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 hormonal disbalance, which provokes absence of menstruation, infertility or miscarriages 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 reasons formation of cysts, polyps, tumors of the uterine body, which can subsequently become malignant.
Hormonal imbalance may occur in female patients different ages: in premenopausal women, of childbearing age, and even in 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 menstrual cycle, for the second - due to its termination. 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
Crash hormonal levels, is mainly diagnosed through 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 happens on the basis chemicals and synthetic analogues of human hormones, and maybe based on herbs that are phytohormones.
If you decide to start treatment on your own, you must mandatory pass 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 recovery endocrine system.
However, recent observations show that some patients not only do not recover after such treatment, but begin to notice more big 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 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.
Any standard circuits treatment in in this case does not exist, 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 MFJ is detected, then stabilization of the hormonal levels may take years, and in in some cases will be completely impossible.
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.
Hormones largely determine the functioning of the female reproductive system. They are in such a close relationship that a deficiency or excess of one of them leads to the incorrect production of other hormones.
As a result, irregularities in the menstrual cycle begin, which are difficult to correct. The process of restoring the endocrine system takes a long time, and in some cases it is completely impossible.
There may be two reasons for this: misuse hormonal drugs or congenital dysfunctions of the organs responsible for the production of hormones.
If in the first case it is possible full recovery endocrine system, then in the second only treatment regimens that will temporarily correct the incorrect production of hormones can help.
The female endocrine system - how it works
Failure of the hormonal system can begin at any age, but most often it affects either teenage girls or women during menopause, when the endocrine system undergoes dramatic changes.
Hormones in female body are produced by certain glands, which are medical science called the glandular apparatus.
Some of these glands have direct relation to the functioning of the organs of the female reproductive system:
The pituitary gland is a brain appendage located in bottom surface brain Responsible for the production of prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and oxytocin.
Thyroid– located in the neck area, above the larynx. Responsible for the production of thyroxine, which affects the growth of the endometrium in the uterus.
The adrenal glands are paired glands that are located above the kidneys. Responsible for the production of progesterone, a number of androgens and a small amount of estrogens.
The ovaries are paired glands located in the pelvic cavity. Responsible for the production of estrogens, weak androgens and progesterone.
If in older women, disruption of the functions of the endocrine system occurs due to the consumption of the supply of eggs and the fading of the ability to bear children, then hormonal disruption in girls, on the contrary, indicates the maturation of the body and its preparation to perform reproductive functions.
Hormones that affect the female reproductive system
Estrogens
– the common name for three hormones: estriol, estradiol and estrone. Produced by the ovaries and partly by the adrenal glands. They are hormones of the first phase of the menstrual cycle.
Prolactin – affects the formation of milk in the mammary glands. Helps reduce estrogen levels and inhibit ovulation during breastfeeding.
Follicle stimulating hormone – produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Accelerates the growth of follicles in the ovaries in the first phase of the menstrual cycle. Affects the production of estrogen.
Luteinizing hormone – produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the production of estrogen, provokes rupture of the capsule of the dominant follicle and the release of a mature egg from it. It is closely related to the production of follicle-stimulating hormone.
Testosterone - male sex hormone. In women large quantities produced by the adrenal cortex and ovaries. Promotes breast enlargement during pregnancy.
Progesterone – a hormone of the corpus luteum, which is formed after the rupture of the capsule of the dominant follicle during ovulation. In addition, it is produced in large quantities by the ovaries and placenta if a woman is pregnant.
These are the main hormones that to a greater extent influence the menstrual cycle than all others, which are also produced by the endocrine glands.
7 reasons for hormonal imbalance
Improper hormone production can be either congenital or acquired during life. Treatment for this problem will depend on what caused the endocrine system failure:
1) Taking oral contraceptives. Despite the fact that some gynecologists are confident that oral contraceptives normalize a woman’s hormonal levels, this is not always the case. After stopping the pills, in some patients the endocrine system cannot normalize its functions.
2) Taking medications for emergency contraception. Leads to a strong surge in hormones, after which the menstrual cycle may not return to normal for a long time.
3) Unauthorized use of other hormonal drugs. Medicines that regulate the functioning of the endocrine system should be prescribed by a doctor of the appropriate profile. Even if the test results show a deviation from the norm of any hormone, then select it yourself medicines not advisable for correction. Only an endocrinologist can prescribe an adequate treatment regimen.
