Low estrogen levels in women: causes, symptoms and treatment. Symptoms and treatment of estrogen deficiency in the female body

Estrogen belongs to the so-called "female" hormones. Its production begins with puberty and is at its peak until the onset of menopause. This hormone is responsible for preparing the genital organs for conception, bearing and giving birth, and plays a decisive role in the formation of secondary sexual characteristics and regularity. menstrual cycle.

Reduced estrogen negatively affects not only the activity of the reproductive system, but also the appearance.

Causes of estrogen deficiency

The hormone is mainly produced by the ovaries and partly by the adrenal glands. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a number of factors, including hereditary diseases. The weakening of the functioning of the ovaries that produce this hormone can be caused by the following reasons:

diseases of the pituitary gland leading to an imbalance of the hormonal system (pituitary dwarfism, cerebral-pituitary cachexia, necrosis of the anterior pituitary gland);
sudden weight loss;
alcohol abuse, smoking, drug use;
the presence of hormonally dependent tumors;
taking antidepressants or nootropic drugs;
pathology thyroid gland;
self-medication hormonal drugs;
unbalanced diet, which is characterized by a deficiency of cholesterol and iron.

The decline in estrogen levels begins at menopause, which is natural process. Even more difficult is the estrogen deficiency caused artificially after the removal of the uterus with appendages,.

Predisposing factors for a decrease in the level of the hormone can be a sedentary lifestyle, or, conversely, increased physical activity that the body is exposed to during swimming, figure skating, and gymnastics. Some power sports put a woman in front of the need to take drugs containing testosterone. Excess male hormone suppresses estrogen production.

Violations hormonal balance often noted when observing vegetarian diet, with anorexia. In most cases, not one, but a combination of the listed reasons leads to pathology.

Symptoms of estrogen deficiency

In puberty

Low estrogen levels are already evident in girls adolescence. Normally, the first signs of puberty should appear at the age of 11-12 years. The girl's mammary glands are enlarged, female figure, pubic hair appears and in armpits. An insufficient amount of estrogen manifests itself in the absence of these signs. In addition, in some cases, the growth and formation of the mammary glands that have begun can slow down or even stop.

An important indicator of hormonal balance in girls is the regularity of menstruation. (first menstruation) usually begins at 12-13 years of age, and the formation of the menstrual cycle is completed by 15-16 years. With a lack of estrogen, menstruation begins after 16 years, and sometimes is absent. In a number of cases, a girl develops a figure according to male type, which is characterized by a narrow pelvis, broad shoulders, developed muscles.

On a gynecological examination, such girls determine the small size of the uterus and the underdevelopment of the internal and external genital organs. Hypoestrogenia negatively affects the girl's ability to become pregnant and become a mother in the future.

It should be noted that insufficient breast growth, irregular menstrual cycle and other signs can accompany many other diseases. They do not always indicate a low level of estrogen. With a delay in the sexual development of a girl, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist and an endocrinologist, who will determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Self-administration of medications in these cases is unacceptable, since the girl's hormonal system is still being formed, and gross intervention can only complicate the problem.

During menopause

A natural decrease in estrogen levels is observed during the period. With their lack of oppression of the ovaries occurs in early age 40-45 years, and sometimes even earlier. In this case, doctors diagnose early menopause. Women complain of headaches and dizziness, hot flashes, increased heart rate, sweating.

Changes in the hormonal background, which began at an early age, lead to malfunctions of the ovaries and adrenal glands. Women are at increased risk of getting sick diabetes, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, myocardial infarction, thyroid diseases.

The average age of onset is 45-55 years. For this category of women, the following signs of poor health are characteristic:

weight gain - associated with insufficient activity of the endocrine glands;
disturbances in the work of the digestive organs - bloating, dysbacteriosis;
a decrease in the amount of collagen produced - causes the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, loss of skin moisture and elasticity;
the appearance of a large number of papillomas and moles within a few months;
violations cerebral circulation leading to strokes and heart attacks;
increased heart rate;
decrease in sexual desire, sensitivity of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, dryness of the vagina.

