Decreased female hormones. Estrogens: female hormones, deficiency symptoms. What to do with a lack of female hormones

How to determine which hormone is lacking in the body? The most accurate answer can be obtained by passing a blood test for hormones. But there are still indirect factors that can tell you which hormone deficiency your body is experiencing at the moment. Very often it is not easy to get rid of the hated kilograms, despite the efforts made. But the fact is that it is not enough to revise your diet, it needs to be rebuilt to suit your hormonal type. Then not only will the weight get off the ground, but the normalization of the hormonal background will have a positive effect on the body as a whole, which will lead to balance and peace of mind.

There are 4 important hormones: adrenaline, choline, serotonin, thyroxine. In a normal measured life, their imbalance is practically not noticeable. But as a result of the stresses in which a modern person finds himself, he becomes obvious, eating behavior changes. Some of us begin to nervously absorb everything that comes to hand, while others do not get a piece in the throat.

At such moments in life, you need to change your diet, focusing on foods that are right for your hormonal type. Then you can restore the lost balance and at the same time make up for the deficiency of the missing hormone, thereby avoiding weight fluctuations.

How to determine your hormonal type? How to understand which hormone is lacking in the body? Tips will help Your I zest .

First type. Adrenalin

Distinctive features

• As a rule, this type is typical for owls, who cannot wake up in the morning without a cup of invigorating, aromatic coffee.
• During periods of unrest and stress, you constantly need to chew something, and often you prefer salty to sweet.
• You have an increased sweating .
• It is difficult for you to concentrate on anything at such moments.

If you recognize yourself in the described type, then you do not have enough adrenaline.

What to do

Second type. CholineOn a note: good sources of tyrosine are: nuts (peanuts) and beans.

Distinctive features

• You always have a to-do list with you, otherwise you will forget and miss something.
• You are easily thrown off balance, even small experiences make you nervous and anxious.
• Sometimes it is accompanied by constipation, tinnitus.

If you are this type, then you need to replenish the body with choline, a hormone that is responsible for mood and memory.

What to do

Third type. Serotonin

Distinctive features

• In a state of stress, you can skip breakfast and lunch, and only remember in the evening that you didn’t eat anything during the whole working day.
• In the evening, due to a full stomach, sleep does not come to you for a long time.
• You are often tormented by insomnia, a feeling of anxiety does not leave.

If you recognize yourself and want to understand what hormone your body lacks, our answer is serotonin.

What to do

Fourth type. thyroxine

Distinctive features

• You began to notice that your hair falls out and split ends, your skin is prone to dryness.
• Plus, you often have problems with digestion, there are irregular stools.
• It happens that the legs swell due to fluid retention in the body.
• You get tired quickly, you freeze all the time.

These are signs of a lack of thyroxine in the body, an important hormone. thyroid gland s, which is responsible for the metabolism in the body.

What to do

On a note. Serotonin is found in nuts (especially walnuts and almonds are rich in them), and iodine in seafood (perch, cod, hake). Zinc is found in beef, lamb, veal, oysters, crab, chocolate, and peanuts.

In addition to a balanced diet, physical education and sports will help you tame your hormones. After all, it is the movement that helps to relieve stress and tension, improves mood. Choose your favorite sport for practicing, only in this case, you will do it with pleasure and get the best result.

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

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 reserves, 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 in 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.

Estrogen is a common collective name for 3 types of steroid female sex hormones of varying degrees of biological activity (BA):

• estrone (folliculin) E1- controls the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics (uterus and breast), stimulates the growth of the endometrium;
• estradiol E2- is responsible for external compliance with gender, secretion of pheromones, the quality of sexual life, the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, cholesterol levels, acid-base balance, calcium absorption and many other processes;
• estriol E3- improves the blood supply to the uterus and promotes the development of the ducts of the mammary glands during the maturation of the fetus.

The level fluctuates naturally depending on the current state of the body (phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy) and Normally, it is greatly reduced(45–50 years). At other times, a sharp drop in hormone levels indicates health problems.

Estrogen deficiency (hypoestrogenism) - in most cases occurs due to inhibition (fading) of ovarian function that produce most of the sex hormones.