4) Dysfunction of the endocrine glands. It can occur both as a result of their diseases and as a result of abnormalities in their development.
5) Age physiological changes. This refers to puberty and menopause - two periods in a woman’s life during which the most dramatic restructuring of the endocrine system is observed.
6) Artificial termination of pregnancy. A sudden cessation of hCG production leads to a disruption in the production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Both medical and surgical abortion have equally negative effects on the functioning of the endocrine system.
7) Long-term stressful conditions. They influence the suppression of the production of the hormone oxytocin. A decrease in oxytocin levels affects the production of prolactin.
Hormonal imbalance can also be caused by pregnancy, but in this case the body is programmed natural ways to normalize the functioning of the endocrine glands, which are activated after childbirth.
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women
Hormonal imbalances never go away without consequences. Depending on which endocrine gland is not functioning properly, a woman experiences certain symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
In medicine, a symptom is a set of manifestations of a disease that the patient himself notices. In this case, the symptoms will be the following:
- Irregularity in the duration of the menstrual cycle;
- Excessive body hair growth;
- The release of milk from the mammary glands in the absence of breastfeeding;
- Frequent mood swings;
- Increase in body weight with relatively moderate food intake;
- Hair loss;
- Decreased libido.
The listed symptoms should alert you and become a reason to visit an endocrinologist.
Signs of endocrine system dysfunction
In medicine, a sign means a set of manifestations of a disease that a doctor observes. He draws up a clinical picture of the disease, relying not only on medical research data, but also on the complaints of the patient herself.
The following are signs of hormonal imbalance in a woman:
- Shortening or lengthening the first or second phase of the cycle;
- Lack of ovulation;
- Ovarian cysts;
- Corpus luteum cysts;
- Thin or too thick endometrium;
- Presence of fibroids;
- Disruption of the maturation process of follicles (regression of the dominant follicle, follicular cyst);
- A large number of antral follicles in one ovary, not exceeding 8-9 mm in diameter (MFN);
- A large number of follicles in one ovary that exceed the size of 9 mm in diameter, but are still smaller than the dominant follicle (PCOS).
Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy
The body undergoes changes after conceiving a child. From the day a fertilized egg is implanted into one of the walls of the uterus, the production of the hormone hCG begins. An increase in its concentration in the blood provokes a change in the amount of production of other hormones.
The endocrine system is forced to adapt to the changes that have occurred in the body, however, hormonal imbalance during pregnancy is a natural process necessary for the successful bearing of a child.
But there are violations that can lead to the threat of miscarriage:
- Lack of progesterone.
- Excess testosterone.
- Lack of estrogen.
These are the three main hormonal disorders that pregnant women encounter most often. To correct them, the gynecologist will prescribe drug therapy.
Consequences of improper functioning of the endocrine system
Hormonal imbalance is a factor that negatively affects a woman’s health. It's about not only about violation reproductive functions, but also about a general deterioration in health.
A deficiency or excess of certain hormones, in the absence of timely treatment, can lead to serious consequences, among which:
- Infertility;
- Miscarriage;
- Obesity;
- The occurrence of cancer;
- Decreased immunity;
- High fatigue;
- Formation of benign tumors;
- Diabetes;
- Osteoporosis;
- Decreased sexual activity.
If the cause of hormonal imbalance lies in the improper functioning of the endocrine glands, which has been observed since birth, then constant monitoring by an endocrinologist and systematic correction of the production of one or another hormone are required.
The treatment regimen will depend on which hormone deviates from normal values. Sometimes there are problems with the production of any one hormone, but more often than not, a blood test indicates problems with several hormones at once.
Each doctor has his own views on treatment methods, but gynecologist-endocrinologists can be divided into two categories: the first prefer to prescribe oral contraceptives as therapy, and the second prefer to regulate each hormone with separate drugs.
Correction of hormonal imbalance using oral contraceptives
To normalize the production of hormones, drugs such as Yarina, Diane 35, Jess, Lindinet can be prescribed. On the one hand, this is convenient for the doctor: there is no need to select a special treatment regimen - in tablets, all synthetic analogs of hormones are pre-distributed by day of the cycle.
On the other hand, such a correction is fraught with negative consequences:
- Intolerance to oral contraceptives, expressed in daily severe nausea and vomiting.
- Unplanned pregnancy after stopping a course of pills. And, thanks to the rebound effect, it may turn out that a woman is carrying twins or triplets.