Negative changes also occur in the psycho-emotional state of the fairer sex. Women experience deterioration in memory and performance, emotional stress, fatigue, irritability.

At reproductive age

For women reproductive age characteristic the following symptoms estrogen deficiency:

frequent diseases of the genital organs inflammatory nature(colpitis, vaginitis), the disease is difficult even with timely prescribed treatment and is chronic;
- menstruation becomes irregular (1 time in 2-3 months), while the discharge remains scarce, smearing;
heavily flowing;
the lack of lubrication secreted by the glands of the vagina, necessary for the normal course of sexual intercourse, causes physical pain and moral discomfort;
negative state skin, note peeling and increased dryness of the skin, the appearance of acne;
a sharp decrease in efficiency, a tendency to depressive states, insomnia, increased irritability, aggressiveness;
swings blood pressure, hot flashes, pain in the heart and joints;
deterioration of the condition of nails and hair (brittleness, split ends, loss).

The lack of estrogen almost always affects the morale of a woman. The feeling that she is losing her physical attractiveness leads to sexual and psychological disorders, a decrease in self-esteem, and problems in relationships with her partner. Imbalance of the hormonal system provokes diseases of the urinary system, intestinal disorders, vegetovascular disorders.

Hypoestrogenism in pregnancy

If the normal level of estrogen in a woman of reproductive age is from 12 to 190 pg / ml, then during pregnancy, the hormone levels increase significantly. It is necessary for the successful course of pregnancy, the normal functioning of the genital organs and the development of the fetus. If it is lowered, this indicates the following risks:

disorders in the state of the placenta, which can lead to it;
the threat of spontaneous abortion;
the development of Down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities in the fetus;
pathologies in the work of the heart and nervous system fetus;
uterine bleeding.

consequences of a lack of estrogen later dates pregnancy can manifest itself in the risks of over-carrying the baby, the occurrence of weakness labor activity during childbirth. To increase their level, the expectant mother is prescribed hormone replacement therapy, a special diet.

Diagnosis of a pathological condition

These symptoms are typical not only for estrogen deficiency, but also for other diseases. How to determine the lack of a hormone in women? To do this, you need to take a blood test. Sometimes an additional urine test and a study of follicle-stimulating hormone are required. It is carried out some time after determining the level of estrogen. With their insufficient number, FSH indicators will also be low.

Indicators of the norm of the hormone depend on the age of the woman. In children under 11 years of age, the norm does not exceed 5-22 pg / ml. In women of reproductive age, it depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle and ranges from 12 to 190 mg / ml. A sharp decline the amount of estrogens up to 5-46 mg / ml occurs with menopausal extinction of the ovaries.

A hormone test is recommended to be taken on the 3-5th day of menstruation, but doctors often recommend additional analysis on the 20-21st day of the cycle. A few days before the test, it is necessary to exclude physical activity, do not eat fatty foods, stop smoking and alcoholic beverages. Blood is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. If a woman, for any reason, uses hormonal drugs, she must notify the doctor about this.

Treatment

Treatment for low estrogen levels is aimed at selecting medications that increase its level. It should be noted that the choice of hormonal drugs, the dosage and the scheme of application is carried out exclusively by the attending physician, taking into account the level of the hormone, the age of the woman, her state of health and individual characteristics. Thus, the scheme of taking hormonal drugs by women of reproductive age differs significantly from the scheme of taking funds by women during menopause. Independent uncontrolled use of such drugs can cause irreparable harm.

Apart from drug therapy the patient must be created conditions that will stimulate the body to produce its own hormone. First of all, this concerns the revision of the diet, making adjustments to the menu. Widely used folk remedies: the use of decoctions and tinctures of herbs.

In adolescents suffering from estrogen deficiency, hormone therapy should be accompanied by physiotherapy, moderate exercise, the correct alternation of physical activity and quiet rest. If necessary, consultations of psychotherapists are prescribed.

