Decreased estrogen levels in the female body symptoms. Female hormones estrogens: symptoms of deficiency, consequences, restoration of hormonal levels

Which keeps approximately at the same level, starting from the first menstruation and for another twenty to twenty-five years after that. And only after about forty estrogens significantly decrease. The downside signs are pretty obvious. The skin begins to gradually lose moisture, fade, becomes more flabby; sexual desire is reduced or completely disappears; becomes less strong

; weight is rapidly creeping up and fat deposits appear. These are all symptoms of a lack of estrogen. And soon comes postmenopause, or menopause - the time when it begins to grow old and loses the ability to motherhood.

However, the lack of this female hormone may also be in very young girls who find out about it when they are tested or preparing for a future pregnancy. Symptoms of a lack of estrogen can manifest themselves quite clearly. These include:

Frequent depression, bouts of despair.
Irregularity of the menstrual cycle, scanty menstrual bleeding.
Frigidity, underdevelopment of the genital organs, infantilism of the uterus.
Skin problems: pimples, acne, blackheads.
Constant pain in the lower abdomen.

On the pelvic organs and with folliculometry, the symptoms of a lack of estrogen will be the inability to mature, the absence of ovulation and, as a result, the inability to conceive a child. In most cases, for patients with such problems, the doctor prescribes vitamin E in increased doses. And if there is a lack of estrogen in women, the symptoms will not disappear, only then a special hormonal treatment is prescribed. It will go in combination with taking drugs containing progesterone, since the entire hormonal background must be carefully balanced.

Also, with a decrease in the level of estrogen in the blood, a balanced diet is necessary, in which phytoestrogens must be included. To do this, consume soy products, legumes, and some fruits and animal products daily. Proper nutrition will reduce the symptoms of a lack of estrogen and normalize a woman's hormonal background. At the same time, she herself will feel younger, healthier, more active, her skin will acquire a healthy color and radiance, her hair will become shiny and strong again, and sexual desire will increase, which will undoubtedly affect female attractiveness.

However, in pursuit of an increase in the amount of estrogens, the most important thing is to stop in time, since their excess causes cell growth and can negatively affect the functioning of the whole organism as a whole. An excess of this hormone causes:

Growth of cancer cells (uterus, breast, etc.).
Osteoporosis.
Mastopathy and fibrocystic tissue changes.
Allergy, asthma.
Thyroid dysfunction.

Therefore, before fighting diseases, it is necessary to consult with your doctor, who will treat you individually and under strict control.

The condition and health of the female body very often depends on its hormonal background, which depends on the combination of four hormones: prolactin, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. If the production of at least one component is disturbed, then an imbalance immediately occurs, as a result of which negative changes occur in the endocrine and reproductive systems.

It is also worth noting that a long-term disruption of hormone production often leads the female body to serious diseases (infertility, polycystic ovaries, uterine fibroids, etc.). That is why, at the first signs of a hormonal imbalance, you should immediately consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.

However, not every representative of the weaker sex knows about the symptoms of a lack of female hormones. In order to understand this issue in more detail, consider the main features of this deviation.

Symptoms that indicate that there is a lack of estrogen in the female body. As you know, this hormone is fully responsible for the functioning of the uterine cavity, as well as its preparation for further conception and bearing a baby. In addition, estrogen is responsible for the content of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium in the human body. That is why, with a lack of this hormone, a woman can develop osteoporosis, various disorders in the autonomic system, as well as obesity, depression, tumors of the mammary glands and uterus.
Symptoms of a lack of female hormones - progesterone. The production of this hormone is essential for a woman who plans to conceive a child soon. However, if progesterone is not produced in the right quantities, then various internal inflammations of the genital organs can develop in the girl's body, as well as ovulation can be disturbed. A lack of this hormone can be suspected if boils, pimples or acne suddenly appear on a woman's skin.
Symptoms indicating that the female body is not producing testosterone properly. With a lack of such a hormone, a girl can often experience noticeable disruptions in the menstrual cycle, kidney failure and excessive sweating. However, it is worth noting that with an excess of testosterone in the female body, there is a high probability of developing tumors. In addition, in the appearance of such a girl, one can often notice masculine features: too much hair on the body, a deep voice, a wide bone, etc.
Symptoms that indicate that a woman has a lack of prolactin. This hormone is responsible for the salt and water balance in the body, as well as the development of the mammary glands and the production of mother's milk. That is why, with a deficiency of prolactin, a woman can observe a violation of menstruation, underdevelopment of the mammary glands, a complete absence or a small amount of breast milk.

