What does hormonal background mean? Treatment of hormonal disorders in women

Stable hormonal levels are important at any age. After all, it plays an important role in women’s health. The well-being, mental state, stress resistance and attractiveness of a young lady depend on the amount of hormones in the body. A variety of cysts and fibroids in the ovaries, uterus or mammary glands may indicate that a hormonal imbalance has occurred in women. Treatment, drugs for which should only be prescribed by a doctor, can improve health and return a woman to her attractiveness.

among women

What is hidden under this name? There are two hormones that are responsible for the functioning of the female body. These are estrogen and progesterone. The menstrual cycle and the processes of puberty depend on their quantity. They affect reproductive function.

If the hormonal levels in women are disrupted, then diseases of the reproductive system develop, and the regularity of menstruation may be disrupted.

However, such changes in the body do not always indicate the development of diseases. For example, hormonal imbalance during pregnancy is normal. During this period, the body begins to produce human chorionic gonadotropin, a new hormone. The amount of estrogen and progesterone increases.

Completely natural changes occur when a woman turns 50. They indicate menopause. During this period, egg production ends. Accordingly, hormonal levels also change.

Reasons for failure

The pathogenesis of disorders may depend on genetics, on various endocrine and sexually transmitted diseases. Abortions also affect changes in the amount of hormones. Injuries to the genital organs play an important role.

The most common causes of hormonal imbalances in women:

Sexual development. During adolescence, girls experience hormonal imbalances.
Climax. As a rule, at the age of 50, a woman has to deal with a decrease in hormone production. This can affect both the health and appearance of the lady.
Taking hormonal medications. These drugs must be prescribed by a doctor after a comprehensive examination. If medications are adequately selected, they do not lead to
Pregnancy. During this period, all women experience hormonal disruption.
Postpartum period. New changes are taking place in a woman’s body. There is another hormonal imbalance after childbirth. This is due to the start of milk production. And the body itself gradually returns to its original state.
Stressful situations. Nervous disorders affect the functioning of the endocrine system. Namely, it is responsible for the production of hormones.
Wrong diet. Overeating, addiction to fast food and diets limit the intake of substances into the body that are necessary for its proper functioning. Including for the production of hormones.
Excessive physical activity.
Violation of the daily routine and bad habits.
Obesity. Hormone production in this disease is greatly reduced.

Characteristic symptoms

With such disorders in the body, it is important to start treatment in a timely manner. Therefore, you need to know what symptoms indicate hormonal imbalance.

Signs of an imbalance in the body:

A sudden change in mood that occurs for no apparent reason.
Weight gain with a balanced diet.
Disruption in the menstrual cycle. This is a very important symptom indicating hormonal imbalance. A delay lasting less than 28 or more than 35 days is considered a pathology. Except in those cases when such a cycle was established from the very beginning. Heavy or light periods are also considered menstrual irregularities.
A state of fatigue during normal sleep and rest.
A woman cannot sleep in the evening, despite being tired. The reason for this condition is neurosis.
Decreased or complete absence of sexual desire.
Severe headaches.
Acne.
Hair loss.

note

There are symptoms that indicate a failure in the production of various hormones. Therefore, when they appear, an examination is necessary.

You can suspect problems based on the following signs:

Multiple fractures indicate that the level of parathyroid hormone in the body is impaired. In this case, in addition to therapy, the diet should be adjusted towards dairy products and fish.
Unreasonable change in body weight. In this case, you need to take a TSH test. What is this? This is a special study that reveals the level. When this substance increases, hypothyroidism (sharp weight gain) develops. If it decreases, it means hyperthyroidism (weight loss).
Constant feeling of thirst. Possibly low insulin levels. This can lead to diabetes.
Hypertension, rapid heartbeat, sweating. Increased adrenaline. To reduce it, you need to devote more time to relaxation and give up bad habits.
Disruptions in the menstrual cycle. Excessive levels Because of this, menstruation may stop and the woman loses the ability to conceive. Most likely, the cause is stress. But there is a danger that the problem is caused by a pituitary adenoma. To reduce prolactin levels, you need to rest more.
(sexual desire). Indicates a decrease in the amount of estrogen. It is considered normal when the hormone level decreases after 35 years. If there is no sexual desire and you feel dryness in the vagina, you should definitely consult a doctor to restore estrogen levels.
Excessive hair on a woman's body indicates elevated testosterone levels. This symptom may be the result of the use of steroids and medications for hypertension.

If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately consult a specialist. Such changes indicate hormonal imbalances in a woman’s body.

