Male hormones in women: norm and pathology. Male hormones in the female body: why Yin cannot exist without Yang? Why do male hormones appear in the female body

Male hormones are very important for the proper functioning of the body. They are produced by the sex glands. Nature is designed in such a way that opposite sexes have different hormones: male in female, female in male.

The norm of such substances is determined, and any violation of it leads to imbalance and disturbances within the body. With an increase in even a single male hormone, we can talk about the appearance of the disease. Its medical name is hyperandrogenism. The influence of male hormones on the female body is invaluable.

Causes of hormonal imbalance: diseases of the genital organs; heredity; changes in the work of the adrenal glands; pituitary pathology. The presence of the male hormone is necessary in the female body, its unique properties have an irreplaceable influence and significance. The importance and uniqueness of functions is described by medical sources:

Strength of muscle tissue. A beautiful toned body, dressed up beautiful forms can only be with a normal hormonal amount.
Condition of bones. The female hormone produces protection for bones, eliminates fractures, bruises. The skeleton of a woman is strong, the structure and proportions are correct.
The male hormone is responsible for the mood of a person. It gives cheerfulness, optimism, helps fight fatigue, overwork, anxiety. No vitamins will replace the production of the hormone naturally. As soon as a woman begins to feel tired, weak, you need to check the balance of the hormonal level, bring it back to normal.
Testosterone is the basis for the functioning of the genital organs. It activates sexual desire, affects the brain, improving its work and mental activity of a person, and affects behavior.
The hormone helps protect against depression, nervous breakdowns.

An increased amount of male hormones in women leads to infertility, irregularities in the menstrual cycles. Body proportions change, they become more masculine, sharp. Unpleasant symptoms are the appearance of hair above the upper lip, the appearance of "female antennae". The problem is easy to resolve if you perform simple procedures, start treatment on time.

Forms of the disease and symptoms of the disease

Male hormones are produced by female organs: adrenal glands, ovaries, pituitary gland. The adrenal form of the pathology is characterized by a deviation from the norm of hormone production by the adrenal cortex. The causes may be diseases: tumor, hyperplasia. This form refers to congenital manifestations, the absence of the necessary hormones (cortisol) in the adrenal glands.

Treatment of this form involves taking medications that replenish and replace the desired hormone. The therapy is quite long - 12 weeks. Since the form is congenital, it cannot be completely cured.

External signs of an increased content of male hormones in women:

Deterioration in the activity of the genital organs: cessation of menstruation, failure of cyclicity, bleeding.
Woman's infertility.
Frequent miscarriages, not carrying a fetus.
Deterioration of the skin condition: acne, oiliness, hair loss.
The manifestation of male characteristics: an increase in muscles, body fat, a decrease in the volume of the mammary glands. The figure becomes angular.
Lowering the tone of the voice.
Unreasonable change in weight: rapid loss, increase.

The ovarian form is provoked by organ pathology, for example, polycystic. The appearance of this form is associated with disorders during puberty, especially strength exercises and stress on the body. The type of disease does not disturb or affect a woman's pregnancy. Treatment is not required during this period, but if there is no pregnancy, treatment procedures should be started.

The pituitary form occurs due to the diseases of Itsenko-Cushing, Morgagni-Stuart-Morrel. The exchange (mixed) form is caused by disturbances in metabolic skin processes.

Ways to bring hormones back to normal

Treatment is directly related to the cause, which can only be identified after examination in a special clinic. The doctor will prescribe a course of medications, the main purpose of which is to eliminate the cause of the pathology, to influence the causes of the disease.

To bring the hormonal composition back to normal, it is necessary to follow several rules and bring the diet back to normal: the inclusion in the diet of vegetables, meat, cooked by frying; refusal of vegetarian food; wheat bread; natural bee honey; dairy dishes; herbal oil.

It is recognized that practicing yoga cleanses the body of unnecessary substances, cleanses the hormonal composition unusual for the body in a natural way. In yoga classes, not only internal processes are restored, but also the state of mind of a person, psychological balance returns to normal.

Hormonal disorders are corrected, the balance of hormonal content is restored. Classes should go regularly, not in jumps at the request of the patient. The system of classes will give results, single procedures will not lead to the desired result.