Hormonal imbalance in women

Signs of a hormonal imbalance are:

frequent depression;
constant high blood pressure;
hot flashes;
tremor of fingers;
elevated body temperature, which can last quite a long time;
low weight even with good appetite and plentiful nutrition;
changeable mood;

Sex hormones - estrogens, are of great importance for a woman's body. They are involved in the regulation of the reproductive system, affect the functioning of most organs, and slow down the aging process. A sharp decrease in their level occurs during menopause.

The lack of estrogen leads to the appearance of symptoms that are combined in the concept of "climacteric syndrome". Against the background of their deficiency, the risk of developing atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension and other chronic pathologies increases.

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Estrogens: functions, causes of deficiency

The main amount of sex hormones in women of childbearing age is produced in the ovaries. A smaller part is formed in peripheral tissues from male - androgens, under the action of the aromatase enzyme. The most active estrogen is estradiol, which is synthesized from androstenedione and testosterone.

List of estrogen-sensitive organs and systems

The regulation of the production of sex hormones is carried out by the gonadotropins of the pituitary gland. The production of estradiol by ovarian cells occurs under the action of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It also promotes an increase in aromatase in peripheral tissues. The production of estradiol in the dominant follicle and corpus luteum is under the control of luteinizing hormone (LH).

The biological effects of estrogens are carried out through their interaction with receptors located in target organs. Sensitive to sex hormones are: uterus, ovaries, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, central nervous system, mammary glands, heart, blood vessels, bone tissue, liver and others.

In the body of a woman, estrogens perform many functions:

responsible for the development of the reproductive organs and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in the pubertal period;
regulate the menstrual cycle;
redistribute subcutaneous fat according to the female type;
stimulate the processes of bone tissue renewal;
have a protective effect on the vascular wall;
regulate the formation of collagen and elastin, maintaining the normal structure of the skin;
have anti-atherogenic (preventing the development of cardiovascular diseases) action;
increase the synthesis of transport proteins in the liver;
have antidepressant properties;
improve memory and motivation;
affect the blood coagulation system.

Decreased levels of sex hormones in women with age

With age, there is a gradual decline in reproductive function. In the ovaries, the processes of programmed death of cells synthesizing sex hormones are accelerated, the number of receptors for gonadotropins decreases. Low levels of estradiol in the blood leads to increased secretion of FSH. Its level increases significantly shortly before the last menstruation - menopause. Due to the insensitivity of the sex glands to the action of gonadotropin against the background of its excess, the amount of estrogens still continues to fall. Over time, their production in the ovaries stops completely. After the completion of the menstrual function, testosterone in peripheral tissues becomes the main source of female hormones.

Symptoms of a lack of estrogen

Most women go through menopause between the ages of 50 and 52. Estrogen deficiency in the premenopausal period is manifested by a violation of the regularity of the monthly cycle. Bleeding becomes scanty, less prolonged and, in most cases, anovulatory. The ability to conceive at this time is reduced.

The average age of onset of individual symptoms of menopause

The lack of sex hormones in postmenopause affects the state of all target organs. Changes in their work lead to the development of climacteric syndrome.

Its manifestations can be divided into the following groups:

vasomotor symptoms;
psychoemotional disorders;
atrophic processes in the genitourinary system;
changes in the structure of the skin and its appendages;
metabolic and endocrine disorders.

Vasomotor disorders

Vasomotor symptoms of estrogen deficiency are observed in most women aged 45-50 years. The main ones are tides. Hot flashes develop suddenly against the background of a sharp release of LH into the blood. Sometimes they are preceded by a feeling of pressure in the head. The heat wave spreads from top to bottom and gradually covers the entire body. Often the temperature rises, the peripheral vessels expand, the pulse increases and excessive sweating occurs. Episodes are 10 to 20 minutes long. An increase in their development at night and in the hot season was noticed. Heat attacks can disturb a woman for more than 5 years.

Depending on the number of hot flashes, menopausal syndrome is divided into several forms:

mild - up to 10 times a day;
medium - from 10 to 20 times;
severe - more than 20 times a day.

Symptoms of excess estrogen - how to treat hyperestrogenism

Psycho-emotional disorders

Changes in emotional status are manifested in the form of increased excitability, tearfulness, vulnerability. Sudden mood swings are observed, suspiciousness, unreasonable fear, obsessive thoughts and actions appear. Due to frequent hot flashes, sleep is disturbed, awakening with a feeling of fatigue is characteristic.

Working capacity decreases, memory and attentiveness worsens. A number of women develop depressive states, there is no appetite. The lack of estrogen also leads to a decrease in sexual desire. In severe forms of menopause, libido may increase.