Representatives of the fair half of humanity need to be more attentive to their health. It is important to pay attention to the manifestation of the above signs of hormonal imbalance. After all, a woman’s body is very fragile. It is quite often subject to changes in hormone levels.

Diagnosis of the condition

To identify hormonal imbalance, methods such as:

laparoscopy,
blood tests,
hysteroscopy (examination of the uterus),
TSH analysis (what it is and in what situation it is necessary to take it was stated above).

However, diagnostic methods may vary slightly. It depends on the woman’s symptoms.

When donating blood for hormone levels, malfunctions in the functioning of the adrenal glands and ovaries, and pathologies of the thyroid gland are detected. The causes of irregularities in the menstrual cycle are also established. This analysis helps detect various neoplasms.

If skin problems arise, as well as in case of obesity and menopause, a hormonal test is done.

Disorders in women can manifest themselves in different ways. Not all symptoms indicating the presence of hormonal pathology must be present. Some may experience vaginal dryness, others may experience fibrocystic breast tumors or the sudden appearance of wrinkles.

Exacerbation of premenstrual syndrome, accompanied by pain in the joints and chest, irritability and absent-mindedness, is also an indicator of hormonal imbalance. Sudden weight gain or loss, sudden problems with vision and skin indicate the presence of disorders in the endocrine system.

Possible consequences

Hormonal imbalance can be the cause of various diseases, some of which are chronic.

Unpleasant consequences:

diseases of the mammary glands;
miscarriages;
infertility;
fibrocystic formations in the mammary glands;
uterine fibroids;
polycystic ovary syndrome;
asthma;
atherosclerosis;
migraine;
stroke, heart attack;
diabetes;
malignant tumors.

Typically, such failures occur in women aged 40-50 years. But now the number of young patients experiencing hormonal imbalance is growing. What to do?

It is important that even young girls are attentive to their body. It is necessary to monitor the regularity of the menstrual cycle to prevent serious consequences. If you suspect any violations, you should definitely consult a doctor. After all, it is easier to regulate hormone levels than to treat a serious illness later.

Treatment methods

If a woman, based on symptoms, suspects the presence of hormonal disorders in her body, she should urgently consult a doctor. This could be a gynecologist or therapist. The doctor will conduct an examination. Based on the test results, the hormonal levels of the body will be determined. If the level of any component is not normal, treatment is prescribed to correct the amount of its production.

Therapy for hormonal imbalance is carried out in a combination of two directions:

eliminating the causes that provoked hormonal imbalance in women;
treatment (drugs are prescribed based on examination), regulating disorders.

Therapy usually includes hormonal medications. They allow you to restore the menstrual cycle. Help regulate hormone levels. All medications are prescribed by a doctor based on the results of the examination. The doctor also recommends an individual diet, which must be strictly followed. Surgical intervention is permissible only in cases where the cause of the pathology is diseases of the reproductive system that cannot be cured in any other way.

When taking hormonal medications, it should be taken into account that they have many contraindications. Therefore, the process of therapy with such medications should be supervised by a doctor. Self-medication with hormonal medications is strictly prohibited!

These violations take quite a long time to correct. Treatment may continue for several months. If failures are detected early, they are easier to correct. Therefore, you should visit a gynecologist for examination twice a year.

Drug therapy

It should be emphasized once again that only a competent specialist can prescribe treatment if a hormonal imbalance is detected in women. The medications must be taken strictly according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor. In addition, the doctor constantly monitors the dynamics of treatment and can make adjustments to therapy.

Oral contraceptives are most often prescribed. These medications are divided into two groups: single-phase and biphasic. The choice and schedule for taking the medication is made solely by the doctor. Remember that these contraceptives have a long list of side effects that can lead to irreversible consequences, even death.

As a rule, a woman is prescribed complex treatment:

Vitamins A, E and calcium are prescribed.
Vitamin E is recommended. It regulates progesterone and estrogen levels. Improves the structure of nails and hair.
To regulate the menstrual cycle, medications can be prescribed: “Mastodinone”, “Cyclodinone”.
To reduce the unpleasant symptoms caused by menopause, the drug Klimadinon can be administered into therapy.

And do not forget that it is very dangerous to fight pathology on your own. In such cases, treatment most often does not bring relief, but aggravates hormonal imbalance in women. The drugs must correct the disorders, which means that without a detailed examination, it is impossible to select them.

Effective recipes

Folk remedies help restore hormonal imbalance. However, they can only be used after consulting a doctor.

