What causes hormonal imbalance? The dependence of a woman’s hormonal levels on her diet and lifestyle. Important symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women that should alert you

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: improper use of hormonal drugs or congenital dysfunctions of the organs responsible for the production of hormones.

If in the first case it is possible to completely restore the 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 the female body are produced by certain glands, which in medical science are called the glandular apparatus.

Some of these glands are directly related to the functioning of the organs of the female reproductive system:

The pituitary gland is a cerebral appendage located on the lower surface of the 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, it is produced in small quantities 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 have a greater influence on 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 improve 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, it is not advisable to independently select medications 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-related 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 has 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. We are talking not only about impaired 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, including:

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 gynecologists-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, resulting 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 fact, there may be much more of them, and a specific treatment regimen should be drawn up 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 a preventive measure, it 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.

Metabolism in the female body is unthinkable without the participation of hormones. They are responsible for a woman’s attractive appearance and good mood, control the reproductive system and guarantee the ability to have offspring. Hormonal balance is a finely regulated system; many internal and external reasons can change the volume of one hormone produced, which leads to a general malfunction in the system. It is fundamentally important to normalize a woman’s hormonal levels in a timely manner to prevent disruptions in the functioning of internal organs and the development of dangerous diseases.

How to normalize hormones in women

To carry out competent treatment, you will need the help of a specialist who will examine the patient in detail. It is not easy to normalize hormones in women, but several special methods of complex therapy have been developed, familiar to an experienced doctor, which allow you to recover as quickly as possible. The symptoms of a hormonal disorder are quite obvious and understandable to the doctor.

The external manifestations of the disorder are quite vivid, but a woman often thinks that they arise due to poor care of the body and face or due to weather conditions. Patients with such pathologies have disturbed menstrual cycles, they complain of general malaise and causeless fatigue.

They experience the following symptoms.

Skin that is too dry or too oily.
Brittle nails.
Hair loss.
The occurrence of pimples and acne.
Chronic fatigue.
Malfunctions of the monthly cycle.
Heavy or scanty menstrual flow.

Balance can be restored after complex treatment, which is selected by a doctor only after a thorough diagnosis and test results. After a gynecological examination, the doctor will check the compliance of the main sex hormones - and. The patient may then be referred to an endocrinologist to have her thyroid and parathyroid hormones checked. After this, a decision is made on how to normalize the woman’s hormones.

If the diagnosis reveals that hormonal processes in the body are disrupted, urgent adjustments are required. An excess or deficiency of hormones becomes the root cause of oncology, the formation of cancerous tumors, and chronic diseases.

In addition to hormonal problems, the examination can reveal an infectious or bacterial disease that requires the prescription of antibiotics. In such cases, the hormonal balance stabilizes after recovery from the infection.

Nutritional balance

In case of hormonal imbalance, eating a balanced diet is important for full recovery. Sometimes it is possible to restore health without pills, only on the basis of a healthy lifestyle. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of products and those that help the body produce hormones.

Milk and lactic acid products will help. Vitamin E, which is a stimulator of the endocrine system, has a positive effect on sex hormones. It is advisable to prepare the diet with the obligatory presence of vegetable oils (sunflower, flaxseed, olive), but they should not be abused either.

Any product or medicine in the correct dosage heals, but in the wrong dosage it harms.

The following products will help replenish missing hormones:

sprouted wheat;
legumes;
spinach and other greens;
egg (especially the yolk).

It is important to have the right weight, extra pounds are harmful, but thin women often become patients of endocrinologists. Any woman's diet should include animal fats and dairy products. The doctor definitely recommends that girls with low weight include foods considered fatty (meat, high-fat milk, butter) in their diet.

Including phytohormones in the diet helps compensate for hormonal deficiency. Phytohormones include:

soy deficiency;
legumes;
tomatoes;
eggplant;
coffee;
beer.

There are a lot of phytohormones in vegetables and fruits; all foods should be consumed in moderation so that the balance in the body is not disturbed.

Physical exercise

A prerequisite for successful treatment of hormonal imbalance is physical activity. Exercise, gymnastics, moderate sports or dancing significantly improves the state of hormones. The doctor recommends an individual program of action for each woman, depending on her work and health status.

If you don’t have enough time for physical activity, you can simply walk to work or the store. Try to drive less, refuse the elevator, and walk more. The main thing in such activities is their regularity, then it is possible to normalize hormones in women without taking medications.