The choice of medications must exactly comply with the doctor's recommendations. The specialist will prescribe what will lead to the balance of hormonal components. Without consultation, you can make things worse and lead to irreparable consequences.

Treatment with alternative medicine is more often used in combination with other options. To reduce the male hormone, it is recommended to use: primrose; liquorice root; bedbug; angelica; vitex; Mary's root. Recipes for medicines are individual for each herb. They must be prepared strictly according to the norms specified in the recommendations of herbalists and healers.

The safest way is diet. With an increased amount of male hormone in the female body, it is recommended to use certain diets. They will normalize weight, normalize hormonal composition. Hormone therapy is the most critical method. They are treated when an increased amount of hormones threatens the patient's health status. It is very high and slowly decreasing. The doctor examines the symptoms and prescribes an individual drug.

Doctors note that today the increased content of testosterone in women is the most common disease. Its timely treatment and identification of the causes allow us to come to the rapid elimination of symptoms. Qualified doctors will help you choose the way to eliminate the disease, the treatment will be optimal.

Bringing the hormonal background back to normal will prolong the feeling of youth and health. Treatment includes adjusting nutrition, giving up bad habits and alcohol. Patience and desire are the main incentives in the treatment of the disease.

How important ? What is fraught with deviations of their level from the norm, and why is a good representative of the fair sex unthinkable without a sufficient amount of androgens? Consider the importance of male sex hormones in the female body and safe ways to regulate their production.

male sex hormones

Androgens are male sex hormones of a steroid nature. Produced by the male gonads (testes), the adrenal cortex - in both sexes and the ovaries - in women. These include testosterone, its active form dihydrotestosterone, its metabolite androsterone, as well as precursors of testosterone and estrogen - androstenedione and androstenediol.

This courageous platoon is headed by testosterone. He himself is formed from cholesterol, being in turn the material for the production of other androgenic and female sex hormones. Testosterone is nicknamed for a reason. It affects the reproductive health of both sexes, the growth and maintenance of normal muscle and bone tissue (this is the main anabolic hormone), insulin levels and protein metabolism, the state of the central nervous system, etc.

The amount of androgens in women, or the principle of yin-yang in the hormonal sphere

Remember the yin and yang symbol? In its black half there is a particle of white, and in the white half there is a drop of black. It means the universal principle of the Universe, to which the masculine and feminine principles are subordinate. And the hormonal sphere is a vivid illustration of this. Men have a bit of female hormones, and women have a drop of male hormones.

So, if a man has only about 6000 micrograms of androgens, then have a total weight of only 250 micrograms. As for the main androgen - testosterone, then its amount in women of reproductive age normally varies from 0.3 to 3.8 nmol / liter (depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle). Taking oral contraceptives lowers the upper limit to 2.88 nmol / l, and pregnancy increases the testosterone rate up to 4 times. In men of reproductive age, testosterone levels range from 5.7 to 30.4. On average, women have 20 times less of this essential hormone.

But the available drop of androgens, and primarily testosterone, in the female body is extremely important. And deviations from the norm in any direction upset the balance in the microcosm of the female body.

What is affected ?

male hormones androstenedione, dihydroepiandrosterone and dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate are basically prohormones. They become active testosterone in the ovaries, adrenal glands and adipose tissue. Therefore, the effect of androgens on women's health is expressed mainly in the impact of precisely testosterone on organs and systems.