Hormones have a huge impact on the human body, and especially women. They control appearance, mood and largely determine the proper functioning internal organs and systems. The lack of the female hormone estrogen is visible to the naked eye. In the article we will consider the symptoms of such a deficiency and ways to make up for it.

The role of estrogens in the female body

Estrogens are female sex hormones that are produced primarily in the ovaries. They are considered the main hormones because they perform many essential functions in the body. If their level decreases, then there are malfunctions in the work of many internal organs.

Estrogens perform the following important functions:

maintain and improve the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels;
improve blood microcirculation;
responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the skin;
help the absorption of calcium, which is important for strong nails, hair, bones;
regulate metabolism, accelerating it;
maintain at the right level the content of iron, thyroxine and copper.

Symptoms of a lack of estrogen

The lack of the female hormone estrogen is easy to identify by several symptoms. However, only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis. You may need to take a special blood test to determine the level of female sex hormones. You need to carefully prepare for it, and follow the necessary recommendations.

Common symptoms of low estrogen

Symptoms of a lack of estrogen typically include:

feeling of constant fatigue;
depressive states;
irritability;
deterioration of memory and concentration;
the appearance of cramps in the limbs;
poor shallow sleep or insomnia;
hair loss;
cold hands and feet;
violation of the digestive process;
puffiness;
weight gain for no apparent reason.

A woman can easily guess that the body lacks estrogen even in her own way. appearance. If your life has not undergone significant changes, you have not experienced severe stress or are not on a diet, then external changes will tell you a lot. Dull hair, poorly growing brittle nails, the appearance of fatty deposits - this may be evidence of an estrogen deficiency.

Rare symptoms of low estrogen

Sometimes there are more severe symptoms lack of estrogen. Most of them are manifested in girls during puberty in the form of a lack of menstruation, underdevelopment of the mammary glands.

Sometimes a decrease in the level of the female hormone leads to infertility and a decrease in the size of the uterus.

manifested by fatigue, depression, weight gain, hair loss, irritability, memory impairment, and sleep disturbances

Detection of estrogen deficiency

You can detect a lack of the female hormone estrogen if you pass an appropriate blood test in the laboratory. In this case, it is important to follow the rules for preparing for its delivery:

exclude physical activity 3 days before the analysis;
do not smoke 60 minutes before the analysis (if there is such a habit);
try to calm down immediately before taking the analysis;
come for analysis on the 6th or 7th day of the menstrual cycle;
provide the doctor with all the information about the drugs taken.

The attending physician may make adjustments regarding the date of the analysis, which depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

How to make up for the lack of estrogen?

If you are convinced or suspect that there is not enough estrogen in the body, do not rush to take hormonal drugs. They can inhibit the function of the organs that directly produce the hormone - the ovaries. This will lead to the fact that natural production will be disrupted. For starters, pay attention to medicinal methods replenishment of estrogen.

In order to normalize hormonal background in general, and make up for estrogen deficiency:

make a complete nutritional menu;
try to avoid stress or try to cope with them without "extra nerves";
choose those workouts in the gym that will bring you maximum pleasure;
give up bad and harmful habits;
create conditions for a good sleep.

Pay attention to the inclusion in the diet of foods such as wheat bran and soy milk. They can replenish estrogen levels with regular use. But sweets should be avoided, because sugar and other carbohydrates do not have a positive effect on the hormonal background.

Sometimes you can drink coffee (no more than two cups a day). Just choose natural, which you need to cook.

Sports should not be excessive and exhausting. From this, the level of estrogen only falls.

Folk ways to restore estrogen levels

Flax to eliminate the symptoms of a lack of estrogen

Flax seeds and oil contain lignin, which is a hormone plant origin. Its action is similar to estrogen, so to get rid of the symptoms of a lack of estrogen, try drinking 2 tablespoons of flax seeds with water 2 times a day. Continue treatment should be at least a month.

Sage to normalize hormonal levels

The lack of the female hormone estrogen can be eliminated with the help of sage. It will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms and stimulate hormone production naturally. Dry sage leaves are poured with boiling water and infused for at least 15 minutes. After straining, take an infusion of ¼ cup 3 times a day before meals. In the evening, you do not need to drink the infusion.