Atrophy of the organs of the genitourinary system

Atrophic processes in the genitourinary system develop later, at the age of 55–60 years. The mucous membrane of the vagina becomes thinner, becomes vulnerable and sensitive to minor injuries. In the vaginal secret, the acid-base balance is disturbed, the number of lactobacilli decreases. Disturbs burning and itching in the genital area.

The weakening of the tone of the muscles of the pelvic floor leads to disorders of urination, urinary incontinence. In older women, inflammatory diseases more often occur - colpitis, which are insensitive to traditional treatment, but respond well to therapy with local forms of estrogens.

In the body of a woman, various hormones perform many important functions. They are responsible for the ability to conceive, bear and give birth to a child, the general emotional state, beauty. If a woman has any health problems, the cause is most often a hormonal imbalance.

Causes and main symptoms of hormone deficiency in women

A lot depends on various hormones - small biologically active substances: beauty, emotional state, smooth operation of all systems in a woman's body. If you have any health problems, you should immediately contact a specialist. He will tell you what to do and prescribe the necessary tests, and according to their results, a treatment that will help make up for the lack of female hormones.

What happens when there is a lack of hormones and how does it manifest itself? Depending on which hormones are lacking in a woman's body, the symptoms will also differ. The main reason for the deficiency, as a rule, is a malfunction of the ovaries. In addition, a lack of female hormones can be caused by excessive physical activity, the abuse of harmful foods, constant diets and malnutrition, the rejection of protein foods, and the uncontrolled use of oral contraceptives.

To avoid health problems, regularly undergo preventive examinations, strictly follow all recommendations prescribed by specialists.

Symptoms of a lack of basic sex hormones

Estradiol is responsible for the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, maintaining calcium levels, and uterine growth during pregnancy. In addition, it increases blood clotting on the eve of childbirth. The lack of a hormone will be indicated by fatigue, depression, cycle disturbance, and a decrease in libido.

A lack of the hormone prolactin in the blood can lead to a lack of ovulation, skin problems, and increased hair growth. Fever, frequent nervous breakdowns, a tendency to depression, insomnia - all these are symptoms of a hormone deficiency.

With a lack of the hormone progesterone, insomnia, mood swings, high blood pressure, and fainting are observed.

Signs of a lack of the hormone estrogen are frequent diseases of the genital organs, disruptions in the menstrual cycle, lack of lubrication, regular decrease in performance, high blood pressure, pain in the heart and joints, etc.

The well-being, mood, energy and health of the female body directly depend on its hormonal background.

Hormones have a significant impact on a woman's mood and well-being.

Lack of hormones in women: what tests to pass?

At the first signs of malfunctions in the body, overweight, excessive emotionality, a tendency to depression and other symptoms, a woman should immediately consult a doctor. After the examination, he will identify problem areas and refer the patient for tests.

Depending on the nature of the problem and symptoms, the specialist may prescribe studies on the level of sex hormones, thyroid gland or pituitary gland.

What tests for hormones are prescribed for pregnant women?

During pregnancy, a lack of hormones in women can lead to especially serious consequences. The list will differ depending on the patient's health status, diseases, age, and symptoms.

During pregnancy, women experience a hormonal surge.

Common analyzes for all are as follows:

chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estriol and AFP - allows timely detection of deviations in the development of pregnancy;
estradiol - responsible for the normal bearing of the fetus;
progesterone - a lack of a female hormone will indicate a threat of miscarriage;
prolactin - will show if the pregnancy is delayed;
SHBG - allows you to predict the likelihood of complications during childbirth.

Not enough female hormones: what to do and how to prevent?

monitor your health and pay attention to all changes;
start eating right and varied, include more fruits and vegetables, fish and meat in your diet;
observe the drinking regime - try to drink as much liquid as possible, including natural juices;
try to be less nervous and avoid stressful situations;
find a hobby;
give up bad habits - coffee, smoking, alcohol;
try to establish a daily routine - fall asleep and wake up at the same time, be sure to sleep at night - only at night our body can fully relax and recuperate;
be careful when choosing oral contraceptives - before taking anything, consult a specialist.

In order to improve your hormonal background, find a hobby and be less nervous.

A variety of factors can influence changes in the hormonal background: weather conditions, stressful situations, diets, various medications, age-related changes in the body, and much more.

Medical treatment for hormonal imbalances

In the event that the results of the tests showed a lack of a hormone in a woman, hormonal drugs can be prescribed as a treatment.