anabolic the action of testosterone essential for the musculoskeletal system person. It stimulates the formation of muscle fibers and mineralization of bone tissue. Less than in men, the amount of this hormone makes women the weaker sex. Their muscles are less developed and embossed, and their bones are less massive and strong. Therefore, every crumb of testosterone is important for women, especially after 45 years, when the levels of all sex hormones fall.
Skin condition, its regeneration, elasticity and firmness are also dependent on normal androgen levels. Testosterone is essential for the proper functioning of the sebaceous glands. Its decrease makes the skin dry and leads to the appearance of wrinkles. Dry, thin and brittle hair completes the picture of this androgen deficiency.
Testosterone has a beneficial effect on blood formation improves blood quality. It reduces blood clotting, reduces the likelihood of anemia, and affects the processes of hematopoiesis.
The formation of testosterone from cholesterol, helps to reduce the content of low-density lipoproteins in the blood, reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Testosterone regulates glucose levels in the blood by stimulating the production of insulin and thus hinder the development.
Testosterone is normal normal functioning of the CNS. This androgen improves brain activity, ability to perform logical operations, memory and attention. Renders antidepressant action, improves mood, self-confidence, emotional stability.
male hormones in the female body needed to maintain the energy of libido, sexuality, a sense of satisfaction with sexual relations. Reduced testosterone in a pregnant woman causes fetal pathology.
Testosterone and androstenedione are responsible for an increase in estrogen- female sex hormones, since the main estrogen - estradiol - is produced in the ovaries from these androgens.

Too many androgens in women, or hyperandrogenism

Under the influence of a number of reasons (cancer of the ovaries or adrenal glands, polycystic disease, stress and physical overload, thyroid disease, steroid use, etc.), women may develop hyperandrogenism. An excess of androgens leads to hirsutism (male-pattern hair growth), excessive sweating, increased secretion of sebum, acne and seborrhea, baldness and obesity. Infertility, irregularity or cessation of menstruation (dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea), the acquisition of male features by the body are also consequences of hyperandrogenism.

Treatment should be preceded by a thorough examination (blood tests for hormones, ultrasound, dopplerography, tomography) and finding out the causes of hormonal imbalance. In case of detection of organic pathologies, a decision is made on surgical intervention. Elimination of diseases of the ovaries and thyroid gland can . Improve thyroid function with a natural remedy Tireo-Vit. Balanced and moderate physical activity is also recommended. To lower the level of male hormones, hormonal preparations are also used, but it is worth knowing that all of them are not without and suppress the natural mechanisms of hormone formation.

An increase in estrogen levels contributes to a decrease in testosterone. Raise the level of female hormones will help a natural drug Licorice P rich in phytoestrogens.

Lack of testosterone in women , or hypoandrogenism

The causes of hypoandrogenism can be diseases of the ovaries, heart, kidneys, endocrine system, taking a number of medications. And the inevitable line beyond which decrease in testosterone levels expects every woman, is start of menopause. Interestingly, at the very beginning of menopausal hormonal adjustment testosterone levels can jump up. So the body tries to compensate for the lack of estrogen. However, soon male hormones in the female body are also becoming scarce.

The forced decrease in testosterone during menopause, among other factors, is facilitated by:

addiction to rigid diets, poor cholesterol, and other essential nutrients;
an abundance of carbohydrates in the menu;
sedentary lifestyle;
obesity;
smoking and alcohol abuse;
the use of hormonal medications that violate the natural mechanisms of hormone formation
taking glucocorticoids;
lack of sex;
lack of direct sunlight (ultraviolet);
diabetes;
dysfunction of the adrenal glands.

The consequences of androgen deficiency in women are loose fat deposits in the lower abdomen, thinning and dry skin, hair loss, fading of libido. The picture is completed depression, increased fatigue, irritability, deterioration of cognitive functions.

A particular problem is a decrease in bone mineral density - which is diagnosed in women 4 times more often than in the stronger sex. The bones become brittle and brittle, the risk increases, including those that only a few manage to recover from in old age.

**Like women boost testosterone and normalize hormonal levels?**

As we made sure male sex hormones in the female body play a huge role, although they are not present in it in large quantities. Therefore, testosterone is literally worth its weight in gold and becomes more expensive every year after a woman steps over the threshold of forty.

In Western countries substitution(HRT) androgen preparations can be prescribed for the treatment of postmenopausal, however, in Russia such drugs for women are not registered. And this is good, since they can cause hyperandrogenism, and their side effects are detrimental. But we practice HRT with female hormones - estrogen, which also cannot be called harmless means. Read more about the pitfalls of HRT.

The high content of hormonal precursors of testosterone, estradiol, prolactin and progesterone in this apiproduct makes it indispensable for normalizing hormonal levels in both women and men. Entomological hormones do not replace human ones, but serve as a material for their synthesis. In this case, the endocrine system is not suppressed, but stimulated. More than 2,000 years of experience with the use of drone brood in the East has not revealed dangerous side effects and withdrawal symptoms from this unique biostimulant.