Do not neglect the advice of a specialist, because simple problem may have much more complex reasons. Sometimes, without medical intervention, the situation cannot be corrected.

Before deciding how to increase it, it should be noted that this group includes several important hormones - estriol, estradiol, and estrone, on which many processes in the body depend.

Analyzing the reasons for the lack of estrogen in female body, it can be noted that the weakened functioning of the ovaries, which are designed to produce vital female hormones, dominates among them.

A number of pathological disorders that can lower estrogens are also revealed:

pituitary diseases that cause;
sharp weight loss;
bad habits - alcohol, drugs, smoking;
hormonally active tumors;
hereditary factor;
taking antidepressants for a long time.

Thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland affect the proper functioning, reduced level which can occur with hypothyroidism - pathological process in the thyroid.

Hypoestrogenism is observed and as a result age-related changes. May cause estrogen deficiency incorrect intake of the drug Vitex, which is prescribed for certain female diseases. This is due to the fact that taken to facilitate premenstrual state Vitex is able to lower the generation of estrogen. If you strictly follow the medical prescriptions, the result will be the restoration of hormonal balance. At overuse the drug will be followed by serious disorders caused by a lack of hormones and requiring therapeutic measures.

Visible symptoms

Against the background of estrogen deficiency, due to the loss of calcium in a woman, bone strength decreases, which often leads to the development of osteoporosis. Most often similar condition occurs after 50 years, when estrogens are no longer produced during menopause according to physiological normal parameters. Whether treatment is necessary in this case through maintenance hormonal therapy, the doctor decides.

It is impossible to understand the causal relationship on your own, therefore, with any noticeable and disturbing symptoms characteristic of estrogen deficiency, competent consulting support from a specialist is necessary.

Level normalization methods

In case of serious malfunctions in the body that caused low level estrogen, usually treated by special means designed to replenish the amount of hormones. The therapeutic complex in each case is determined individually. It can include both medicinal and natural preparations.

Given that needed by the body estrogens are found in some affordable products, the doctor gives recommendations on how to properly organize your daily diet. Estrogen-progesterone deficiency will require a special approach, since it is necessary, along with the replenishment of female hormones, to stimulate the production of progesterone.

Menopause also requires attention. In severe cases, a supportive treatment course can be carried out.

Medical treatment

Traditional treatment is based on the use of drugs that have an increasing effect on tarragon. As active substance they have that kind of hormones, which, according to the results of analytical studies, is not enough for the normal functioning of the body.

If you choose what is better to use, you must take into account that there are several dosage forms.

The most convenient and common are tablets. When they are taken according to the recommended scheme, a positive effect appears quite quickly.
For people who often travel and work, patches are becoming increasingly attractive, which provide an increase in estrogen by absorbing the active substance through the skin.
In the same way they affect the body medicinal ointments, gels, creams with estrogens. They do not cause discomfort when used, unless an allergic reaction is observed.
Subcutaneous implants have a long duration of action. They are able to secrete hormones directly into the blood. Usually they last for six months, and then a replacement follows. With possible negative reactions Immediate removal of the implant is required.
Virtually no side effects vaginal forms work. But manifestation positive effect they are weaker.
In order to bring low estrogen back to normal more quickly, a doctor may prescribe intravenous or intramuscular injections.

If progesterone deficiency is observed simultaneously with estrogen deficiency, then combined oral contraceptives will be required. Drugs are needed that restore the functioning of the thyroid gland in case of hypothyroidism, if it is established that this disease was the cause of a decrease in the amount of female hormones.

If prolactin is elevated, then this indicates that the level of estrogen is also high. Before conducting a lowering course, it is necessary to identify the causes of hormonal failure so that the body quickly restores its vital activity.

Folk remedies

Along with hormone therapy natural estrogens are often used, which, when used correctly, gently restore the disturbed balance.