As well as pathological disorders in the work of the adrenal cortex, thyroid gland or pituitary gland, which develop under the influence of negative factors:

• exhausting power loads, including professional sports training;
• lack of physical activity (physical inactivity);
• abuse of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs;
• a strict diet low in fat and iron, an unbalanced diet;
• sharp jumps in body weight in any direction;
• improper intake (self-administration) of hormonal drugs;
• long-term treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists, antidepressants or nootropics;
• bad heredity;
• irregular sexual relations;
• malignant process of tumor development;
• course radiation or chemotherapy of the pelvic organs;
• surgical removal of the uterus with appendages, resection of the ovaries;
• prolonged depressed psycho-emotional state, nervous tension, depression.

Important! The cause of the pathology, as a rule, is not one, but several interrelated factors at once, therefore, before proceeding with the restoration of the fragile hormonal balance, the doctor must conduct a full examination.

Low level symptoms

In women of reproductive age (16–48 years) manifested by both specific and general signs of malaise:

• the loss elasticity and firmness of the skin (turgor), uneven microrelief, formation of deep wrinkles, dehydration and peeling;
• the appearance of acne, age spots, moles and papillomas in large quantities (up to 20 pieces in 1 year);
• body deterioration, sagging breasts (mastoptosis), the formation of stretch marks (striae) and congestion in the subcutaneous fat, i.e. cellulite (lipodystrophy);
• redistribution of body volumes (massive top, narrow bottom, large belly) and male pattern hair;
• uncontrollable hair loss, color dullness, brittleness, dryness and split ends;
• menstrual irregularities, i.e., irregular periods (1 time in 2-4 months) or their complete absence (amenorrhea), changes in the quantity and quality of discharge, severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS);
• frequent illnesses inflammatory genitourinary system (colpitis, cystitis, vaginitis);
• atypical discomfort with intimacy and urination, vaginal dryness (atrophic vaginitis), incontinence, impaired mobility (contracture) of the genital muscles;
• decrease in working capacity and self-confidence (self-esteem), loss of positive morale, lack of sexual desire, insomnia, irritability and unreasonable aggressiveness;
• sharp drops blood pressure, excessive gas formation (flatulence), pain in the heart and joints, increased heart rate, fever and increased sweating (hot flashes);
• tooth decay, increased fragility of bones (osteoporosis) and nails.

Reference. The deterioration of a woman's health can be caused not only by absolute, but also by relative hypoestrogenism, which occurs not due to a real decrease in the amount of estrogen, but due to an increase in progesterone levels, which disrupts the natural balance of hormones in the body.

In childhood and during puberty, the lack of estrogen is no less dangerous than in adulthood, so it is very important to detect it in a timely manner.

Typical signs of hormonal imbalance in adolescence:

• delayed sexual development (absence of menstrual flow, unexpressed mammary glands, small uterus);
• frequent fractures, skeletal deformity, tooth decay;
• a large amount of hair on the face and body (if this is not related to nationality or heredity);
• masculine body shaping, stretch marks on the skin, unreasonable weight gain.

Low estrogen levels after menopause is a natural phenomenon that is considered the norm. However, often, a woman during this period suffers from a deterioration in well-being, therefore, at this age, the symptoms of hypoestrogenism also need to be corrected with the help of special therapy.

Diagnosing a shortage condition

The norm changes throughout life: it depends on age, phase of the menstrual cycle and gestational age.

To determine the total level of the hormone, as a rule, used as an indicator of the content of estradiol in the blood, because in terms of the ratio of biological activity, it is significantly superior to other steroids (E1-6: E2-100: E3-1).

Norms

Reference values ​​of estrogen content in the body:

Diagnosed with a lack of female hormones through the analysis of venous blood, therefore, before taking the material, it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations standard for this type of research:

• 1-1.5 weeks in advance - stop taking all medicines (if this is not possible, give the doctor a specific list of medicines in advance);
• for 5-7 days - avoid sexual arousal and sexual intercourse;
• for 3-4 days - exclude fatty, spicy foods and alcoholic beverages from the diet;
• for 1-2 days - limit intense physical activity (more rest, do not play sports) and smoking;
• 10-12 hours before - refuse to eat any products (it is allowed to drink without restrictions).

Please come to the laboratory early in the morning (7–11 a.m.) 20–30 minutes before the appointed time, so that excessive stress, including emotional stress, does not distort the result.

Reference. At home, hormonal imbalance can be detected by measuring the temperature inside the vagina immediately after waking up (basal). Normally, it should not be more than 37 ° C: the maximum allowable fluctuations are 0.2–0.3 ° C in any direction, the excess of these indicators indicates the presence of deviations.

How to influence the normalization of hormonal levels?