The following recipes are quite effective:

Vitex sacred. This herb has a calming effect and relieves swelling and chest pain. It also helps in regulating the menstrual cycle and promotes conception. Prepare the infusion in the evening. A tablespoon of herbs is poured into a thermos and poured boiling water (2 tbsp.). The thermos is closed with a lid and left to infuse overnight. The finished infusion is drunk in small portions throughout the day instead of water.
Voronets. Helps with menopause, relieving symptoms such as hot flashes and sudden changes in mood. This herb is taken in two ways. Pour a teaspoon of herbs into a cup, pour boiling water (1 tbsp), add honey and drink instead of tea. Voronets alcohol tincture - pour 100 g of raw material into 0.5 liters of vodka, leave for several days. Take one teaspoon 2 times a day.
Helps with menstruation, which is accompanied by severe pain. A teaspoon of herb is poured into a glass of boiling water and infused. Drink 2 glasses of infusion every day for a week before your period. Stop taking the herb during menstruation.
Linseed oil. It contains phytoestrogens, which regulate the level of estrogen hormone in the body. Take it cold, drinking 2 tablespoons of oil per day. You can also season salads with it.

Folk remedies can help correct hormonal levels only if they are taken for a long time.

Preventive actions

There are rules that, if followed, will help detect the onset of hormonal imbalance or prevent it:

pay attention to all menstrual irregularities;
mark the cycle on your calendar;
visit your gynecologist regularly;
try to get away from stressful situations;
follow the diet and daily routine;
Limit or completely stop drinking and smoking.

By following these rules, every woman can significantly reduce the risk of hormonal disorders in her body.

A woman's body undergoes monthly hormonal changes from adolescence to menopause. Deficiency or excess of hormones affects the functions of all organs and systems. If hormonal imbalance occurs in women, treatment helps normalize their concentration and restore the functioning of the body.

Hormones stabilize the functioning of the body and affect health. A woman feels good when her hormone levels are balanced. When they are imbalanced, the performance of all organs and systems is disrupted.

The female body produces various hormones. Estrogen and progesterone have the greatest impact on health. A malfunction of organs and systems occurs when the concentration of estrogen rises.

Factors that cause hormonal imbalance include:

genetic predisposition;
pathologies of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands;
infections;
operations;
pancreatic diseases;
severe stress, depression, emotional turmoil;
dysfunction of endocrine organs.

The use of hormonal drugs is a serious reason leading to disruptions in the body.

Hormone imbalance develops against the background of infections and certain pathologies. It is provoked by:

atherosclerosis;
bronchial asthma;
polycystic disease;
endometriosis.

The balance of hormones is disrupted after surgery on the internal genital organs. Sometimes the disorder is so severe that infertility develops. Hormonal levels change in teenage girls, pregnant women, and menopause. After delivery, the hormone balance returns to normal spontaneously.

Many contraceptives contain hormones. They can cause disruptions in the hormonal system. A background disorder occurs if a woman ignores a healthy lifestyle, eats poorly, and is overweight.

Symptoms

Signs of hormonal imbalance differ between teenage girls and mature women. In girls it manifests itself as follows:

unstable menstrual cycle;
delayed menstruation: they do not occur by the age of 16 (this is an important sign of a hormonal disorder);
lack of armpit and pubic hair;
underdeveloped mammary glands;
excessive thinness.

In women, hormone imbalance can:

disrupt the menstrual cycle;
cause chronic fatigue;
provoke irritability, insomnia;
cause headaches;
cause discomfort during intimacy.

If there is a malfunction in the hormonal system, some women experience hair loss. Weight gain is a significant symptom of imbalance.

When menopause occurs, women suffer from prolonged depression, manifestations of premenstrual syndrome, insomnia, and swelling of the mammary glands. They are tormented by absent-mindedness, fatigue, and apathy.

These symptoms may be supplemented by signs of gynecological pathologies. Women are diagnosed with various diseases of the genitourinary system. Signs of hormonal disorders are similar to those of other diseases. Treatment for hormonal imbalance should be prescribed by a doctor. The treatment regimen is drawn up based on the test results.

Complications

Hormonal imbalances lead to various complications. They call:

obesity;
sexual dysfunction;
infertility;
development of cancerous tumors;
formation of cysts in the mammary glands;
diabetes;
atherosclerosis;
osteoporosis.

Miscarriage is another undesirable consequence of hormonal imbalance.

Mostly, the imbalance occurs in women who have crossed the 40-year mark. It occurs rarely in girls and young people of childbearing age.

Therapeutic treatment

If signs of a hormonal disorder appear, you must undergo an examination:

donate blood for analysis;
do a hormone test;
undergo an ultrasound.