Night sleep

Not only activity, but also proper rest will help you recover. Modern city life is fraught with frequent stressful situations and psycho-emotional stress, leading to hormonal imbalances. Proper rest is an important factor in longevity, so you need to set aside time for proper sleep.

You cannot increase the amount of work done in a day due to lack of sleep. Sleep will help you cope with physical and psychological stress. You need to sleep at least eight hours a day. You need to go to bed no later than ten o'clock in the evening in order to have time to fall asleep before the body begins to produce the hormone melatonin. This hormone is produced only at night, in complete darkness. During the night, the body restores the strength spent during the day, preparing for future physical activity.

The influence of habits on hormones

Alcoholic drinks and smoking are unsafe for health. Alcohol in small doses is good for the heart, but these are very small doses - no more than one glass of red wine per day. Abuse of ethyl alcohol is harmful, and smoking is harmful in any dose.

You can often find smokers arguing that they shouldn’t suddenly quit cigarettes. This is a completely erroneous point of view. The preservation of the endocrine system is more important than the pathological desire to take the next dose of nicotine. Without the harmful effects of ethyl and nicotine tars, treatment of hormonal pathologies occurs much faster and with greater efficiency.

Folk remedies

Hormonal problems were observed in women at all times, then they were treated with folk remedies, or more precisely, with herbs with phytohormones. Such terms were not used then, but every herbalist knew how to help a woman who was feeling unwell.

The most effective in treating metabolic disorders are tinctures and decoctions of medicinal herbs. They are used individually or in complex treatment. Flax seeds, red clover and many other herbs will help restore balance.

To prepare an infusion of bumblebee cones, they must first be steamed in a glass of hot boiled water. The hops should stand in the water until it cools, and after half an hour the tincture can be drunk half a glass after meals. Repeat the medication daily for 30 days.
Oregano tincture is prepared from fresh raw materials; dry herb is less effective in this case. Grind fresh herbs, take a tablespoon of the mixture and pour half a glass of boiling water. The medicine is infused and taken a teaspoon daily during the day.
For sage tincture you will need dry leaves. Take a liter of boiling water and brew four tablespoons of sage in it. You need to drink half a glass of sage tincture for ten days. It is important to start treatment on the sixteenth day of the menstrual cycle.
One of the most powerful sources of estradiol is flax seed, which does not need to be brewed and can simply be added to food. You need to eat a teaspoon of seed per day. The course lasts three months, after which it is necessary to take rest for the liver. After a month, if necessary, the course is repeated.

Medications

The hormonal system is surprisingly flexible, it responds to the slightest change in conditions. It takes a long time to recover with the help of pills; they should be prescribed by an experienced doctor so as not to disturb the fragile system.

You cannot prescribe hormonal pills on your own; competent preliminary diagnosis will be required.

There are a lot of hormones in the body, it is important to find out which substance is deficient in a particular woman. After examination and clinical tests, the necessary synthetic hormones are selected to compensate for the deficiency. During reproductive age and after childbirth, in most cases, oral contraceptives with combined effects are prescribed.

There are a huge number of birth control pills produced, they all differ in composition and dosage.

Therefore, choosing pills like your friend’s because they helped her is a colossal mistake. By acting so carelessly, you can undermine your health.

During menopause, you need completely different medications than at 20 years old. Even if a woman over 40 menstruates and is preparing to conceive a child, this does not mean that her hormonal levels correspond to what they were in her youth.

Special treatment is provided for people planning to have a child. If the results of the tests reveal a deficiency of the hormone progesterone, then a synthetic analogue is prescribed in the second phase of the cycle. Usually this drug is in tablets, but sometimes injections are prescribed.

If the gynecologist finds out that the process of conception is inhibited due to the immaturity of the egg, then a deficiency of the hormone estrogen is diagnosed. Sometimes the cause of infertility is excess testosterone production. Then the patient is prescribed a drug that reduces testosterone levels.

To normalize a woman’s hormonal levels, you need to worry about the presence in her body of vitamins and microelements necessary for normal functioning. The lack of substances such as vitamins B and E has a particularly negative effect on hormones. Vitamin therapy should be prescribed by the attending physician.