Gonadotropic (increasing the production of sex hormones) and anabolic properties of the larval homogenate have made it a key component of a number of drugs that improve hormonal levels.

Preparations based on drone homogenate

With a small amount - an excellent means of preventing hormonal disorders. It will strengthen bones and teeth, make hair stronger and more beautiful. , where the proportion of calcium is increased and vitamins D 3 and B 6 are added, suitable in case of fractures, when osteoporosis is already evident.

But the remedy, also based on drone homogenate, does not contain calcium at all. But it will still serve to strengthen bones due to the presence of vitamins D 3 and B 6, which help calcium to absorb and stay in the bones. And what is especially important within the framework of the topic under consideration here, it helps to increase the level of testosterone, the main anabolic hormone.

Women, take care of a part of the masculine in yourself, as the feminine Yin element contains the masculine Yang, and the laws of the Universe will help you not get sick!

USEFUL TO KNOW:

ABOUT DISEASES OF THE JOINTS

There are very clear gender differences between the female and male body, primarily due to the influence of hormones. If a woman’s body works correctly and smoothly, all hormones are released on time and in the right amount, then her appearance will be a pleasant reflection of such a physiological “order”. If there are certain hormonal disorders, the appearance of such a woman will worsen. A particularly important role is played by the levels of male hormones in women.

Especially for the readers of the site, the gynecologist-endocrinologist Krasovskaya Alexandra Vladimirovna spoke about the normal and pathological content of male sex hormones in the female body, as well as about the symptoms and methods for correcting the pathological condition.

Why is the issue of male hormones in women relevant for aesthetic medicine specialists?

Male sex hormones (androgens) are normally present in the blood of every woman. They perform important functions, without which the body could not grow and exist properly. For example, androgens stimulate the growth of muscle tissue, increase brain activity, improve memory and attention, are natural antidepressants, etc. But with hyperandrogenism (hyperandrogenism - increased activity of male sex hormones and / or increased receptor sensitivity to androgens), the patient has complaints that take her to a specialist in aesthetic medicine. First of all, this, of course, is acne, as well as hypertrichosis and hirsutism.

What specific hormones are we talking about, and what is their norm in the female body?

There are many male hormones, and, depending on the symptoms and complaints of the patient, it is necessary to develop an algorithm for her examination.

Of course, for a dermatologist and a cosmetologist, the levels of such indicators will be of interest: Total testosterone (Ttot), Free testosterone (Tsv), Dihydrotestosterone, sexsteroid-binding globulin (SSSG).

Testosterone is one of the most important male hormones in women.

It is known that 50% of testosterone in a woman's body is produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries, and another 50% is formed by peripheral conversion from androstenedione. The content of testosterone in the blood may not reflect the true degree of androgenization, which depends, to a greater extent, on the degree of testosterone binding:

80% of testosterone binds to globulins (SHBG)
18% of testosterone binds to albumin (CCAA)
2% of testosterone remains free and active.

And it is Tsv that is able to penetrate into the sebaceous gland and hair follicle, where, under the action of the enzyme 5α-reductase, it turns into Dihydrotestosterone (a hormone that is 3 times more active than testosterone itself).

SSSG is synthesized in the liver, respectively, the level of this indicator will depend on the state of the liver. Women with hyperandrogenism tend to have lower concentrations of SHBG than healthy women.

In the presence of what complaints or symptoms in a patient, an esthetician can suspect hyperandrogenism in a woman?

Androgens stimulate the function of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, with hyperandrogenism, hyperfunction of these skin derivatives will be noted. Patients, in this case, will complain of acne, seborrhea, hypertrichosis, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), alopecia.

Pathogenetic factors for acne:

Androgen-mediated hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands with hyperproduction of sebum, hyperreception of target organ cells to androgens, increased activity of 5α-reductase;
Reduced bactericidal activity of sebum;
Follicular hyperkeratosis;
Microbial hypercolonization;
Inflammation and immune response.

Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in women according to the male pattern, namely: on the chest, face in the form of sideburns, in the beard area and above the upper lip, along the white line of the abdomen, on the sacrum, buttocks, inner thighs.

Causes of hirsutism:

increased production of androgens;
increased activity of the enzyme 5α-reductase.

Androgenetic alopecia - hair loss in women in the central parietal region with oval outlines, while there is no baldness on the temples and above the forehead.

Why can the level of male hormones in women increase and lead to the above symptoms?

There are many reasons for hyperandrogenism. And it is very important to understand that hyperandrogenism is not always an increased level of male sex hormones.

Pathogenetic forms of hyperandrogenism (HA):

True GA:

adrenal:

AGS (adrenogenital syndrome);

Tumor of the adrenal gland;

ovarian:

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome);

Tumor of the ovary.

Other forms of hyperandrogenism:

transport:

peripheral:

Receptor (increase in the number or activity of androgen receptors);

Metabolic (increased activity of 5α-reductase);

iatrogenic;

secondary:

Hypothalamo-pituitary syndrome with gonadotropic dysfunction;

Hyperprolactinemia;

Acromegaly;

Itsenko-Cushing's disease;

Anorexia;

Hypothyroidism;

Type II diabetes mellitus, obesity;

Hepatic dysfunction.

Quite often we see a patient with acne, and her levels of male sex hormones are normal. In this case, the cause of hyperandrogenism may be transport, peripheral, iatrogenic or secondary hyperandrogenism.

What methods do you, as a gynecologist-endocrinologist, recommend to normalize the level of male sex hormones?

Undoubtedly, the treatment of the patient must be individualized. We have already found out that there are many causes of hyperandrogenism, and therefore the patient must be properly examined and the cause that provokes the symptoms of hyperandrogenism must be eliminated.

Hormonal treatment is far from always necessary, since with hyperandrogenism we do not always meet with an increased level of male hormones in women.

Drugs that are used in the treatment of hyperandrogenism are called antiandrogens. Their action can be directed to:

decreased secretion of androgens in the ovaries;
decreased secretion of androgens in the adrenal glands;
androgen and antiandrogen competition for the receptor;
blocking the activity of 5-α reductase (testosterone is NOT converted to dihydrotestosterone);
increased production of SSSG (decrease in active free fractions of testosterone).

There are simple antiandrogens - these are non-hormonal drugs, the mechanism of action of which is to compete for the androgen receptor. That is, their appointment is advisable in the presence of increased receptor sensitivity and / or an increase in the number of androgen receptors, as well as with a normal level of androgens. Well-known representatives of this group of drugs are flutafarm and flutamide.

We also have steroid antiandrogens in our arsenal:

antiandrogens-progestins (cyproterone acetate and chlormadinone),
combined oral contraceptives (COCs),
corticosteroid hormones.

COCs and antiandrogens-progestins affect several links in the pathogenesis of hyperandrogenism, namely:

have a local antiandrogenic effect,
suppress androgen production
have an antigonadotropic effect (suppress the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)).

Corticosteroids - suppress the production of androgens.

In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - the ovarian form of hyperandrogenism - worldwide, the gold standard of treatment is the appointment of COCs (combined oral contraceptives). However, you need to remember that not all contraceptives are the same. And you can’t use COCs on the principle of “helping a neighbor / girlfriend - help me too.”

Each group of contraceptives has its own niche of patients. Only a doctor at a consultation can choose the right COC, taking into account all the complaints and the results of the examination of the patient.

Can the doctor of aesthetic medicine himself recommend certain drugs to the patient to normalize the level of hormones, or is it necessary to consult a gynecologist?

A woman's hormonal homeostasis is a fragile system that depends on many factors (nutrition, work and rest regimen, stress, the presence of diseases), which is why treatment with hormonal drugs should be clearly justified. I would say that the main principle of treatment in such situations comes down to the oldest principle of medical ethics - "Do no harm!".

Since with an increase in the level of male hormones in women, in addition to aesthetic problems, there are problems with the cycle, infertility, miscarriage, I think that these patients should consult a gynecologist. And it is with the joint management of such patients by a gynecologist and an esthetician that we can quickly and efficiently help them.