The doctor, having established the causes of the disorders, will prescribe treatment. To eliminate the imbalance, various medications are used:

to improve menstruation or stabilize the condition during menopause, use Mastodinon, Cyclodinon, Klimadinon;
sedatives, antidepressants, tranquilizers relieve psychogenic disorders;
take multivitamins.

If the imbalance is not significant, patients are recommended to take vitamins A and E. They have effects similar to estrogen. Vitamins compensate for the deficiency of bioactive substances.

The prescribed hormone-containing drug is taken in short or long courses (from one week to several months). Self-medication is unacceptable. Only a doctor can calculate the dosage of medications and the duration of treatment.

Women are prescribed the necessary physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, laser therapy, acupuncture, massage), and are recommended to undergo a course of treatment in a sanatorium.

Diet therapy

Dietary nutrition is selected taking into account the patient’s condition and concomitant diseases. If hormonal imbalance in women is caused by irrational food consumption, the menu is adjusted and fresh, high-quality products are introduced into it.

The diet is designed so that fats, proteins and carbohydrates are balanced, the foods consumed do not allow you to gain weight and at the same time compensate for nutritional deficiencies.

A diet for hormone imbalance involves eating plant foods in large quantities. Women need to eat vegetables, berries, fruits, sunflower seeds, nuts, lean meat, fish, seafood, cabbage. In case of diabetes, the daily intake of sugars is controlled. Their increase is bad for health.

If you are overweight, watch your caloric intake. Low-fat foods and foods enriched with dietary fiber help reduce body weight. At the same time, losing weight benefits the woman, her endocrine system improves.

Fasting days help stabilize weight. They choose one dietary product and eat it throughout the day. Unloading should be done once a week. A doctor helps you choose products for a one-day mono-diet (especially for diabetics). Usually fruits, vegetables or fermented milk products are used. They eat apples, cucumbers, watermelons, and kefir.

It is prohibited to use:

chocolate;
flour;
sweet;
fat;
fast food;
semi-finished products.

Traditional methods

The resulting manifestation of imbalance is successfully treated with folk remedies. They are prescribed in addition to the main therapy.

Flax-seed

Flax seeds are rich in phytoestrogens. They are used for menopause. You should be treated with flax seeds for a month according to the following scheme:

Take 2 tablespoons of seeds with a glass of water;
take the drug twice a day.

After seven days, the hot flashes will subside, nervousness will disappear, and sleep will improve.

Estrogen deficiency can be treated with sage. The plant contains a hormone with estrogen-like effects. Extracts from it are used for infertility, menstruation with lack of ovulation.

A decoction of sage is taken simultaneously with the drugs Duphaston and Utrozhestan. In this case, it is necessary to understand the rules for using medications. All prescriptions are made by the doctor, who also calculates the dosage of the medications.

If estrogen levels begin to fall, a sage infusion is prepared to raise its concentration:

boil 250 ml of water;
add a teaspoon of herbs;
after 15 minutes of infusion, filter;
drink ¼ cup three times a day before meals. Do not drink the infusion at night.

An overdose of sage leads to poisoning. The permissible limit must be strictly observed. Its extracts are prohibited from being used for high estrogen levels, thyroid diseases, uterine fibroids, allergies and other pathologies. The product is used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Complex herbal medicine

Medicinal herbs are enriched with phytohormones. These substances have the same properties as human hormones, but their effects are much weaker. Unlike medications, they gently normalize hormonal levels without causing side effects.

You can be treated with folk remedies prepared on the basis of peppermint, valerian, linden blossom, lemon balm, strawberry, fennel. These herbs are used for monotherapy or in combination with potent plants: hogweed, red brush, wormwood, sage.

To cure pathology, drugs are used according to a certain pattern. Drug intake is broken down by day of the menstrual cycle as follows:

Treatment lasts for three months. Along with the infusions, selenium and folic acid are taken.

Ayurveda

Disorders that arise in the hormonal system are successfully treated with Ayurveda. The drugs normalize hormone levels and eliminate congestion in the pelvis. Ayurveda effectively fights psychogenic disorders and normalizes the emotional background. Treatment begins after visiting a specialist who is able to select the right Ayurvedic medicines.

Hormonal imbalance is a serious disorder of the body that causes various pathological processes. Uncontrolled treatment leads to serious consequences. You can effectively deal with the problem only if you strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.

