Female sex hormones estrogens: symptoms of deficiency and rules for stabilizing the hormonal background. Female hormones estrogens: deficiency symptoms

The full activity of the female reproductive system and the functioning of the body as a whole is determined by estrogens. This group combines three hormones:

estradiol- responsible for the maturation of the egg, ovulation, prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg,;
estrone- promotes the manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics, is of decisive importance in the proper formation of the uterus;
estriol- is produced, supports the functionality of the placenta and the vital activity of the fetus.

Reasons for deficiency

Estrogens in women produced by the ovaries. In the first half of the menstrual cycle, hormones synthesize follicles, and in the second this function is performed by the corpus luteum. In a small amount, female hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex. During pregnancy, estrogens are synthesized by the placenta. After childbirth, the only source of female hormones is the adrenal cortex..

The ovaries are paired glands in the body that produce female sex hormones.

The synthesis of these hormones in the body begins in adolescence and continues for about 30 years. During this period, their number remains at the same level, provided that the woman is healthy. Estrogen deficiency in childbearing age may be associated with ovarian dysfunction or other pathological disorders that can lower estrogen levels in women:

diseases of the pituitary gland;
a sharp loss of body weight;
excessive physical activity (especially during puberty);
consumption of foods low in fat;
the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs;
smoking;
with neoplasms that disrupt the hormonal background;
heredity;
long-term use of antidepressants;
improper intake of certain drugs aimed at alleviating the premenstrual state.

Menopause is an age-related cause of estrogen deficiency. Its onset is genetically determined and is associated with the cessation of ovarian activity. Menopause occurs in women aged 45 to 55 years.

Symptoms

The consequences of a reduced level of the main female hormones are characteristic external manifestations. The lack of estrogen in women of different ages is expressed differently.

Hormonal imbalance in girls, which have reached adolescence causes delayed puberty. This is manifested in the absence of menstruation, delayed or absent manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics. Other symptoms are present: a large number body hair (male type), infertility.

In girls who have reached puberty, symptoms of low levels of female hormones are: amenorrhea, small breasts and uterus, stretch marks on the skin, inability to get pregnant.

Women of childbearing age symptoms of low estrogen levels are: problems with the skin and its derivatives (dry skin, dull hair, brittle nails), mammary glands lose their shape, dryness of the vaginal mucosa, impaired thermoregulation, insomnia, dysbacteriosis, mood swings, bladder infections, pregnancy does not occur .

With a lack of estrogen in women during menopause changes in blood pressure are observed, wrinkles appear, weight gain occurs, fatigue is observed, hot flashes, burning and discomfort in the tissues of the mammary glands occur.

Very dangerous lack of estrogen for pregnant women. Such a pathology can be observed in the first three months of pregnancy and can lead to self-abortion.

Manifestation of symptoms of estrogen deficiency diverse and has an expression at different levels of the vital activity of the female body:

external manifestations;
diseases of the urinary system;
intimacy problems;
psychological disorders;
slowing down metabolic processes;
bowel dysfunction;
neuroendocrine and vegetovascular disorders.

At any age, signs of estrogen deficiency are obvious, a woman can determine them on her own. If symptoms of a hormonal deficiency appear, you should consult a doctor and start treatment in order to reduce negative consequences.

Treatment Methods

The purpose of treatment, if after laboratory tests a low level of estrogen is diagnosed, is determined by the causes of the deficiency and the age of the woman. As the main therapeutic measure, the administration of drugs containing the main female hormones (hormone replacement therapy) is prescribed. Recommendations should be made by a gynecologist and an endocrinologist.

Medicines for hormone therapy contain artificial analogues of hormones. This treatment is effective, but opinions differ regarding its safety. When choosing a drug, it must be taken into account that the lack of estrogen and progesterone often accompanies each other (this must be clarified using a laboratory analysis). In this case, the intake of estrogens must be balanced with progesterone in the appropriate amount, therefore combined preparations are prescribed.

During a certain period, a woman must take medicines that will normalize the hormonal background. The choice of pharmacological forms to compensate for the lack of estrogens is wide. Regular intake of female hormones can be ensured by:

gels (do not cause discomfort, there are no allergic reactions);
patches (convenient for women who work hard and often go on business trips);
oral preparations (easy to use, quickly provide an increase in the amount of female hormones);
vaginal suppositories (practically no side effects);
subcutaneous implants (valid for about six months, dosed release of hormones directly into the blood);
intravenous and intramuscular injections (rapid increase in estrogen levels).