Most of the physiological processes that occur in the human body are controlled by hormones, which are divided into male and female, except for those that are present in both sexes. The difference lies in the fact that the body of the stronger sex contains a larger amount of male hormones and a very small amount of female hormones, in women it is the other way around. A person will be considered healthy not only in the absence of diseases, but also with a balanced hormonal background.

The hormones produced in the male body are mainly represented by testosterone and its varieties, it is on these hormones that:

Normal development of the genital organs;
Rougher facial features;
The structure of the body and hair according to the male type;
Behavior features:
Voice timbre;
Sexual desire and sexual power.

If a man's level drops, this can lead to mental depression, depressive thoughts, pain in the abdomen, deterioration of well-being and sexual dysfunction.

Normally, a small amount of female hormones must be produced in the male body for its normal functioning. Since the stronger sex does not have ovaries according to the physiological characteristics of the structure of the body, the function of the synthesis of hormonal substances is taken over by the adrenal glands. The organisms of both sexes contain substances such as:, and, only the representatives of the weaker sex produce much more of them and they perform the functions of controlling the reproductive system, growth of the mammary glands and maintaining pregnancy.

Female hormones for men perform completely different functions:

Increased bone strength;
Protection against prostate cancer;
Regulation of blood sugar and fluid balance;
Stimulation of the brain;
Ensuring normal sexual activity and erection.

Oxytocin has a calming effect, and also lowers testosterone levels, which makes a man softer and less irritable, and also slightly reduces libido, but at the same time stimulates feelings of affection.

Excess female hormones

The normal amount of hormones in the male body is:

Estrogens - from 3 to 70 pg / ml;
Progesterone - from 0.5 to 6 nmol / l;
Prolactin - from 53 to 360 mU / l.

But not in all cases, the indicators of these substances in men are normal. Quite often there is an increased amount of estrogen in the stronger sex, which is fraught with:

Changing the figure according to the female type;
The appearance of gynecomastia, in which the mammary gland begins to grow;
An increase in body weight, most often fat accumulates in the abdomen;
Higher timbre of voice;
Emotional and mental disorders;
Decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction.

If the amount of progesterone doubles, then the hormonal background will be disturbed, in which there will be a lack of sexual desire, the testicles may atrophy and infertility may appear.

The amount of prolactin increases dramatically with psychological trauma, nervous situations, heavy physical exertion, and this hormone, in turn, enhances the effects of estrogen, which can lead to reproductive dysfunction.

Female hormones in pills and the male body

Everyone knows about the existence of female and male hormones, and many are interested in what will happen if a man takes such substances in pills - will there be any global changes, and in what way they will be expressed.

If a man drinks the medication once, nothing special will happen, perhaps slight nausea may occur, but no more. In order for something to really change in the body, you need to take it for two or three months, and the final effect will depend on which substances are contained in the tablet.

Taking progesterone-only medications can cause breast enlargement and reduce the amount of male-pattern hair. It is also quite possible fluid retention in the body and fever. Often, progesterone is used as an antiandrogen if there is a need to reduce the level of testosterone in the body. Other, more global changes, a man taking medication with progesterone will not notice.

Regular use of hormonal drugs

Another thing is if the representative of the stronger sex regularly drink medications containing estrogens. In this case, the external signs will begin to change to an exclusively female type: fat will begin to accumulate under the chin, on the abdomen, on the hips and sides, due to which the body will become more rounded, and the waist-to-hip ratio will change. Such consequences are possible if hormone therapy is continued for a sufficiently long time. In addition, the muscles will become weaker, the skin will become softer and pinker, and the hair will no longer be stiff.

In addition to external changes, if you take estrogen-based pills, the consciousness of a man will also begin to become more feminine, frequent mood changes and depressive thoughts may appear, as well as strong emotional sensitivity, which is more characteristic of women. Studies have shown that when taking hormones on a regular basis, the brain can even shrink to the size of a woman, which will not affect the level of intelligence in any way.

In what cases are men who want to become dads shown a hormonal examination? Which hormone levels determine male fertility? Aleksey CHEPURIN, urologist-adrologist at the Toast of Family Medicine Centers, talks about how, when, and most importantly, why men should be tested for hormones.