The totality of hormones in quantitative ratio is called the hormonal background. These substances are produced by the endocrine glands; the correct functioning of the most important processes depends on them: metabolism, growth, development of mental abilities.

The ratio of these substances in women determines their well-being, the ability to get pregnant and bear a child, and their mood. When the balance is disturbed, functional changes in organ systems can occur, which is why it is important to know how to normalize hormone levels.

Hormonal levels in women change during different periods of life and every month. Problems arise if there is a dysfunctional disorder in the functioning of, for example, the thyroid gland, or the main center that regulates the activity of the endocrine system - the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Changes that have begun are sometimes irreversible.

There are periods when changes in the ratio of hormones are a completely normal process.

Changes in hormonal levels in women during the cycle.

The first significant change occurs during the maturation period.
With the onset of intimate relationships, the ratio of hormones also changes.
With the onset of pregnancy, the body hormonally prepares for bearing and giving birth to a child. In the 1st trimester there is a significant increase in progesterone.
After childbirth, the hormone ratio changes again, ensuring the onset of the lactation period.
With age, reproductive function declines, and this again causes changes. The production of the hormone estradiol stops, the concentration of calcitocin and progesterone decreases.
There are also seasonal and monthly fluctuations associated with menstruation, when the quantitative content of estrogen and progesterone changes.

Risk factors

Hormonal levels in women are disrupted due to:

obesity;
infectious diseases;
strict diets leading to sudden weight loss;
systematic consumption of fast food;
long-term use of contraceptives, as well as use according to a regimen that does not comply with the instructions;
hormonal therapy;
stress;
physical activity;
chronic fatigue;
alcohol abuse;
drug use;
abnormal development of endocrine system organs;
poor environmental conditions;
unfavorable climate.

Symptoms and signs of hormonal imbalance

In women, symptoms of the disorder are:

reproductive function: difficulties with pregnancy, anorgasmia, miscarriages, menstrual irregularities, obesity, hypertrichosis, acne;
CNS: fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, depression, mood swings;
metabolism: osteoporosis, obesity.

Here are the likely causes of these symptoms:

Weight loss, while appetite does not decrease, but also increases, is associated with an increase in the intensity of the thyroid gland. Weight loss is accompanied by insomnia, irritability, sweating, increased body temperature to 37-37.5 degrees, and tremors of the upper extremities.
Obesity is the other side of thyroid dysfunction. The main symptoms include drowsiness, dry skin, weakness, alopecia, and low blood pressure.
The appearance of unwanted hair, as well as its darkening, indicates increased production of the male hormone testosterone. This is caused by dysfunction of the gonads. Additional symptoms may include a disorder of the monthly cycle, increased oiliness of the skin, along with the appearance of acne and dandruff.
If the adrenal glands, hypothalamus and pituitary gland malfunction, stretch marks can form. This is also accompanied by an increase in body volume, in particular the face, abdomen, neck, the growth of unwanted hair, a decrease in the body’s protective functions, sexual dysfunction, and hypertension.
With intensive production of growth hormone, signs of acromegaly are observed. This is a characteristic deformation of the lower jaw and cheekbones, which is accompanied by pain in the joints, numbness of the limbs, migraines, and increased fatigue.
A drop in vision levels accompanied by migraines is a likely sign of a neoplasm putting pressure on the pituitary gland.
With diabetes, there is thirst, an increase in the volume of fluid secreted by the body, weakness, a decrease in the regenerative abilities of the skin, and itchy skin.
With hypothyroidism, the skin begins to peel off, becomes rough, memory deteriorates, irritability increases, and reactions become slower. With increased function, that is, hyperthyroidism, characteristic signs are increased sweating, itching of the skin, and the appearance of red spots on the lower extremities.
A deficiency of parathyroid hormone produced by the parathyroid gland results in muscle cramps, migraines and ringing in the ears. When there is an excess of the hormone, a disturbance in the functioning of the digestive tract occurs, irritability, bad mood, and weakness appear.