The pros and cons of using any of the options are determined by the individual characteristics of the woman, her preferences. A doctor's consultation is required. Treatment regimens are different for women of different ages.

With the right choice and use of hormonal drugs estrogen deficiency symptoms gradually disappear. In addition to the main action, hormone replacement therapy has advantages:

it is effective in the treatment of strokes, heart attacks, depression, atherosclerosis;
is a good prevention of osteoporosis and other diseases associated with the destruction of the musculoskeletal system;
contributes to the normalization of the functions of the endocrine system;
improves brain activity;
activates collagen synthesis;
improves the functioning of the circulatory system.

The negative consequences of taking drugs containing estrogens include nausea, vomiting, dizziness. If hormonal treatment is incorrectly prescribed, if the regimen is violated, the risk of liver dysfunction, blood clots, and the development of malignant neoplasms in the mammary gland increases.

When deciding how to make up for estrogen deficiency, a woman can use natural sources of female hormones. These include special herbal preparations and some foodstuffs. With serious hormonal disorders, these methods effective only in combination with hormonal therapy.

Estrogen deficiency can occur in women at any age and for various reasons. The main effective treatment for serious disorders is hormone replacement therapy.

The hormonal background actively affects the reproductive system, any deviations reduce the level of fertility. For a stable menstrual cycle, the ability to conceive and bear a child without problems, estrogens are needed. Female hormones affect not only the state of the genital organs, but also the skin, well-being, blood pressure, bone density.

How to understand that the body has a deficiency of such important substances as estrogen? All women should know the symptoms of deficiency in order to avoid serious health problems with persistent hormonal failure.

general information

Female steroid hormones are produced by the ovaries. In follicular cells at different periods of the cycle, the synthesis of important regulators decreases or increases. The minimum percentage of estrogen is produced by the adrenal cortex.

Female hormones are formed by complex chemical processes under the influence of enzymes from androgens. The level affects the synthesis of estrogens. The transformation process occurs not only in the cells of the ovaries, but also in the liver, skin, and adipose tissue. The pituitary gland controls the correct production of important regulators.

The role of estrogen

Female hormones perform many functions:

prevent the development of osteoporosis;
control the correct and timely formation of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, endometrium;
prevent the development of arterial hypertension;
stimulate puberty of a teenage girl at the optimal time;
responsible for ovulation and the formation of a dominant follicle;
control the functioning of many internal organs;
create a pH level in the vagina that prevents the death of spermatozoa;
maintain the epidermis in good shape, prevent thinning and increased dryness of the skin;
cause regular monthly bleeding;
provide placental abruption in the absence of conception;
help to preserve the embryo, ensure the development of the embryo;
participate in the process of breast preparation for breastfeeding.

Causes of hormone deficiency

Hormonal failure develops against the background of diseases and pathological conditions:

dysfunction of the pituitary gland in benign and malignant tumor processes;
excessive physical activity, training in the gym to exhaustion;
hypothalamic-pituitary insufficiency;
lack of sleep and rest, chronic fatigue;
low-carbohydrate diets with a sharp restriction of fats;
radiation and chemotherapy for oncopathologies of the female genital organs;
independent selection of hormonal drugs;
congenital anomalies of the ovaries;
damage to thyroid tissue: tumors, partial or complete resection of the problematic organ.

On a note! A natural decrease in estrogen levels develops after 40-45 years, during premenopause and menopause. To maintain optimal levels of steroid hormones, women should receive more phytoestrogens from food, with herbal decoctions, in severe cases, hormone replacement therapy is performed.

deficiency symptoms

The lack of estrogen can be determined not only in the laboratory, but also with a woman's attentive attitude to her health. Without a blood test, it is impossible to know how serious the estradiol deficiency is, but a set of signs clearly indicates the development of a hormonal failure.