The menstrual cycle directly depends on the state of hormones in a woman’s body. If they are normal, then there are practically no delays, and anovulatory cycles occur no more than 2 times a year. But often the patient is diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, which provokes the absence of menstruation, infertility or miscarriages for up to 12 weeks.

This situation requires mandatory correction even if the woman no longer intends to become a mother, because hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of the formation of cysts, polyps, and tumors of the uterine body, which can subsequently become malignant.

Disorders with hormones can occur in patients of different ages: premenopausal women, women of childbearing age, and even very young girls.

The main causes of hormonal imbalance

Why is this happening?

In girls aged 12–13 years, and in women over 40, the cause of hormonal imbalance is quite clear - these are age-related changes. In the former, hormones are rearranged due to the establishment of the menstrual cycle, in the latter - due to its cessation. The etiology of the disease in patients of childbearing age is much more complex, so the reasons can be divided into several points:

Malfunction of the ovaries– this paired organ produces estrogens, progestins, and also a small amount of androgens. Each time after ovulation, a corpus luteum is formed, which produces almost only progestins. After the corpus luteum resolves, the level of progesterone in a woman’s body drops sharply and menstruation occurs.

If the ovaries are not functioning properly, then all these processes are disrupted: insufficient production of estrogens in the first phase is the reason that the dominant follicle does not mature, and a lack of progestins in the second phase leads to threats of miscarriage at 3–4 weeks.

Improper functioning of the adrenal cortex– is the main cause of hormonal imbalance in women 30–35 years old. The zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex is responsible for the production of androgens, which in turn are precursors of estrogens. If the organ does not function properly, this leads not only to disruption of the menstrual cycle, but also to baldness, hirsutism, and also provokes the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Pituitary gland dysfunction– this part of the brain is responsible for the production of prolactin, as well as for the normal functioning of the corpus luteum, which is formed as a result of ovulation. The pituitary gland also produces lipotropin, a hormone that regulates fat metabolism. If there is a malfunction in its work, then the woman may notice insufficiency of the first phase of the cycle and obesity.

Hypothalamic dysfunction– the problem does not directly affect the menstrual cycle, but dysfunction of this part of the brain leads to dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

Blood test is the key to accurate diagnosis

Hormonal imbalance is mainly diagnosed using blood tests. Ultrasound and other examinations are of secondary importance. Some of the hormones are released in the first phase of the cycle, the other part in the second. It is important to comply with these conditions, otherwise the test results will be incorrect.

Blood test for prolactin;
Blood test for estradiol;
Blood test for FSH and LH;
Blood test for testosterone and DHEA.

Blood is drawn for these studies from days 3 to 5 of the menstrual cycle. On the seventh day after ovulation, a blood test for progesterone is performed - this is when the peak of the corpus luteum is observed, and therefore the peak of progestin production.

By what manifestations can a violation be suspected?

There are a number of indirect signs that indicate that hormonal disorders are occurring in a woman’s body:

Regular appearance of cysts on the cervix
Intermenstrual bleeding
Polyps
Myoma
Endometriosis
Ovarian enlargement
Uncontrolled weight gain
Amenorrhea
Anovulation for more than 6 menstrual cycles
Regular delays

But the surest symptom of hormonal imbalance in the body is the interpretation of the results of a blood test for hormones. The doctor evaluates the reference values of the indicators and determines which of the hormones is below normal and which is above. FSH and LH are also assessed in relation to each other. A symptom and sign of hormonal imbalance in women that requires treatment may even be a situation where the hormone is within the normal range, but at its upper or lower limit.

What medications are used to treat hormonal imbalance?

How to treat a failure in hormone production?

Violations in the production of certain hormones are treated with hormonal therapy. It can be based on chemicals and synthetic analogues of human hormones, or it can be based on herbs that are phytohormones.

If you decide to start treatment on your own, you must undergo the tests listed above. You cannot start therapy based only on indirect signs of hormonal imbalance. You definitely need to know which of the parameters needs to be brought back to normal.

Birth control pills

Often prescribed by gynecologists when one of the main symptoms of hormonal imbalance in a woman is delayed menstruation. It is believed that since birth control pills contain hormones of the first and second phases of the cycle, they are ideal for restoring the endocrine system.

However, recent observations show that some patients not only do not recover after such treatment, but begin to notice even greater problems. Most gynecologists prescribe OK (most often) without thinking about whether this therapy is suitable for the patient.

In most cases, preliminary tests fail and it turns out that the doctor prescribes the drugs “blindly” - this saves the gynecologist’s time. In addition, some patients experience intolerance to birth control pills, resulting in severe vomiting. Among the remedies that can be prescribed for treatment, we can mention Diane-35, Yarina, Jess.