During the maturation period, the disorder manifests itself with the following symptoms:

Premature development. Relatively early puberty is a likely consequence of hereditary factors. Too early (before 7-8 years) is a serious disease, in which a tumor of the pituitary gland or ovaries is often diagnosed.
Disruption in the menstrual cycle. Occurs as a result of disruption of the functioning of the main regulatory center and the ovaries, which, in turn, can be caused by excessive stress: both mental, emotional, and physical. Usually, after a long delay in menstruation, a period of prolonged bleeding occurs, which can lead to anemia.
Late first menstruation. As in the first case, hereditary factors can have a decisive influence on this process. There is a possibility of dysfunction of the pituitary gland or ovaries. In addition, delayed puberty can occur with anorexia. The growth of the mammary glands slows down, that is, signs of retarded physical development according to the female type are added.
Subtlety– excessive thinness – affects not only the time of the onset of menstruation, but also the general hormonal background of a woman.
The appearance of signs of hormonal imbalance after the first menstruation: acne, stretch marks, obesity, acromegaly. Most often, this process is mediated by trauma, stress, or a viral disease. Other symptoms also appear: headaches, changes in blood pressure, chronic fatigue.

Additional signs of hormone imbalance:

cessation of height growth;
sweating;
decreased vision;
peeling and itching of the skin.

During the period of fertility, when the hormonal background is destabilized, signs that make it possible to unambiguously diagnose the disorder may not be observed. The only sign by which appropriate conclusions can be drawn is unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant. But the menstrual cycle is normal, disturbances only affect ovulation.

Most often, one of the following symptoms appears:

Amenorrhea or absence of menstruation. Both long-term refusal of food or serious food restriction, as well as disease of the ovaries or brain, or increased production of hormones by the adrenal glands can affect the level of hormones.
Prolonged bleeding, which often do not coincide with the cycle, starting after long delays. Ovulation does not always occur. The consequence of bleeding can be endometriosis and uterine tumors.
PMS– severe symptoms are not normal. They indicate disturbances in the functioning of the hypothalamus.
Itsenko-Cushing syndrome– characterized by hypertrichosis, the appearance of stretch marks, brittle bones, the formation of a skin-fat hump on the back, hypertrophy of the heart muscle.

After an abortion, the body experiences serious hormonal stress caused by a failure of the natural process. Normally, hormonal levels should return to normal. Consequences of abortion, such as weight gain, stretch marks, headaches, indicate disorders in the body. Depression and vaginal dryness are likely.

In the postpartum period, a violation is indicated by the absence of menstruation when lactation ceases, hypertrichosis, increased irritability, which can be provoked not only by disease or infection, but also by overwork. A lack of the hormone oxytocin leads to a deterioration in the contractility of the uterus, which is why postpartum fluid remains in it, causing postpartum depression.

Signs of disturbance during menopause:

pronounced PMS;
weakness;
depression;
joint pain;
insomnia in the morning;
absent-mindedness;
soreness of the mammary glands.

Consequences of hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance in women causes such consequences as:

threat of miscarriage during pregnancy;
disruption of labor;
cycle disruption;
infertility;

pronounced signs of menopause (often premature);
development of cancerous tumors;
diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent);
osteoporosis;
atherosclerosis.

Female hormones and signs of fluctuations in their levels

Hormonal levels in women are determined by several key hormones:

Diseases causing changes

Hormonal imbalance in women occurs due to diseases:

brain injuries;
viral infection;
uterine fibroids;

polycystic ovary syndrome – affects testosterone levels;
adrenal tumor – causes an increase in testosterone levels;
pituitary tumor – can cause an increase or decrease in the level of any female hormone, which is determined by the location of the tumor;
underdevelopment of endocrine glands;
inflammation of the genital organs;
diabetes.

Diagnostics

To successfully determine the causes of the disease and determine the course of treatment, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis, which includes:

clarification of anamnesis;
examination on a gynecological chair;
tests for all of the above hormones and lipoproteins;
Ultrasound of the adrenal glands;
Ultrasound of reproductive organs, liver;
consultation with an endocrinologist;
Ultrasound of the endocrine glands, in particular the thyroid gland, and a blood test for the hormones produced by it;
hysteroscopy;
laparoscopy.

Treatment

The course of treatment includes:

taking vitamins, hormonal drugs;
psychotherapy;
surgical intervention.

Treatment depends on the identified pathologies. For serious disorders associated with benign and malignant neoplasms in the glands that regulate hormonal levels, surgery, laparoscopy or curettage, as well as appropriate therapy, including radiation and chemotherapy, are necessary.

In other cases, hormonal-correcting drugs are prescribed. Treatment can be aimed at eliminating symptoms, as, for example, during menopause (with menopause, drugs are prescribed that reduce the intensity of the symptoms of menopausal syndrome).