A visit to an endocrinologist and gynecologist is needed when negative symptoms are detected:

there are significant fluctuations in the menstrual cycle;
nails break and exfoliate, against the background of a slight bruise, doctors diagnose a bone fracture due to a decrease in density;
concentration of attention, memory worsens;
a woman is more often irritated for no reason, anxiety, suspiciousness appear;
worried about jumps in blood pressure, sweating, increased fatigue;
face and hands wrinkle early;
thinning hair;
there is excessive dryness of the skin in combination with increased pigmentation, the appearance of papillomas and moles;
libido decreases, the production of mucous secretion decreases in the vagina, discomfort is felt during intercourse.

An analysis of the level of estrogen is prescribed for suspected hormonal infertility. It is important to determine the level of estradiol, estriol, testosterone if pregnancy does not occur for more than a year against the background of the absence of contraception.

Important! You need to go with your daughter to an appointment with a pediatric gynecologist if the girl's puberty occurs later than her peers, the mammary glands grow weakly, there is no menstruation, or monthly bleeding begins later. Hair on the chest is another sign of estrogen deficiency. With the timely detection of deviations, it is easier to correct the hormonal background, to prevent violations of the reproductive function.

Diagnostics

If symptoms appear that indicate a deficiency of estrogen, you need to contact a gynecologist. The specialist talks with the woman, clarifies the clinical picture, studies the anamnesis, conducts an examination, prescribes an analysis for estrogens and other hormones. A small volume of venous blood is needed to determine the values.

Be sure to conduct an ultrasound of the uterus and appendages, if indicated, examine the abdominal organs, heart, liver. With the development of severe pathologies, the detection of a tumor process, an MRI is prescribed. It is important to know the level of cholesterol, leukocytes and ESR in order to understand whether an active or chronic inflammatory process is taking place. If osteoporosis is suspected, skeletal densitometry will be required.

According to the results of the test, based on the ultrasound data, the doctor suggests measures for correction. With a significant deviation, pronounced signs of the pathological process, the gynecologist additionally prescribes drugs that stimulate the production of estradiol, estrone and estriol. With a complex picture of the disease, the detection of diabetes mellitus, lesions of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, the help of a qualified endocrinologist is required.

The norm in women

Important points:

the first phase of the cycle - from 15 to 160 ng/l;
ovulation period - from 34 to 400 ng / l;
luteal phase - from 27 to 146 ng / l;
menopause - from 5 to 30 ng / l;
during pregnancy: from 203 to 3980 in the first trimester to 17600 ng / l - before childbirth.

Depending on the purpose of the study, women are tested to clarify the values of estrogen on the third or fifth day of the cycle or in the luteal phase (from 18 to 21 days). The period of the visit to the laboratory is determined by the attending physician. Venous blood is taken strictly on an empty stomach, in a calm state. The gynecologist tells you how long before the test you need to stop taking hormonal drugs. Before the analysis (during the day) you can not smoke, drink alcohol, exercise, get fatty foods, you need to avoid stress.

Learn about the symptoms of increased, as well as ways to correct indicators.

The page is written about the normal level of hCG during pregnancy, about the causes and symptoms of hormone deviation.

How to increase estrogen levels

How to increase estrogen in women? A mandatory rule is the implementation of the recommendations of the endocrinologist and gynecologist. Refusal of self-treatment is another important point.

To increase the level of estradiol and other estrogens, a set of measures will be needed:

diet change. It is useful to eat types of food with phytoestrogens: soy, legumes, poultry, dairy products, green tea. Be sure to get nuts, vegetables, leafy greens, berries, linseed oil, non-acidic fruits, chicory decoction daily. In moderation, you can drink weak coffee;
refusal of overloads in the gym, walks in the fresh air;
night sleep - 7 hours, not less;
reducing the level of stressful situations;
the use of yoga and autogenic training for relaxation, elimination of emotional stress;
taking herbal decoctions with a sedative effect;
normalization of the level of fat in the diet, rejection of simple carbohydrates, optimization of the caloric content and nutritional value of dishes;
taking oral contraceptives (strictly as prescribed by the attending physician). The uncontrolled use of hormonal compounds and estrogen in tablets increases the imbalance, disrupts the endocrine system. With prolonged use of drugs, damage to the organs of the reproductive system, serious problems with the menstrual cycle, sharp fluctuations in weight, diseases of the heart and blood vessels are possible. Women in menopause and reproductive age are shown different types of oral contraceptives, violation of the rules, self-medication leads to a severe form of hormonal failure.