The hormonal system is very sensitive to any changes in the body, so in order to stabilize the level of estrogen, first of all, you need to normalize your lifestyle and health:

• follow the correct daily routine(night sleep at least 8 hours, daily physical activity, proper rest);
• balance the content of useful components(vitamins, micro- and macronutrients) and nutritional value (KBZhU) your diet;
• eliminate bad habits(smoking, taking drugs) and minimizing the use of alcoholic beverages;
• try to avoid stress and psycho-emotional stress, learn how to restore peace of mind (do auto-training, yoga, creativity, aromatherapy, etc.);
• lead an active regular sex life with a regular partner;
• treat in a timely manner all disturbing ailments, prevent chronic diseases and do not take any medications without a doctor's prescription.

Reference. Many foods (soybeans, beans, tomatoes, all types of cabbage, red and black grapes, eggplant, olives, carrots, mint, sage, flax), the use of which will also help avoid the development of hypoestrogenism.

Treatment methods for the consequences of hypoestrogenism

In matters of conservative treatment of estrogen deficiency official medicine adheres to the principle“Less is better.”

Therefore, in the vast majority of clinical cases non-natural analogues are assigned hormone, but in which the active ingredient has a new, more active chemical structure.

Drugs prescribed for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) of absolute hypoestrogenism:

If the cause of the insufficiency is an excessive level, that is, there is a relative hypoestrogenism, then the doctor prescribes the following: Clomiphene, Tamoxifen, Mifepristone.

Important! The names of medicines are presented for reference only. Taking hormonal medications without consulting a specialist can lead to irreversible consequences, up to the development of malignant neoplasms.

In addition to the main therapy that replenishes estrogen in women, you can pay attention to the methods of alternative (traditional) medicine:

• 2 tbsp. l. raspberry leaves + 1 tbsp. l. field mint + 300 ml of boiling water - leave for 30-40 minutes and drink 150 ml 2 times a day in the morning and evening;
• 1–1.5 st. l. hop cones + 200 ml of boiling water - boil for 20-30 minutes on low heat and drink 50 ml 4 times a day after each meal;
• 2 tbsp. l. nettle leaves + 200 ml of boiling water - leave for 15-20 minutes and drink 100 ml 2 times a day before meals;
• 2 tbsp. l. sprouted ground broccoli seeds + 500 ml of linseed oil - stand for 7-10 days in a cool dark place and take 1-2 tbsp. l daily on an empty stomach;
• 1 st. l. plantain seeds + 1 tbsp. l. cuff seeds + 300 ml of boiling water - boil for 10-15 minutes over low heat and drink 100 ml 3 times a day before meals.

Using home methods to correct estrogen levels also requires agreement with a specialist, because despite the seeming safety, they can significantly affect the hormonal background of a woman.

Is it possible to get pregnant with low?

Estrogen necessary for successful conception maintaining pregnancy and fetal development.

Its low content (less than 12-190 ng / l) can lead to the impossibility of becoming pregnant at all or to the occurrence of serious problems in the first trimester, both for the expectant mother and for the child:

• the threat of spontaneous abortion (fetal rejection);
• damage to the placenta, which in most cases ends with its detachment;
• "fading" of the development of the embryo or the presence of genetic abnormalities;
• pathologies in the work of the cardiovascular and nervous system of the fetus;
• uterine bleeding.

Deficit at a later date can cause overheating child and difficult delivery (weakness of labor).

Maintaining hormonal balance in the body one of the top priorities in a woman's life, because a lot depends on him: her beauty, well-being, sexual attractiveness and, most importantly, the opportunity to become a mother. Therefore, it is very important to monitor your health and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

In the human body, all processes occur under the influence of hormones, and the reproductive system is no exception. Most of the changes associated with the function of reproduction in the female body are under control. Lack of estrogen can cause hormonal infertility and cause severe disorders in women of any age.

Lack of estrogen can cause infertility.

What are estrogens and where are they produced?

Estrogens are the common name for a subspecies of female steroid hormones. They are produced mainly by the ovarian follicular apparatus, and also in small amounts by the adrenal cortex.

There are three types of estrogen in women:

• estrone. Has a minimal effect on the body;
• estradiol. The main estrogen, which is synthesized from testosterone and is found in large quantities in the blood;
• estriol. The influence of this hormone increases during pregnancy.

All of them are formed from androgens under the influence of complex enzymatic processes. The conversion of androgens to estrogens occurs not only in the ovaries, but also in adipose tissue, skin, liver, etc.

What is the secretion of these hormones?