If a hormonal imbalance occurs due to natural circumstances, such as childbirth, medical attention is not required, as it returns to normal on its own. After an abortion, medications are taken that normalize hormonal levels.

During the period of treatment you must refrain from:

sexual intercourse;
physical activity;
bad habits.

Spa treatment is useful.

Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are necessary to eliminate the effects of hormonal imbalances, and directly normalizing hormonal levels:

A– normalizes progesterone levels, participates in the production of sex hormones;
B– the entire group, including folic acid, helps improve well-being, participates in the processes of conception, pregnancy development, and determines libido;

E– necessary for the functioning of the thyroid gland during pregnancy;
C– participates in the process of hormone production by the adrenal glands.

Homeopathic remedies

To normalize hormonal levels, homeopathic remedies are prescribed, which are considered safer, although you should also be careful when taking them and take them only as prescribed by a doctor.

Hormone therapy

When prescribing hormonal therapy, individual hormone levels are taken into account. If the disorders are not critical, oral contraceptives can be used to normalize hormones - Zhanin, Yarina. In other cases, it is necessary to determine a therapeutic course and use hormonal drugs with a therapeutic dosage of hormones.

For example, if the ovaries are underdeveloped, estrogen-containing drugs are taken to compensate for organ dysfunction and normalize the menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone are taken in increased dosages for dysfunction of the ovaries and hypothalamus, which leads to normalization of the ovulatory cycle.

Injections of chronic human gonadotropin and follicle-stimulating hormone are necessary for follicle growth.

Duphaston - taken for progesterone deficiency. Its active substance is dydrogesterone. The dosage is adjusted by the doctor.

The treatment regimen varies depending on the disease:

	Endometriosis	PMS	Bleeding (taken with estrogen-containing medications)	Dysmenorrhea
Duration	5-25 days cycle	11-25 days of the cycle	5-7 days	5-25 days cycle
Dosage	10 mg	10 mg	10 mg	10 mg
Reception frequency	2-3 rubles/day	2 rubles/day	By purpose	By purpose

	Amenorrhea (as part of complex therapy)	Infertility	Irregular menstrual cycle
Duration	By purpose	14-25 days of the cycle for 3-6 months. or up to 20 weeks. pregnancy	11-25 days of the cycle
Dosage	10 mg	10 mg (40 mg once if there is a threat of miscarriage)	10 mg
Reception frequency	By purpose	By purpose	By purpose

Metipred. The active ingredient is methylprednisolone. The drug is taken when there is a threat of spontaneous abortion due to increased testosterone levels. Prescription form: tablets or intramuscular injections in severe cases.

Utrozhestan. The drug regulates progesterone and estrogen levels by increasing progesterone production and decreasing estrogen levels. It is advisable to take the drug in the second half of the cycle (after ovulation and before day 26), when the role of progesterone increases.

Indications for use: irregular menstrual cycle, delay and absence of menstruation, scanty discharge. Duration of use: pregnancy planning and up to 27 weeks after conception. The drug is discontinued gradually. Hormonal ointments and suppositories can be used as prescribed by a doctor. The course of therapy with hormone-containing drugs is usually 3 months.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies will help stabilize female hormonal levels. However, plants can also have harmful properties. They contain hormone-like substances of plant origin, which can be harmful to the body in increased dosages.

To stabilize the cycle, it is recommended to take infusions and decoctions based on calendula, nettle, and meadow clover.
For menopause, folk remedies based on mint, lemon balm, St. John's wort, sage (contains phytoestrogens, so products based on it help prevent estrogen deficiency), lily of the valley, and black crow will help.
Oregano activates the production of female sex hormones.
Fenugreek is taken after childbirth, for painful discharge.
Black cumin oil is used for infertility.
Flax oil normalizes estrogen levels.
Potentilla cinquefoil will help normalize progesterone levels.

How to use some of the above plants and oils should be considered in more detail. To normalize hormonal levels, black cumin oil is used. Dosage: 1 tsp, separately from meals. The oil will be more effective if taken before meals, and it will be better digested after meals.

The product is combined with hormonal therapy, but the oil cannot be taken simultaneously with hormone-containing tablets. There should be a break of at least 3 hours between medications.

