Calendar is a reference book for every trader, regardless of trading experience and level of professionalism, and especially...
- Interesting signs about spiders