- Increased signs of hormonal imbalance after discontinuation of oral contraceptives
Correction of hormonal imbalance using an individual selection of hormonal drugs
It is more difficult to create such a treatment regimen. There is a need to use several hormonal drugs at once, so the gynecologist-endocrinologist must select medications in such a way as not to provoke a disruption in the production of other hormones that are normal.
- Excess testosterone – Dexamethasone, Cyproterone, Metypred are used for treatment.
- Lack of Progesterone - Duphaston and Utrozhestan are used to normalize indicators.
- Lack of estrogen is corrected with the help of Divigel, Premarin, Proginova.
- Excess estrogen - treated with Clomiphene, Tamoxifen.
These are just a few examples of solving problems with the production of certain hormones. In reality there may be much more, and specific scheme treatment should be carried out by an endocrinologist. Herbal mixtures are also used to correct hormonal levels, but they also need to be taken only on doctor's recommendation.
As preventive measures You can be advised not to take hormonal drugs without permission, without a doctor’s prescription and supervision. Once a year you need to donate blood to analyze the main female hormones and if one or more of them deviate from the norm, contact an endocrinologist or gynecologist.
Modern medicine makes it possible to successfully treat both genetically determined hormonal imbalance and hormonal imbalance that appears as a result of exposure to any external factors. But often, women simply do not pay attention to the disorders occurring in their body, and in some cases, they do not even know which one to treat hormonal imbalance. Delaying the necessary treatment in the future threatens very serious gynecological diseases (polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids or polyps in the uterus) and even the development of malignant tumors.
Treatments for hormonal imbalance
Often, treatment of hormonal imbalance in a woman is carried out with the help of drugs containing hormones (combined oral contraceptives). They can significantly improve a woman’s appearance, normalize her menstrual cycle, and also restore hormonal balance in the body. This method of treatment is very lengthy, because the drugs have to be taken for many months or even years. To such medicines include: “Femoden”, “Regulon”, “Logest”, “Yarina”, “Zhanin”, “Mersilon”. Also very popular are the following products: Marvelon, Miniziston, Novinet, Belara, Lindinet or Silest.
For girls adolescence, treatment of such changes is often done without taking special hormonal drugs, but is limited only to taking certain vitamin complexes, diet and special physiotherapeutic procedures. Only in cases of hormonal imbalance (genetically determined), with polycystic ovary syndrome, or primary amenorrhea, is it required at this age hormonal treatment.
Treatment of hormonal imbalance with traditional methods
Herbs such as oregano and hops can help regulate the production of female hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle. They can be used in the form of a common mixture, as well as separately. To prepare a medicinal infusion you will need dried and then finely ground oregano. Take two tablespoons of raw materials, place them in an enamel container, and pour one glass of boiling water. After 20 minutes, the infusion will be completely ready for use. It is recommended to drink it at no large quantities warm, before eating (twice a day).
A hop decoction is prepared in a similar way. The only difference is that the hops must be brewed in a thermos: pour one tablespoon of well-dried and then crushed raw materials into 250 ml. boiling water. Let the broth brew for 8 hours, after which it will be completely ready for use. Drink it several times a day before eating, half a glass.
It is important for every woman to notice deviations in health in time and begin appropriate treatment. Find out what hormonal imbalance is, what are its symptoms and causes?
Hormonal imbalance - what is it?
When there is a hormonal imbalance, disturbances occur in a person’s hormonal background. All processes in a woman’s body are controlled by the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which are responsible for puberty, monthly menstruation, and the functioning of the reproductive system.
This is why it is so important that hormones are in a certain balance to maintain normal functioning. nervous system and all vital organs. A decrease or increase in the production of one of the hormones (estrogen or progesterone) causes changes in well-being and affects the condition internal organs And appearance women.
Unfortunately, in Lately hormonal disruptions have become significantly “younger” and are increasingly observed not only in women of “Balzac’s” age, but also in very young representatives of the fair sex.
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
Symptoms of hormonal disorders are multifaceted and largely depend on the woman’s age and the condition of her body. General manifestations in women reproductive age are:
menstrual irregularities (irregular periods, painful, scanty or too heavy periods, with pronounced premenstrual syndrome);
uterine bleeding;
problems with conception (frozen pregnancies, miscarriages);
fatigue, irritability, insomnia;
frequent headaches, dizziness;
decreased libido, vaginal dryness;
an increase in body hair growth, which indicates increased content male hormone - testosterone;
rapid weight gain, swelling;
surges in blood pressure.