In childhood, in women, the concentration of sex steroid hormones is very low. During puberty, the hypothalamic-pituitary system begins to produce hormones that cause a physiological increase in estrogen levels.

The level of secretion of these hormones in women of reproductive age varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. In the first phase, they are actively produced in the follicles, in the second phase, their concentration decreases, and they continue to be produced in the corpus luteum. During pregnancy, estrogens are synthesized in small amounts by the placenta.

After menopause, there is a natural decline in the hormonal function of the ovaries. They stop producing hormones. This physiological lack of estrogen (climax) can be manifested by characteristic symptoms that are unpleasant for women (“hot flashes”, sleep problems, osteoporosis).

Estrogens affect many organs and systems.

The role and function of these hormones in the body of a woman

The main function of these ovarian hormones is to:

1. Formation of secondary sexual characteristics. When a girl reaches puberty, estrogen production leads to:

• enlargement of the mammary glands;
• development of the fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina;
• the formation of the body structure according to the female type (rounded hips, pronounced waist, etc.).

1. reproductive function. The key role of these hormones is to:

• creating an optimal environment in the vagina that allows sperm to survive;
• are responsible for the development of the dominant follicle and processes;
• help to preserve the embryo during fertilization;
• cause the onset of menstruation and detachment of the functional layer of the uterus, if pregnancy has not occurred;
• participate in the development of the placenta;
• prepare mammary gland cells for lactation processes.

1. Other. In addition to the main reproductive function, estrogens affect:

• regulation of blood pressure;
• absorption of calcium;
• stimulate the liver and brain, as well as much more.

What can cause a deficiency of these hormones

The lack of estrogen in women can be due to a number of reasons:

• Diseases of the pituitary gland. Estrogen levels are controlled by the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain. His pathology (tumor, etc.) can cause a low level of these hormones.
• Congenital diseases and genetic anomalies. With Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome, there is a violation of the formation of the sex glands and a reduced level of female sex hormones is noted. In addition, insufficiency of sex hormones can be observed in diseases of the thyroid gland and after irradiation of the pelvic organs.
• Diet and exercise. Extreme stress, especially during puberty, can cause a lack of estrogen in women. A strict diet with a sharp restriction of fats. If the body fat level is less than 20-21%, the normal synthesis of hormones is disrupted.
• During menopause. In women, a natural extinction of the hormonal function of the ovaries occurs after 50-55 years.

Clinical picture and manifestations of the disease

Signs of estrogen deficiency depend on the woman's age. So, in girls during puberty, the lack of these hormones will manifest itself in the slow development of the genital organs, as well as problems with growth. The girl may be disturbed by excessive body hair. There is a lack of menstruation or they begin very late.

In women of reproductive age, other symptoms of deficiency are noted:

• External changes. Wrinkles appear ahead of time, hair and nails begin to break, excessive hair growth, skin condition deteriorates significantly, the appearance of papillomas and age spots;
• Sexual problems: dryness of the vaginal mucosa, decreased libido;
• Reproductive disorders: hormonal infertility, irregular periods or their absence;
• Others: sweating, migraine headaches, increased blood pressure, osteoporosis (softening of the bones), memory impairment, impaired concentration, and others.

How to determine the level of these hormones?

If a low level of estrogen is suspected, the specialist prescribes an analysis for female sex hormones, the list of which includes estrogens.

The analysis is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. The last meal should be 6-7 hours before the test. A few days before the study, spicy, spicy and fried foods are excluded, they try not to be stressed and exercised. An analysis for hormones is taken at the beginning (3-5) or at the end (18-21) of the menstrual cycle, depending on the goals of the study.

The table shows the rate of estradiol in the blood.

How can low estrogen levels be corrected?

Treatment for low estrogen depends on the cause of the condition. If problems with hormones are associated with nutrition and regimen, then a woman is recommended to stop the diet and enrich the diet with foods containing plant estrogens:

• soy and its by-products (milk, flour, etc.);
• legumes (chickpeas, peas, beans);
• meat and dairy products;
• coffee and caffeinated drinks;
• fruits and vegetables (cabbage, carrots, eggplant, etc.).

In addition to correcting the diet in women, treatment is carried out with hormonal preparations that contain estrogens, for example, oral contraceptives. It should be remembered that the treatment of women of reproductive age differs from therapy with estrogen-containing drugs for menopause.

Diet can affect estrogen levels.

Questions to the doctor

Question: At the age of 13, my daughter has no menstruation and has started to grow hair in her chest area. Could these signs be indicative of hormonal problems?