Flax oil contains a significant amount of phytoestrogens, including lignin. It can be taken to reduce the symptoms of menopause. Dosage: 2 tbsp. You can use it to dress salads. The effect will be noticeable in 1-2 weeks.

Sage activates the process of endometrial formation, promotes the maturation of follicles, which increases the likelihood of conception. Doctors recommend taking water decoctions and infusions of sage orally, while simultaneously conducting therapy with Duphaston and Utrozhestan at the beginning of the cycle.

One of the infusion recipes: 1 tsp. leaves are brewed with slightly cooled water after boiling (1 tbsp), infused, then filtered. Dosage: 1⁄4 tbsp. 3 rubles/day It is not recommended to take the infusion in the evening.

It is important to know that the plant is contraindicated:

with fibroids, endometriosis;
hypersensitivity;
problems with the thyroid gland;
increased estrogen levels;
during lactation and in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Throughout the entire cycle, you can take wormwood, sage and boron uterus - each plant on certain days:

wormwood – from 1-5 days;
sage – from 6-15 days;
boron uterus - from 16-25 days.

Wormwood increases monthly bleeding. Recipe: 2 tbsp. herbs for 1 tbsp. hot boiled water. Then the container is placed in a steam bath for 15 minutes. Take 2 tbsp. 30 minutes before meals, 3 times a day. Sage is taken strictly before ovulation. 1 tsp Brew 1 tbsp in a thermos. water, leave for 15-20 minutes. The strained solution is taken 20-30 minutes before meals.

Borovoy uterus take 1 tsp. for 1 tbsp. Brew and insist. Drink 0.5 tbsp. 2 rubles/day Infusions are taken for 3 months. It is recommended to combine herbal medicine with taking vitamins.

Fenugreek seeds increase estrogen and prolactin levels in the body. It can be taken in the form of powder, decoctions or infusions. Tea is prepared from the powder by brewing it. The infusion is prepared in a thermos for 2 minutes. For 1 tbsp. seeds take 1 tbsp. water.

To reduce the duration of menstruation and reduce their pain, brew goose cinquefoil: 1 tsp. herbs for 1 tbsp. boiling water

Take the product 2 times a day. The course of treatment begins a week before the onset of menstruation and ends with the onset of menstruation. 1 tbsp. sacred vitex brew 2 tbsp. boiling water in a thermos and leave for 6-8 hours in the thermos. The infusion stimulates ovulation and helps stabilize the cycle.

Diet

Hormonal levels in women can be normalized, simultaneously getting rid of the consequences of its imbalance, such as obesity, fatigue, bad mood, with the help of a balanced diet. In addition to avoiding fatty, fried, and alcoholic drinks, it is necessary to include in the menu foods that affect female hormonal levels, that is, containing vitamins A and E, as well as phytohormones.

Must be used:

fish;
soy products;
legumes;
cabbage;
spinach;
eggs;
pumpkin seeds;
nuts, dates, pomegranate - to increase estrogen levels;
wild yam for progesterone deficiency;
vegetable oil;
carrot;
persimmon;
apples;
dried fruits;
berries.

Experts note the benefits of juice therapy and fasting days for cleansing the body naturally.

Regime and lifestyle

Supporting the body, along with diet, will allow:

rejection of bad habits;

normalization of sleep and rest patterns.

Menstrual irregularities, infertility, early menopause, diseases of the genital organs in women are associated with hormonal imbalance, an increase in the level of some hormones and a decrease in the level of others. Depending on the complexity of the disease, treatment may include taking vitamins, homeopathic, hormonal medications or folk remedies.

Useful videos about hormonal levels in women, normal indicators and recovery methods

Causes of hormonal imbalance in women:

Symptoms of hormonal imbalances:

The activity of the hormonal system is controlled by a control center located in the brain. Under his guidance, women release sex hormones and deliver them to the organs. Thus, this system consists of three stages: pituitary gland - ovaries (hormone production station) - female genital organs. The state of health depends on the quality of operation of this mechanism.

How do hormones affect the female genital organs?

The quality of the endometrial (mucous) layer of the uterus, a necessary condition for normal pregnancy, depends on the composition of hormones produced in a woman’s body during one menstrual cycle. In the first few days after the end of the menstrual period, the uterine mucosa is very thin. Under the influence of female sex hormones - estrogens - it begins to thicken and prepare for fertilization of the egg. If ovulation has occurred, then blood vessels develop in the endometrial layer. In the absence of fertilization, the level of hormones decreases and the next menstrual cycle begins - the mucous membrane is rejected, making way for the new endometrium.