Hormonal imbalance is linked to many diseases, from infertility and depression to loss of focus and loss of muscle strength. Reproductive hormonal imbalances and systemic hormonal imbalances can be sources of serious problems. Here are a few ways, both natural and medical, to treat and balance your hormones.

Steps

Part 1

Balancing female hormones

Understand how your hormones work. Each hormone is responsible for performing certain tasks in the female body. Knowing what each hormone does will help you determine which hormone you are lacking based on which bodily functions are not performing properly.

Estrogen: This is the main female sex hormone. In women, it speeds up the metabolism, increases fat stores, reduces muscle mass, helps form secondary sexual characteristics, increases sex drive, and also promotes the growth and formation of the uterus.
- Estrogen deficiency can cause menstrual irregularities, lack of periods, mood swings, lack of sexual desire, inability to conceive, and early menopause.
Progesterone: Commonly considered the “pregnancy hormone”, it is responsible for preparing the uterus for conception and lowers the immune response so that the body can accept the pregnancy. Decreased progesterone levels after pregnancy are thought to help induce labor and milk production.
- Progesterone deficiency is primarily recognized by heavy, irregular periods and difficulty maintaining a pregnancy. There may also be excess weight in the middle part, severe premenstrual symptoms, severe fatigue.
Testosterone: Known as the primary male sex hormone, it is also present in the female body. In women, it promotes libido and is responsible for many of the changes a woman goes through during puberty, including acne, slight changes in vocal range, and completion of the growth cycle.
- Testosterone deficiency in women is most commonly identified by a lack of libido, a physical inability to arouse, abnormally dry skin, and very brittle hair.
Prolactin: Although it has a wide range of actions, it is the main hormone responsible for stimulating the mammary glands to induce lactation. This hormone also helps the development of the fetus when a woman is pregnant, and counteracts arousal, reduces it.
- Prolactin deficiency is characterized by insufficient lactation, menstrual irregularities, delayed puberty, hair loss, and fatigue. It is most often diagnosed in women after childbirth, especially if heavy bleeding was observed during childbirth.

Replenish the hormones you are missing. Some female sex hormones can be brought into balance simply by taking supplements available over the counter.
- Estrogen and progesterone supplements are available over the counter in both cream and tablet form.
- There are no prolactin supplements, but women who suffer from excess prolactin often take estrogen supplements or prolactin-slowing drugs to correct the problem.
- There are no testosterone supplements on the market that are safe for women. Testosterone pills meant for men are too strong for women.
Change your diet. In general, maintaining a balanced diet also helps keep hormones in balance, but there are a few specific diet changes that can further improve hormone levels.
- Zinc is known to aid in the production of testosterone. Foods high in zinc include dark chocolate, peanuts, and many meats, including beef, veal, lamb, crab, and oysters.
- Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats create healthy cell membranes that allow hormones to reach their destinations in the body. Walnuts, eggs, and many types of fish are good, including sardines, trout, salmon, tuna, and oysters.
- Include more fiber in your diet. High-fiber foods include whole grains, raw fruits, and raw vegetables. Fiber joins with old estrogen, clearing it out of the body, resulting in improved overall balance.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Studies show that excessive consumption of any of these foods can contribute to premenstrual hormonal imbalances.
Exercise more often. Exercise is known to stimulate the release of chemicals that improve mood and help balance mood swings caused by a lack or excess of female sex hormones.

Reduce stress. Stress triggers the production of excess cortisol, which blocks estrogen. In women, the loss of estrogen also causes low levels of serotonin, which is often associated with mood disorders.