Irritability may be a symptom of hormonal imbalance
In teenage girls, symptoms of hormonal disorders may most often manifest themselves:
in the absence of menstruation or their irregular appearance;
in underdevelopment of the mammary glands;
excessive growth of body hair;
in excessive thinness.
During pregnancy and in the period after childbirth, hormonal imbalances make themselves felt especially clearly. They may lead:
to the threat of miscarriage, frequent pain in the lower abdomen and spotting;
complications during childbirth, insufficient labor;
slow contraction of the uterus after childbirth, problems with lactation;
postpartum depression.
During menopause, even completely healthy women feel unwell. Therefore, you should immediately consult a doctor if the following alarming symptoms appear:
prolonged headaches;
pain and changes in the mammary glands;
joint pain;
exacerbation chronic diseases internal organs (pancreas, liver) a week before menstruation;
frequent interruption of sleep at 4-6 am (time of hormone production);
increased night sweats;
constant fatigue, apathy, distracted attention, depressive states.
Every woman needs to be examined by a gynecologist every six months. All diseases are much easier to treat with early stage. Modern drugs help eliminate the symptoms of the disease and normalize the hormonal status of the body. To eliminate hormonal imbalance, you must first identify its cause.
Causes of hormonal disorders
The following reasons most often lead to hormonal imbalances:
constant stress;
unhealthy lifestyle and unbalanced diet;
onset of early menopause (before 40 years);
taking hormonal medications and birth control pills;
genetic predisposition;
previous infections, sexually transmitted diseases;
diseases of the endocrine system;
early abortions, abdominal injuries;
puberty;
period of pregnancy and childbirth;
excess weight;
excessive physical activity.
Each of the reasons has its own effect on the production and balance of hormones in the female body and can provoke their unfavorable increase or decrease.
Helps identify failure special analysis for hormones. Based on the results of this analysis, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment, with which it will be possible to calm the hormonal storm and avoid subsequent relapses.
Consequences of hormonal imbalance
Doctors never tire of repeating that you need to seek help on time, then hormonal disorders are completely reversible and can be treated drug treatment. If time is lost, the consequences of long-term hormonal imbalance are much more severe and can lead to serious complications, such as:
Diabetes.
Atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke.
Malignant formations.
Infertility, miscarriages.
Uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome.
Fibrocystic formations in the mammary glands.
Unfortunately, many young girls and women take their own health lightly and often simply try not to focus on alarming symptoms.
A woman’s body experiences a series of hormonal surges throughout her life associated with puberty, pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, and the onset of menopause.
Each of these periods carries the danger of hormonal imbalance, so it is very important during these periods to be attentive to any alarming symptoms, undergo the necessary examinations on time and receive appropriate treatment.
Treatment of hormonal imbalance
Treatment methods for the pathology will depend on the cause of the hormonal imbalance. If the cause is a tumor (fibroids, polycystic diseases), then surgical intervention is indicated. If the cause cannot be eliminated surgically, hormone replacement therapy is performed.
The result of treatment will be the elimination of hormonal fluctuations and associated manifestations. The doctor will prescribe treatment after a thorough examination. You will need to undergo an ultrasound and general analysis blood, do a hormone test and an STD test.
It is necessary to be examined by an endocrinologist and gynecologist. Based on the test results, specialists will determine the condition of the ovaries, pituitary gland, adrenal glands and thyroid gland. Based on these data, the doctor will select the most optimal and effective treatment regimen.
Hormonal imbalance can only be diagnosed based on test results.
Hormonal preparations used in treatment may contain both natural and artificial hormones; in addition, antipsychotics, homeopathic remedies and potassium-containing preparations may also be prescribed.
In most cases, patients suffering from excessive thinness and obesity are given hormonal treatment only after their weight has normalized. If, during the examination, sexually transmitted infections are detected, then first of all, patients need to undergo a course of treatment, only then hormonal therapy is carried out.
When treating hormonal imbalances in teenage girls, the first step is to ultrasonography, in order to assess the correct development of female organs. Teenagers are often prescribed a selenium-zinc diet, which helps improve immunity and relieve nervous conditions.
In the treatment of hormonal disorders great attention is given proper nutrition and reasonable physical activity, compliance with the work and rest regime. In order for the body to fully rest after working day Doctors recommend taking it at night warm baths, with the addition of infusions of soothing herbs, drink warm milk with honey and listen to pleasant, relaxing music.