Individual hormone therapy

The essence of the technique is that treatment of hormonal imbalance begins only after checking the patient’s hormones. It includes the selection of exactly those synthetic substitutes that are lacking in the body. Or taking medications that reduce the production of a certain hormone, the norm of which is exceeded.

This is a more flexible therapy that is more successful than prescribing birth control pills. But it requires more time from the doctor and more attention to the woman’s condition.

There are no standard treatment regimens in this case, so it is difficult to provide a list of specific drugs.

Treatment with phytohormones

Some patients are resistant to synthetic hormone analogues. In such a situation, the doctor prescribes treatment with herbs that affect the endocrine system. Before this, you need to take blood tests to determine which phase of the cycle is experiencing insufficiency: the first or second.

To improve the quality of the first phase, sage, knotweed, and red brush are prescribed. To improve the quality of the second phase, it is prescribed to drink boron uterus.

Do not underestimate phytohormones and assume that their overdose will not affect the body. Long-term and uncontrolled use of a decoction of such plants can aggravate hormonal imbalance so much that it will then take years to recover.

The prognosis of the disease is individual in each case. If the symptoms of hormonal imbalance in the patient’s body are subtle and tests show a slight deviation of hormones from the norm, if there is a good response to the treatment, recovery will take only a few months.

If the deviations are serious, PCOS or MFN is detected, then stabilization of the hormonal levels may take years, and in some cases it will be impossible at all.

The main difficulty in such cases is the temporary effect of treatment. After the hormones have returned to normal, after 2–3 months the deterioration may begin again. Thus, serious failures require periodic repetition of therapy, and during pregnancy such patients need special monitoring.

The cause of many pathologies of the reproductive organs is hormonal imbalance. It is the very trigger that triggers an avalanche of changes leading to diseases of organs and systems. Let's look at what hormonal imbalance is, what its symptoms and signs are.

The endocrine system is responsible for the production of hormones and their regulation. The endocrine system includes a number of endocrine glands:

Epiphysis,
Pituitary,
Thyroid,
Thymus gland (thymus),
adrenal glands,
Pancreas,
Gonads (ovaries in women, testes in men).

The hormones that are produced by these glands enter the blood and allow all organs and systems to work as one coordinated mechanism. The endocrine system is also responsible for the body’s adaptation to changing living conditions, both external (environment) and internal (stress, illness, etc.). It is in constant interaction with the nervous and immune systems.

Thanks to the coordinated work of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian system, cyclical changes occur in the female body. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropic releasing hormones, which activate the pituitary gland to produce gonadotropic hormones.

This, in turn, makes the ovaries work. They secrete female sex hormones: estrogens (estriol, estrone, estradiol), gestagen (progesterone), androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione). All these hormones act directly on the uterus and participate in metabolic processes. Subsequently, a signal is sent from the ovaries back to the pituitary gland.

Each of the above hormones has a specific effect on the body. Estrogens regulate the functioning of the ovaries, genitals, and affect the mammary glands. They increase the tone of the vaginal muscles, the sensitivity of nerve endings and the production of mucous secretions in the vagina.

Hormones of the estrogen group stimulate the growth of the endometrium (the mucous layer of the uterus) and participate in carbohydrate and mineral metabolism. The level of estrogen also affects the hematopoietic system, increasing the tone of the vascular wall and affecting blood clotting.

The presence of this hormone determines the appearance of a woman: the location of subcutaneous fat according to the female type, the development of the mammary glands, the condition of the skin, hair and nails.

Progestogens affect the ovaries, reproductive organs and mammary glands. Their effect on the body begins after the work of estrogen. The main function of gestagen is to regulate the process of conception.

Under the influence of this group of hormones, fertilization of the egg occurs, its passage through the fallopian tubes, consolidation and development in the uterine cavity. Progesterone also affects the pituitary gland, causing it to produce its own hormones (FSH, LH).

Although androgens are considered male sex hormones, the female body also needs them (in moderation). They control the development of the female genital organs. And during pregnancy they help shape the sex of the child.

The thyroid gland produces thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and calcitonin. The sphere of influence of these hormones is simply enormous. They participate in almost all metabolic processes, regulate the growth and formation of all organs and systems. They have a great influence on the central nervous system.

Thyroid hormones are also important in the reproductive function of the female body. Thyroid hormones have a significant impact on the concentration of female sex hormones during maturation and the ability to bear a pregnancy. The activity of the thyroid gland is regulated by the pituitary gland.