When deciding how to increase the level of estrogen, you can pay attention to the flax seed, which can simply be brewed in the evening, left until the morning, so that after waking up you can drink a flaxseed drink. Also, a good effect of flax is manifested if its seeds are simply chewed dry. Since they have a specific taste, it is preferable to prepare a vitamin salad with carrots, cabbage, flax seeds, and nuts. You can also grind flaxseed to a powder and add little by little to dishes.

The level of estrogen will gradually increase if brewed, instead of tablets, herbs such as wormwood, sage and others. The natural estrogens contained in them have a beneficial effect on the female body. Particularly effective in increasing the concentration of female hormones is sage, often used if menstrual cycle failures occur.

Sage also has a calming effect on hot flashes, promotes the formation of the follicle. Before drinking sage, it must be borne in mind that it is advisable to do this at the end of menstruation before ovulation begins. It is more convenient to use sage for brewing in bags. The course, if necessary, can last a year, but with mandatory supervision by a doctor.

Foods rich in estrogen

Becomes more effective treatment in order to increase estrogen, if you make adjustments to the diet and eat foods where high percent these hormones.

A fairly extensive list includes the following food varieties containing estrogens that have a beneficial effect on the female body:

soy, beans;
olive oil;
fruits - pomegranate, plums, apples, etc.;
dairy;
Red beans;
eggplant.

It is also important to know which foods contain carotene, which is needed for estrogen deficiency (beets, sea buckthorn, carrots, and others). Especially useful in small amounts beetroot juice rich in other vitamins.

Bibliography

Diabetes mellitus in pregnant women. Makarov O.V., Ordynsky Moscow 2010 P.127.
Miscarriage, infection, innate immunity; Makarov O.V., Bakhareva I.V. (Gankovskaya L.V., Gankovskaya O.A., Kovalchuk L.V.) - "GEOTAR - Media". - Moscow. - 73 p.-2007.
New honey. technology (Methodological recommendations) "Management of preterm pregnancy complicated by premature rupture membranes»; Makarov O.V., Kozlov P.V. (Edited by Volodin N.N.) - RASPM; Moscow; TsKMS GOU VPO RSMU-2006.
Obstetrics: a course of lectures. UMO certification for medical education. Strizhakov A.N., Davydov A.I., Budanov P.V., Baev O.R. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.

... The hormone that makes a woman out of a woman is estrogen. How to recognize the lack of estrogen, what the excess affects, and how such hormonal disorders can be cured...

Hello dear readers and readers. Svetlana Morozova is with you. Today we have a fundamentally important topic: estrogen. Let's get started...

Friends! I, Svetlana Morozova, invite you to mega useful and interesting webinars! Host, Andrey Eroshkin. Health Recovery Expert, Certified Dietitian.
Topics for upcoming webinars:
We reveal five reasons for all chronic disorders in the body.

How to remove disorders in the gastrointestinal tract?

How to get rid of gallstone disease and is it possible to do without surgery?

Why is a person strongly drawn to sweets?

Fat-free diets are a shortcut to intensive care.

Impotence and prostatitis: breaking stereotypes and fixing the problem

Where to start restoring health today?

Lack of estrogen: manifestations

Estrogen is pure female hormone. In all senses. He begins his "woman-forming" work in childhood during puberty. It is thanks to estrogen that everything that should be rounded in girls is rounded, the voice becomes soft and gentle, children's jumping and spontaneity are replaced by femininity, softness of character. And most importantly, the ability to bear children appears.

If this hormone is not enough, various symptoms appear:

Weakness, lethargy, fast fatiguability, decreased performance, forgetfulness, absent-mindedness, decreased sexual desire.
Mood swings. Women's emotionality in general directly depends on the hormonal background. A minute ago, the lady smiled sweetly, but she already clenched her fists and splashes with saliva. Faced with a bitch and a hysteric? Become one yourself? If it's a one-time thing, still all right, it's impossible to be nice forever. And if it constantly “covers” like this, up to, then the hormonal background is disturbed, this is 99%.