Thanks to normal hormonal levels, a woman remains in good health and has the opportunity to have an active sex life. Hormones affect the density of the cervix and the mucous membrane of all internal genital organs, providing hydration and high resistance to bacteria and viruses.

When menopause occurs, hormone levels drop, which affects women's health. Itching and irritation of the genital organs begin, the mucous membranes turn pale. The reason is the pituitary gland's unsuccessful attempts to force the ovaries to work and produce the required amount of hormones.

Promotion

Ovarian hormones are responsible for femininity and health

There are several types of the sex hormone estrogen in the female body. From testosterone, under the influence of a special enzyme, estradiol is produced, which, in turn, is converted into estriol and estrone. These female sex hormones, produced in the ovaries, are called by one general word - estrogens. They influence the formation of connective and adipose tissue, promote the development of sexual characteristics in women, and ensure the retention of phosphorus and calcium in bone tissue, which ensures its strength.

Estriol and estrone affect almost all organs, but not always positively. Not only a deficiency, but also an excess of hormones is dangerous. For example, with a high concentration of estradiol, oncogenes are awakened - the cause of diseases of the female genital organs such as uterine fibroids, fibroadenoma, mastopathy, endometriosis, polycystic disease and others. With a decrease in immunity, the chance of developing tumors, including malignant ones, increases, so the liver processes estradiol into estrone and estriol, which are much safer for women's health.

Progesterone is another female sex hormone that is also produced in the ovaries. This is a kind of counterbalance to estrogen. Lack of progesterone affects the ability to fertilize an egg and its fixation in the uterus. With a lack of the hormone, women experience PMS, namely headaches, emotional disturbances, and chest pain.

Hormonal imbalance and its causes

A woman’s body contains more than 60 hormones that are in balance with each other. The stability of the background is ensured by many factors, among which the first place is: lifestyle, degree of stress resistance of the body, sexual activity of a woman, nutrition, heredity. The slightest deviation in the concentration of hormones from the norm affects the functioning of the entire body - bone tissue, hair and skin condition, height, weight, etc. suffer. An imbalance in the female hormonal system causes many diseases of the genital organs. Moreover, hormonal imbalance affects a woman’s overall physical and emotional well-being.

Hormonal imbalance can be caused by:

Insufficient sleep, stress.

Excess weight.

Bad habits.

Taking medications.

Autoimmune processes.

Aging of the body.

The endocrine system, which is influenced by the nervous system, is responsible for the formation of hormones. When the nervous system is overloaded, the risk of disruptions in the hormonal system increases. As a result, a woman’s reproductive system does not work at full capacity, which leads to cycle failure and infertility.

What and how does hormonal imbalance manifest itself?

Serious diseases can result from hormonal imbalance, for example:

infertility, menstrual irregularities, obesity (cause: pituitary dysfunction);

disruption of the production of sex hormones (cause: ovarian sclerocystosis);

hypoplasia of the female internal genital organs, mastopathy, pathological lactation, anovulatory infertility (cause: hyperprolactinemia);

hyperandrogenism (cause: increased testosterone).

Menstrual irregularities. A common sign of hormonal imbalance is an irregular menstrual cycle or its complete absence. Normally, critical days last 3–7 days every 3–5 weeks. If there are fluctuations in the cycle, we can talk about problems with the woman’s health, including hormonal disorders. In this case, during menstruation, the woman experiences pain, dizziness, loss of strength, and malaise.

Weight. Hormonal imbalances often manifest themselves externally in the form of weight problems, while a woman can not only gain weight, but also lose significant weight. It is difficult for women with body weight deviations in either direction to become pregnant.

Skin condition, hair. Hormonal imbalances are often accompanied by increased oily skin and acne. Hair also gets oily quickly. If male sex hormones predominate in the body, then hair growth appears in the most inappropriate places, for example, above the lip. This disorder can also manifest itself in nulliparous women in the form of stretch marks on the body.

Infertility. Often, hormonal imbalance is the main reason for non-pregnancy. This occurs when there is insufficient progesterone production. If pregnancy does occur with such a disorder, then the fertilized egg is not retained in the uterus. A lack of progesterone cannot be determined by external signs and its amount does not in any way affect the menstrual cycle.