The pancreas produces glucagon and insulin. The main function of the pancreas is the ability to regulate glucose concentration. However, this is precisely what allows you to control the biochemical balance of the blood.

Hormones produced in the pancreas are involved in hematopoiesis, control blood flow in the kidneys, activate metabolism, and normalize the functioning of the digestive system.

What is hormonal imbalance? Hormonal imbalance is all kinds of disruptions in the coordinated functioning of the endocrine system. This situation is based on dysfunction (impaired functioning) of the endocrine glands, hypofunction (a small amount of hormones are produced) and hyperfunction (a large amount of hormones are produced).

Causes

A disruption in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian system provokes hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body. Heavy or scanty menstruation occurs, endometrial hyperplasia, fibroids and cysts appear, spontaneous abortion and much more.

In addition, hormonal imbalance can occur under the influence of impaired functioning of other endocrine glands. These include various diseases of the thyroid and pancreas (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, etc.).

However, changes in hormone levels are not always pathological. For example, during adolescence and menopause, the level of hormones gradually changes in the fair sex.

In the first case, this situation is provoked by physiological maturation. In girls, breasts are formed, secondary sexual characteristics (hair growth, etc.), and the menstrual cycle is established. The hormonal balance is gradually normalized. But we must remember that hormonal imbalance in girls is also possible.

Who to contact? Gynecological pathologies in combination with hormonal imbalance are dealt with by a gynecologist-endocrinologist. In cases where such a specialist is not available in a medical institution, you need to contact a regular gynecologist. If after the examination endocrine pathologies are confirmed, the gynecologist will give a referral to an endocrinologist.

How to survive hormonal imbalance? First you need to calm down. This situation can be successfully treated. It is necessary to carefully and scrupulously follow all the recommendations of the attending physician. During the treatment period, you can alleviate the condition and significantly speed up recovery if you adjust your diet and systematize your rhythm of life. Eating right will also help you lose weight.

It is necessary to remove fatty, fried, and sweet foods from the diet. Alcohol is prohibited (except for wine, in moderation), sweet carbonated drinks, and smoking. Strong black tea and coffee are prohibited for the entire treatment period.

The following food items should be included in the daily menu:

Porridge.
Fresh vegetables and herbs.
White and red lean meat.
Fish and seafood.
Nuts, berries and fruits.
Fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt, natural yogurt, cheeses).

All these products and the microelements they contain, coarse fiber and proteins, are vital for the female body. They will help reduce the manifestation of hormonal imbalance, eliminate vitamin deficiency and lack of microelements. They will strengthen the microflora of the intestines and vagina, thus strengthening the immune system.

Walking in the fresh air, swimming and light exercises will continue to help restore balance. A sound sleep, at least 8 hours a day, will calm the nervous system.

Important: if symptoms appear that indicate a hormonal imbalance, you should consult a specialist. Self-medication in this case can only intensify the manifestations of the failure! A qualified specialist will be able to detect the cause and prescribe proper treatment.

Most vital processes in the body depend on the health of the hormonal background, therefore, at the slightest deviation, the external and internal state of a woman immediately begins to change - not for the better. It is also difficult to control the situation by the fact that representatives of the fair sex are subject to numerous hormonal surges throughout their lives. And at the peaks of these surges, corresponding problems and disruptions may arise.

What is hormonal balance

The hormonal background is a set of biologically active substances that are produced by the endocrine glands and, penetrating into the blood, become regulators of physiological processes in the human body. Literally everything depends on the state of your hormonal levels: your mood, ability to get up early in the morning, weight fluctuations, frequency of headaches, tolerance to diseases and much more.

The glands that produce hormones are: parathyroid and thyroid, pancreas and thymus, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, ovaries and adrenal glands. Together they make up the endocrine system of the female body. Often changes in one area lead to disruptions in another, so it is important to monitor the health of the entire system.

Hormones perform their main functions through the blood, entering into physiological or chemical processes, including in the cells themselves. The first signals about the production of hormones come through surface receptors to the central nervous system and the hypothalamus. From here, the primary active substances that take care of women's health migrate to the pituitary gland and then spread throughout the endocrine system.

Features of a woman's hormonal background

The primary work of a woman’s hormonal background is aimed at creating an attractive female nature. Rounded shapes, long soft hair, strong nails, smooth moisturized skin, its pleasant color, as if shining from within - all this is the result of the correct functioning of the endocrine system and the sufficient secretion of important sex hormones. If there are early failures in this process, girls often remain excessively thin, breasts and hips do not form, and problems arise with the formation of the menstrual cycle. In the opposite situation, with an excess of hormones, the girl gets fat very quickly and experiences discomfort during menstruation.

