How does it happen
Hormones are chemicals through which different parts of our body exchange information. Special endocrine glands and individual cells located in various places – for example, on the walls of the stomach or (oh horror!), In the subcutaneous fat, release hormones into the blood, and other organs and tissues capture the information transmitted in this way.
The main female hormones
It so happened that women are considered more dependent on hormones than men. This is nonsense from the point of view of biology, but such an opinion has appeared for two objective reasons. Firstly, the monthly cycle regulated by hormones (fluctuations in the mood and well-being of men are not so predictable). Secondly, it often depends on the state of the endocrine system whether a woman will be able to safely become pregnant and have a baby, and this is considered by many as the main female function.
The main female hormones (although they are produced in small quantities in the male body) are estrogens and progesterone.
Estrogens are a group of hormones that are constantly produced by the ovaries from the onset of puberty to the onset of menopause. In different phases of the menstrual cycle, the amount of estrogen is different. They regulate the menstrual cycle, and in addition, protect vessels from the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls, regulate water-salt metabolism, increase skin elasticity, regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands (which is why the sign of a healthy woman in her prime is radiant, moisturized skin).
These hormones are also responsible for the strength of the bones: they stimulate the formation of new bone tissue, retaining the necessary substances in it – calcium and phosphorus. Therefore, in menopause, when the level of estrogen in the body decreases, women often have fractures or the development of osteoporosis.
Progestins (progesterone) in the female body perform many functions – from the formation of mammary glands in girls to the possibility of the onset and maintenance of pregnancy. With progestin deficiency is associated painful menstruation, and many symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
These hormones are closely interconnected with each other, as well as with other hormones. To understand this, special education is required. That is why only doctors can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe hormonal drugs, and it is extremely dangerous to self-medicate, even with herbs. After all, you will not knock on the great-grandmother’s mechanical watch if they began to junk? And the endocrine system is even more complex and thinner than the antique clockwork.
See your doctor if:
• You notice frequent mood swings and irritability.
• Sleep problems in the premenstrual and menstrual periods.
These signs may indicate an imbalance in estrogen and progestins . A qualified gynecologist or endocrinologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist will help you normalize your condition and prevent possible health problems.
What happens if the balance is upset:
Diseases of the endocrine system develop due to either insufficient or excessive production of hormones.
Hormones are a link in various systems of the body, therefore, malfunctions in the endocrine system can affect several organs and systems simultaneously. Remember that with a timely visit to an endocrinologist, treatment will be most effective.
You can highlight some specific problems, in the event of which you need to immediately contact a specialist.
a. Reproduction Issues
Almost all hormones produced in the organs of internal secretion, affect the sexual function. Hormone-active tumors of the pituitary gland, pathology of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, various inflammatory diseases of the endocrine system, etc. can lead to infertility. For the timely detection of these serious diseases, all patients suffering from impaired reproductive function (infertility, miscarriage ) are required must be examined by an endocrinologist.
Menstrual irregularities can also be associated with functional disorders of the endocrine glands. These disorders respond well to treatment with timely detection.
Many women seeking help with menstrual irregularities suffer from the so-called “polycystic ovary syndrome.” The main signs of the syndrome are increased hair growth on the face, stomach, chest, and the appearance of acne. Treatment is carried out jointly by an endocrinologist and a gynecologist.
With this disease, the ovarian capsule is condensed, the formation of female sex hormones is disrupted. The cause of these disorders can be both an enzymatic defect in the ovaries or adrenal glands, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. As a result, in the body of a woman, the content of male sex hormones rises, the menstrual cycle is disrupted, and, as a result, infertility.
b. Weight fluctuations
Both obesity and causeless weight loss can be the result of severe endocrine diseases (diffuse toxic goiter, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus). Even in the absence of serious diseases, with a marked deficit in body weight, a deficiency of sex hormones can occur, since a certain proportion of female sex hormones is produced in the subcutaneous fat.
Well, an excess of adipose tissue (excess! A certain amount of fat in the body is the norm!) Is not only an aesthetic problem. The more adipose tissue, the lower the amount of estrogen and their activity.
Therefore, with obesity, violations of the woman’s reproductive function are also detected, the number of ovulations is reduced, endometrial changes occur (with a risk of developing cancer of the endometrium, ovaries, mammary glands, spontaneous abortion, complicated pregnancy and childbirth).
That is why the main stage in the treatment of reproductive dysfunction for obese women is weight loss, while the hormonal profile of obese women changes, the menstrual cycle is restored in 80%, and the pregnancy rate increases by about 29%.
c. Diabetes
One of the very complex and serious diseases of the endocrine system is diabetes. Women with this disease may have problems bearing a pregnancy. Therefore, when planning pregnancy and the entire period of its course, a woman suffering from diabetes should be under the constant supervision of an endocrinologist and gynecologist.
d. Menopausal endocrine disorders
Menopause (cessation of menstruation) is only one of a number of anatomical, physiological, and psychological changes related to the menopause. This transition, as a rule, takes a decade (45-55 years). Menopause is accompanied by many subjective and objective symptoms and metabolic changes, the main cause of which is a significant decrease in estrogen levels.
Menopausal syndrome is usually accompanied by “hot flashes” (exhausting women), poor mood and well-being, increased blood pressure, etc.
When menopause occurs, a gynecologist needs to be shown every six months. A specialist can help reduce all the experiences associated with physiological changes in the body.