Answer: Yes, these symptoms may indicate that the girl's body lacks female sex hormones. To clarify the diagnosis, you need to take a blood test for hormones and visit an endocrinologist.

Question: What treatment is prescribed if female sex hormones are lowered due to frequent diets?

Answer: Before starting treatment, the body is given the opportunity to recover on its own. For this, a woman is recommended to normalize her diet and lifestyle. If after six months the level remains low, then hormonal drugs are prescribed.

Estrogen deficiency occurs for various reasons. Sometimes diet is the cause of the problem, in other cases, estrogen deficiency is associated with ovarian diseases. To find out the source of the problem, you need to check the level of hormones and visit a specialist.

Estrogens are the collective name for steroid female sex hormones. They are produced mainly by the female ovaries. The adrenal cortex and other extragonadal tissues are also responsible for the production of the hormone. There are 3 fractions of estrogen: estrone, estradiol and estriol.

The production process of estrogen

Synthesis of estrogen is impossible without its precursors: testosterone and androstenedione. This happens under the control of the enzyme aromatase. If the process of producing estrogen is affected by any genetic defects in the enzyme, then an increase in the level of male hormones is possible.

The production of estrogen is impossible without the synthesis of androgen, which occurs due to cholesterol. That is why, women who are adherents of a cholesterol-free diet face unpleasant consequences in the form of hormonal problems.

As already noted, the synthesis of estrogen is impossible without its assistants, because:

The function of estrogen

The active action of estrogens begins after binding to the corresponding receptors. The hormone is responsible not only for exclusively female functions, it has a complex effect on the entire body. The period of menopause, when the level of estrogen drops sharply, is associated with a deterioration in a woman's health. This is because the hormone has been protecting the body from pathological processes all this time.

Menopause can provoke heart disease, atherosclerosis, diseases of the reproductive system.

The main function of the hormone estrogen, for which it is responsible in women:

Symptoms of insufficient hormone production

Cause of estrogen deficiency- insufficient production by the ovaries. This is possible against the background of age-related changes or initial problems with the pituitary gland, a glandular organ that stimulates the production of sex hormones.

Another reason is an excess of testosterone, a normal male hormone that is present in the female body in small amounts.

Lack of estrogen in women. Symptoms of pathology during menopause:

Clinical picture at a young and sexually mature age:

The inability to become pregnant forces a woman to undergo a comprehensive examination, which reveals the insufficiency of certain hormones.

Estrogen deficiency provokes the following pathological conditions:

1. myocardial infarction;
2. prolapse of the uterus;
3. chronic inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract;
4. diabetes.

Symptoms of excess hormones

Estrogen dominance is spoken of when the concentration of the hormone in the blood exceeds the allowable values.

Excess estrogen in women, symptoms:

Too much estrogen negatively affects the reproductive system. It disrupts the usual course of hormonal fluctuations, which ensure the maturity of the egg, timely ovulation, and in case of no pregnancy, rejection of the endometrial mucosa.

Excess estrogen is dangerous for overweight women. With menstruation, the endometrial mucosa comes out, but due to hormonal disorders, it does not come out completely. This leads to the growth of the endometrium, which causes precancerous diseases.

The development of cancer directly depends on excess weight, so in women who weigh more than 80 kg, the frequency of malignant tumors is 10 times higher than in women who have a normal weight.

Causes of excess and lack of estrogen

There are several reasons for the increase in estrogen levels:

Estrogen is called the hormone of youth. From the moment of its sharp fall, the body begins to age. This is normal at the time of menopause, but quite often, the drop in estrogen begins well before the age of menopause.

To maintain health, a woman should listen to her body and be examined regularly to prevent the development of serious problems.

How to normalize hormone levels

Replacement is used to restore normal estrogen levels. hormone therapy. The same treatment is given to a woman during menopause to eliminate the symptoms of menopause and maintain mental and physical health.

A doctor may prescribe drugs containing a synthetic hormone:

How to increase estrogen in women:

During pregnancy, estrogen levels increase tenfold. Do not use any medicinal and folk remedies during this period without consulting your gynecologist.

It is worth being careful with flaxseed, its excessive use reduces the effectiveness of some drugs.

Excess and deficiency of estrogen adversely affects the state of the body of a woman. However, the diagnosis can be confirmed only after a laboratory test. Do not hesitate to visit the clinic if you have some of the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. The sooner the problem is solved, the less harm it will bring to the body and the sooner it will be possible to forget about it.