Seek medical attention. If natural remedies don't work for you, you may need to regulate your hormone levels through the use of prescription drugs or hormone replacement therapy.
- Start taking oral contraceptives. Contraceptive measures do more than just stop reproduction. The pills contain synthetic hormones that are able to balance high estrogen levels and low progesterone levels.
- Ask your doctor about antidepressants. Most antidepressants work by balancing serotonin levels, which fall in response to low estrogen levels. Some have also been shown to be moderately effective in reducing hot flashes for hormonal imbalances in menopausal women.
- Go to hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy is the prescription equivalent of conventional over-the-counter hormone supplements. Menopausal women are sometimes given doses of estrogen, progesterone, or a progestin-estrogen combination.
Part 2
Balancing male hormones
1. Learn more about your hormones. Understanding the hormones involved in the male reproductive system will help you assess which hormones you may be missing.
  - Testosterone: Considered the primary male sex hormone, it is responsible for the growth of muscle mass, the maturation of male sexual organs, the maturation of male secondary sexual characteristics, the completion of growth, sperm production, and libido strength.
    - Testosterone deficiency is most quickly recognized by decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and shrinking testicles. Other signs may include hot flashes, decreased energy, depressed mood, lack of concentration, insomnia, and loss of strength.
  - Dihydrotestosterone or DHT: Mainly involved in the formation and maturation of the male genitalia.
    - DHT deficiency is common in boys before and during puberty. Men with underdeveloped external genitalia tend to lack dihydrotestosterone. In adult men, a lack of DHT can cause infertility.
  - Estrogen and progesterone: Although both are considered female sex hormones, they are also present in men. Estrogen helps regulate sperm maturation and libido. Progesterone balances estrogen levels in men, preventing excess estrogen from entering the male reproductive system.
    - Estrogen or progesterone deficiencies can manifest in similar ways. When any of these hormones are out of balance, depression or loss of libido can occur. Estrogen deficiency can lead to loss of bone density, excessive hair growth, weight gain, or gynecomastia (male breast enlargement).
  - Prolactin: Another hormone commonly associated with women, it also occurs in men. In men, it is believed to play a role in the body's immune response, but there is no indication that prolactin is vital to the male body.
    - Excess prolactin can prevent testosterone production in men. However, prolactin deficiency does not seem to have any specific side effects.
2. Replenish your hormones. Over-the-counter hormone supplements available in cream or tablet form can often correct some of the most common hormonal imbalances in men.
  - Testosterone is the male hormone most commonly replenished without a prescription. Men can find testosterone supplements in the form of tablets, creams, and gels.
  - There are no drugs available for DHT deficiency, but an excess of it can lead to hair loss, and there are DHT blockers available in the form of pills and shampoos.
  - Available at pharmacies, progesterone cream for men can be used to treat progesterone deficiency and excess estrogen. However, men who need estrogen replacement may need a prescription.
  - Prolactin deficiency can be reduced with over-the-counter B-complex supplements.
3. Choose healthier food. A balanced diet is the best way to regulate hormones for most men; and most hormonal imbalances in men can be helped by simply adhering to traditional healthy eating standards.
  - Eat plenty of meat and carbohydrates, which provide energy and help with hormone production. Seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low-calorie meats will be a better option, as will fiber-rich cereals.
  - Avoid sugar, caffeine and excessive consumption of dairy products, which can make the body sluggish and require effort to produce hormones.
4. Exercise more. Regular exercise with aerobics and strength training can increase testosterone production.
  
  Take it easy. In men, increased stress levels create more cortisol, which can convert testosterone to estrogen. The result is an abundance of the female sex hormone and an acute shortage of the male sex hormone.
  
  Get good sleep. Most testosterone is produced during the REM sleep cycle. Thus, lack of sleep will cause a decrease in testosterone, while adequate sleep can help stabilize testosterone levels.
  
  Wear loose clothing. Loose underwear and trousers are especially important. A tight bottom can create unwanted heat that can break down existing semen and ultimately reduce sperm count.
5. Contact your doctor. Serious hormonal imbalances in men may require treatment with hormone replacement.
  - Testosterone injections are the most common treatment used to balance male hormones. Doctors prescribe injections for as long as they deem necessary. The amount of the drug is eventually reduced and the patient is monitored to see if testosterone levels remain balanced after treatment or continue to fall. If levels continue to fall, long-term treatment may be needed.
  - Men who are deficient in estrogen or progesterone may also want to learn about prescription hormone replacement to treat these imbalances, as supplements for men are usually hard to find on the market.
Part 3
Balancing the hormonal system
1. Exercise more. After a workout, the body releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which create a positive mood and help support the rest of the endocrine system.
  - Training also releases growth factors, including insulin.
2. Be attentive to your diet. A well-balanced diet can affect more than just female or male sex hormones. All of the body's hormones can benefit from a diet filled with lean meats, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  - Know how soy can affect your thyroid. There have been some indications that a soy-based diet may lead to decreased thyroid hormone production. Those suffering from hypothyroidism, a deficiency of thyroid hormones, should limit soy intake.
  - Balance your iodine levels. Iodine is a mineral that helps in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Foods high in iodine include sea vegetables, potatoes, cranberries, yogurt, strawberries, and dairy products. If you have hypothyroidism, eat more iodine-rich foods. If you have hyperthyroidism, limit your intake of iodine-rich foods.
  - Eat carbohydrates in moderation. Carbohydrates can provide the body with energy, but they also increase the amount of the hormone insulin the body makes. Too many carbohydrates can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels as well as insulin levels.
  - Improve melatonin synthesis with vitamin B5. Foods rich in B5 include milk, yogurt, eggs, and fish. These foods are also rich in tryptophan, which converts serotonin to melatonin.