Here, by the way, is an interdependent relationship. Sometimes just psychosomatics responsible for the lack of estrogen

Lack of estrogen in pregnancy

So, happiness happened. And again estrogen comes into play: it prepares the uterus for the attachment of the placenta, then it is responsible for feeding it and the fetus. He is also responsible for the readiness of the breast for lactation.

There are signs of a lack of estrogen already in early pregnancy:

Strong weakness.
Bad mood, tearfulness, irritability.
Skin problems: pigmentation, stretch marks, sagging skin in problem areas ( inside thighs, armpits, buttocks, neck).
Hair begins to fall out, teeth crumble.
There are pains in the lower back, the posture changes quickly.

What does it threaten:

Threat of miscarriage and premature birth;
Placental insufficiency, malnutrition of the fetus;
An increased risk of developing Down syndrome in a baby;
The risk of developing adrenal hypoplasia in the fetus.

As you can see, everything is serious. Therefore, constantly throughout pregnancy future mother He takes tests, including hormones. And with even a slight deviation from the norm, it is recommended to eat better, take vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women, and sometimes hormonal drugs, if the doctor prescribes.

What about excess?

We are so arranged that there should be balance in everything. And too much is just as bad as too little.

Signs of excess are essentially the same as those of deficiency. There is also something:

. it main feature. Moreover, all fat accumulates in the lower part: legs, hips, buttocks, lower abdomen;
Frequent hunger;
Increased emotionality;
Increased blood clotting;
Pain not associated with menstruation;
convulsions;
Thyroid disease;
Indigestion, bloating;

During menopause and excess in postmenopausal women appears very rarely, mostly there is an acute deficiency.

Lack of estrogen: normalizing hormones

How to replenish insufficient estrogen levels? In women, treatment usually given as follows:

Food

What foods can make up estrogen level? The ones that contain it plant analogues- phytoestrogens. And this is ours:

Legumes. Record holders for the content of phytoestrogens. Peas, beans, chickpeas and especially lentils.
Olives, olives. In addition to plant estrogens, they contain fatty acid Omega 9
eggplant, carrots, pumpkin, cabbage.
Apricots, papaya, pomegranate, mango.
Soy.
Nuts, seeds (pumpkin and sunflower), sesame seeds, wheat germ.
Vegetable oils, especially linseed and olive.
Green tea, cocoa and even beer, yes.

Hormonal drugs

They are not always prescribed - if the imbalance is small, you can do without drugs. Moreover, they are taken in different ways: inside, subcutaneously and in candles. Therefore, it is better not to experiment on your own, rely on a doctor.

Gymnastics

Basically, it's yoga. Just there is a relatively young offshoot - hormonal yoga. Her exercises involve areas that improve blood circulation to the glands and relieve stress.

Any sport that brings you pleasure can be considered medicine. Frequent good mood cures many ailments.

Herbs are everyone's favorite folk remedies. But I can't help but remind you of something important. For some reason, many believe that they can be taken at will and the dosage should not be taken into account. I hope you don't.

Because the majority medicinal herbs has contraindications. In addition, they can be taken only at a certain period of the cycle, otherwise you can not improve the situation, but make it even worse. In any case, it will be better to consult a doctor. Ideally, with a phytotherapist.

What herbs help restore estrogen balance:

Hibiscus (hibiscus);
Nettle;
Plantain;
Aloe;
Sage;
Rowan;
Raspberry leaves;
Fenugreek;
Clover;
Hop;

By the way, these are all medicinal plants affect not only women, but also men. But the mode of reception is different. For example, a course of treatment for women on average lasts three months, and for men - only one. The main thing is that it was a loved one. The one and only.

Well, like, she told everything. If you have any questions, leave a comment, I'll be happy to answer!

See you soon on my blog!

In the human body, all processes occur under the influence of hormones, and 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 in in large numbers is 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?

AT 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 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:

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

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

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

creating an optimal environment in the vagina that allows sperm to survive;
responsible for the development 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.

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 deficiency. 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, 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. Last reception food should be 6-7 hours before the test. A few days before the study, they exclude spicy, spicy and fried foods, try not to be stressed and physical activity. 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 low estrogen depends on the cause of this 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 due to different 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.