Menopausal syndrome. During menopause, follicle maturation and ovulation stop, but hormone production does not stop even after menstruation ends. If hormones are in order during menopause (for example, a woman undergoes hormone replacement therapy), no complications are observed in the body. In case of violations, the menopause period is accompanied by vivid manifestations of insomnia, depression and stress, and high blood pressure.

Mammary gland. By paying attention to the appearance of the breasts, you can determine the deficiency of progesterone in the female body. In this case, there is severe breast swelling and noticeable pain outside of menstruation.

How to identify hormonal imbalance and avoid many female diseases

Nowadays, you can find out the level of absolutely any hormone by simply donating blood for hormones. Every woman should do this without waiting for obvious signs of hormonal disorders such as obesity or decreased libido. It is worth understanding that after childbirth, taking hormonal drugs, abortions and miscarriages, stress, during puberty and with age, hormone imbalance is inevitable and can only be restored with the help of hormone therapy.

Hormonal imbalance quite often becomes the main cause of gynecological diseases in women. Hormonal imbalance is due to many reasons. Hormonal changes occur quite often in women and can occur at any age.

Causes of hormonal disorders in women

These include not only age, but also stress. Hormonal changes may be genetically determined. In such cases, menstruation may not begin at all (primary amenorrhea). Previous infections, including STIs, can also lead to hormonal imbalance. If in childhood a woman often suffered from acute respiratory infections or sore throats, then this could be the cause. Immunity weakened by stress, overwork, constant illness and poor nutrition is also the cause of hormonal disorders in women. One of the root causes of gynecological hormonally caused diseases is diseases of the endocrine system. Thyroid dysfunction also leads to hormonal imbalances and can contribute to the development of various diseases (can cause a benign tumor - adenoma). A surgical operation performed in the peritoneum and genitals quite often leads to the development of diseases of the reproductive system in women. Abortion (associated with uterine curettage) is the most common cause of hormonal disorders that can lead to infertility.

Hormones and pregnancy

Hormones play an important role during pregnancy and before menstruation. She is experiencing hormonal changes. A pregnant woman has high estrogen levels, and as the menstrual cycle begins, estrogen levels drop and the woman's body returns to its normal state. If a pregnant woman has a lack of hormones in her body, this can lead to abnormal development of the fetus. For example, if there is a lack of iodine in a woman’s body, the thyroid gland begins to produce an insufficient amount of the hormone thyroxine. As a result of a lack of this hormone, the unborn child begins to develop cretinism. The mental and emotional state of a pregnant woman is influenced by various hormones. For example, progesterone enhances its effect during childbirth and calms the woman’s psyche, prolactin forms the maternal instinct and stimulates the growth of the mammary glands (milk formation), human chorionic gonadotropin causes a wonderful and vague feeling of “I’m pregnant,” estrogen awakens the most ancient instincts (nesting instinct, excitement and care about the child), and endorphin (the hormone of happiness) is responsible for the emotional state.

Hormonal changes in adulthood

There comes a certain period in a woman’s life (menopause) when hormonal imbalances occur. Ovarian function gradually fades away. In women, the menstrual cycle stops. In the same period, childbearing (reproductive) function ends. The body gradually stops producing female sex hormones, and this in turn leads to disruption of the functioning of all organs. After 40 years, a woman may experience early signs of menopause. During this period, a woman feels ebbs and flows - she is thrown either into the cold or into the heat. In addition, a woman's menopause may be accompanied by nervous system disorders, dizziness, chronic fatigue, and insomnia. Due to a lack of female hormones in the body, various diseases of the genitourinary system in women, heart disease and diabetes can develop.

What to remember

The main signs of hormonal imbalance in women include: frequent depression, menstrual irregularities, excess weight, increased fatigue, the growth of excess hair on the body or its loss, pressure surges, insomnia, frequent headaches, breast tenderness, decreased libido. If you recognize the signs of a hormonal disorder in time and immediately consult a doctor, a specialist will help you begin treatment in a timely manner.

Diagnosing diseases of the female reproductive system that are caused by hormonal changes can be quite difficult. For this purpose, the latest diagnostic methods are now used - ultrasound, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, blood tests for hormone levels.