When do men undergo a hormonal examination?

In cases where a couple cannot conceive a baby for more than 12 months, doctors recommend that the spouses undergo examinations. More often, women seek medical help, but it is important to understand that even the presence of a detected pathology in a wife does not exclude the possibility of problems in her husband, which means that both spouses must undergo an examination.

The first analysis that a man who has long dreamed of fatherhood undergoes is a spermogram, which determines the quantity and quality of spermatozoa. In case of unsatisfactory results of the first spermogram, another verification analysis is usually prescribed. If the repeated analysis again shows a reduced sperm count, this is the reason for checking the hormonal status of a man.

Expert comment

When there are no or very few spermatozoa in two repeated spermograms, it is necessary to start a comprehensive examination, which also includes a study of hormones.

Hormonal causes of infertility

Expert comment

The main role is played by male sex hormones - androgens. Androgens are formed mainly in the testicles (95-98%), a much smaller part (3-5%) - in the adrenal glands.

Hormonal causes leading to a decrease in the level of total testosterone, and, accordingly, disorders of spermatogenesis, may include diseases / lesions:

Brain (hypothalamus, pituitary gland) - the so-called secondary hypogonadism, in which very low levels of FSH, LH and total testosterone are observed.

Testicular - Primary or testicular hypogonadism, in which FSH and LH levels are very high and testosterone levels are low or close to normal.

Thus, the composition of the hormonal analysis will necessarily include testosterone, FSH and LH (and some other hormones, which will be discussed in more detail below). Let's take a closer look at each of these indicators.

Testosterone

The most important male sex hormone (androgen) is testosterone. He is responsible for shaping the appearance of a man: it contributes to the development of the penis and scrotum, participates in the process of sperm formation. Male-type body hair growth and a deep voice are also a gift to men from testosterone. This hormone also increases bone density, burns fat and increases muscle mass by accelerating the synthesis of the protein that makes up muscles. In the area of \u200b\u200b"responsibility" of testosterone - stimulation of insulin production, regulation of the secretion of the sebaceous glands.

Testosterone is also known to increase sexual desire and stimulate aggressive behavior.

It is not uncommon for high testosterone levels to:

strong outbreaks of aggression;

excess hair on the body;

purulent acne.

Lack of testosterone (hypogonadism) can cause reduced fertility.

Possible symptoms of low testosterone include:

Insomnia,

depression,

decrease in muscle mass,

dry skin,

obesity in the abdomen,

impotence.

The combination of these symptoms and difficulty conceiving is a reason to see a doctor and check your testosterone levels.

Expert comment

Chief among androgens - testosterone. One of its effects is the maintenance of normal production and maturation of spermatozoa - spermatogenesis. Testosterone in the blood is in several forms: free testosterone, albumin-bound (blood protein) testosterone, and SHBG-bound testosterone (globulin-binding sex steroid or sex-binding steroid). HsPG-bound testosterone is inactive; free testosterone and testosterone bound to albumin are active, they are called bioactive forms of testosterone. The combination of all three forms of testosterone is called total testosterone. The normal level of total testosterone in men is 12-33 nmol / ml. A decrease in the level of total testosterone below 12 nmol / l leads to a condition called hypogonadism.

FSH and LH

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormones play equally important roles in both the female and male reproductive systems. In women, these hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, are responsible for the maturation of follicles and triggering ovulation.

In men, FSH and LH "command" such important processes as testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis.

Expert comment

There are two types of cells in the testicles of men: Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. In Leydig cells, the synthesis of male sex hormones occurs, in Sertoli cells - spermatozoa. These processes are regulated by the hormones of the pituitary gland located in the brain: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

FSH is the main regulator of spermatogenesis, its level in the blood shows whether the function of the testicles is preserved to produce normal spermatozoa.

LH is the main and only stimulator of testosterone production and secretion in the Leydig cells of the testicles.

What other hormones affect male fertility?

It is important to understand that in the male (as well as in the female) body, all hormones are interconnected, therefore, a significant change in the hormonal status, malfunctions of some organs can have a significant impact on key indicators for male fertility.