Longevity, the ability to bear and give birth to a child, long-term preservation of elasticity and youthfulness of the skin, bright eyes and light gait depend on the optimal state of the woman’s hormonal background.

The most important female hormone is estrogen. It underlies the primary formation of a girl’s figure and menstrual cycle. Because of it, the period of adolescence can be marked by outbreaks of emotional instability and nervousness during the period of PMS. However, a sufficient amount of it maintains a woman’s mood at the proper level, helps her fight stress, endure serious illnesses and prepare the body for pregnancy.

With a lack of estrogen, a serious problem with hair occurs. In this situation, you have to think about depilation in those areas that previously may not have caused much discomfort.

Progesterone and prolactin are especially important for expectant mothers. They prepare the body for conception, gestation and childbirth, stabilizing the emotional state of the pregnant woman. If they are deficient, problems arise with the production of breast milk and optimal hydration of the mucous membranes of the uterus for full gestation of the baby. At the same time, an excessive jump in prolactin in a woman’s body leads to failure in the fertilization process and disruption of the cycle.

The proper functioning of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and ovaries is of great importance for a woman’s beauty. They determine external attractiveness and changes in voice timbre.

Causes and symptoms of women's hormonal imbalances

The causes of hormonal imbalance are many factors that can be overlooked in the daily hustle and bustle. In some cases, to restore your condition and improve the functioning of the endocrine system, it is enough to adjust something from the list below:

smoking and alcohol abuse, especially energy drinks and carbonated cocktails with high alcohol content;
excessive consumption of coffee and black tea with sugar;
consumption of sweets, including low quality ones containing trans fats, industrial oil and many substitutes;
frequent use of chemical sweeteners;
improper, monotonous diet;
eating disorder;
lack of fluid intake and frequent drinking of sugary carbonated drinks;
abuse of pickles, canned food, smoked meats;
disturbance of sleep and wakefulness (lack of sleep, insomnia);
taking a lot of strong medications;
uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs, including contraceptives;
development of internal abnormalities, diseases of the endocrine system;
abortions, both previously and recently performed;
long absence of intimate life with a partner;
lack of physical activity;
violation of life hygiene: nutrition, sleep, personal care, etc.;
age-related surges of hormones - adolescence, pregnancy, menopause.

The symptoms of female hormonal imbalances are very clear, especially during the period of age-related surges:

increased nervousness and irritability for a long period of time;
sudden weight loss or gain, accompanied by a number of uncomfortable conditions, such as sweating, dizziness, insomnia;
obesity - often occurs due to problems with the thyroid gland and is accompanied by drowsiness, hair loss and dry skin;
thickening of the hairline and the appearance of hair growth where there was usually none;
regular migraines;
frequent formation of dark stretch marks;
general decrease in immunity, frequent illnesses and even the manifestation of a stable body temperature at 37 degrees;
severe visual impairment;
manifestation of primary signs of diabetes mellitus - frequent urination, itchy skin, fatigue, thirst;
changes in the condition of the skin - rapid fading, a sharp decrease in tone, dullness, peeling and roughening of areas of the epidermis;
menstrual irregularities or complete cessation of menstruation;
problems of an intimate nature - discomfort during intimacy, lack of sexual desire, etc.;
with an excess of growth hormone, the appearance of growths on the jaws and cheekbones, their expansion, which leads to the formation of a masculine face - often accompanied by severe muscle and bone pain;
excessive secretion of sebum and the occurrence of inflammatory formations on the face and body;
lack of breast milk in women preparing for childbirth and those who have given birth.

How to normalize hormonal levels

The first steps to normalize your hormonal levels will be correcting your diet and restoring your sleep and wakefulness patterns. To maintain women's health, you can take ginseng tincture, rosea radiola, drink tea with lemon balm, sage and mint. A lot depends on your attitude towards your own health and body. It is impossible to normalize hormonal levels without a special diet and maintaining physical activity.

If you are not a fan of dairy products and plant foods, then most likely your body does not have enough natural healthy fats for proper hormone production. Support your women's health with heavy cream and sour cream, periodically eat fatty sea fish, eggs, sesame seeds, pistachios (without salt), dates.

If you feel that the changes are very serious and you cannot cope on your own, then be sure to consult an endocrinologist. Perhaps in your case you need to take hormonal medications to improve the functioning of the endocrine glands. You should not prescribe such medications yourself, as they have a number of side effects.

Zinaida Rublevskaya
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