Against the background of estrogen deficiency, a complex of negative signs appears, the functionality of the reproductive system is disrupted. Symptoms of hormonal failure are a reason for seeking advice from a gynecologist and endocrinologist. It is important to follow the doctor's orders to prevent serious health problems. Self-medication with the use of hormonal compounds is strictly prohibited. With a slight deviation from the norm, it is possible to increase the level of estrogen by correcting the diet, normalizing the physical and psycho-emotional state.

Video about the role of estrogen and the effect of the hormone on women's health:

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

Lack of estrogen can cause infertility.

What are estrogens and where are they produced?

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

There are three types of estrogen in women:

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

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

What is the secretion of these hormones?

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

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

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

Estrogens affect many organs and systems.

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

The main function of these ovarian hormones is to:

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

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

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

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

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

The table shows the rate of estradiol in the blood.

How can low estrogen levels be corrected?

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

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

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

Diet can affect estrogen levels.

Questions to the doctor

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

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

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

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

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

Estrogen is an active hormone that is responsible for the development of the genital organs in the female body. Lack of this hormone leads to infertility. The hormonal background normally contributes to the formation of a proportional figure without fat deposits and other flaws.

Hormone features

Estrogens come in several forms, including estrone and estradiol. Lack of estrogen can lead to the development of certain diseases of the uterus:

fibroma;
cyst;
tumors;
myoma.

Estrogen is produced by the sex cells and adrenal glands. This hormone is also secreted in girls (in small quantities). The symptoms of estrogen deficiency in women are associated with the underdeveloped skeleton of the child and the slow development of the genital organs. In this case, the first menstrual cycle can go at 17-18 years old (normally 13-14 years old).

When girls go through puberty, of all the hormones, estrogen is the first to start working. It promotes the growth of underarm and pubic hair, responsible for the formation of the mammary glands, knees and other body structures. With the release of this hormone, the figure of a girl is normally formed by the age of 20. Under its influence, the uterus enlarges and the menstrual cycle begins.

Estrogen deficiency in the body of a mature woman is a serious problem. Signs of a lack of estrogen in this case are associated with insomnia, whims, pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, stretch marks, and so on.

As for pregnant women, estrogens are located in the placenta and are produced in large quantities. Their lack leads to the termination of the monthly cycle. With a significant production of this hormone, hairiness of the skin is observed, an increase in their growth on the limbs. For the normal functioning of the female body, gynecologists recommend regular examinations.

Doctors' warning

Symptoms of a lack of estrogen in the female body appear on an individual basis. Often the chest sags, there is a decline in strength and pressure drops. In this condition, there is a high risk of getting cataracts, heart attacks, osteoporosis and other ailments. The reasons for the lack of this hormone doctors include:

Hypovitaminosis.
Menstrual pause.
Rapid and dramatic weight loss.

Doctors identify several simple means to raise the level of estrogen in the female body, including the use of hormonal drugs. Often a woman refuses to accept. This is due to the high probability of weight gain. However, this factor is dose dependent. In the absence of pathologies that are associated with the inability to become a mother, the dosage of this drug will be insignificant. In this case, the patient will not gain weight.

Oral contraceptives are often made on the basis of hormones identical to those of women. Regular use of such drugs helps to find the hormone in question in the norm. Doctors prescribe vitamins for women and girls, including Tocopherol. They should be taken only on the advice of a doctor.

In medicine, you can increase estrogen by sticking a special patch. It must be worn for 30 days. You can eliminate the symptoms of a lack of estrogen with the help of the advice of nutritionists. Specialists of this profile recommend that women change their behavior and diet by eating foods containing plant estrogens.

Initially, it is recommended to determine the level of this hormone in the blood. If you detect minor deviations in the menstrual cycle (including general malaise), you should seek help from a gynecologist. You can eliminate the symptoms of a lack of estrogen through proper nutrition. These hormones are found in large quantities in the following foods:

legumes;
yogurt;
dairy products.

Nutritionists recommend eating 20 g of butter and 50 g of cheese every day. All women who give their preference to vegetarian food suffer from a lack of estrogen. This is due to the fact that fish and meat contain a significant amount of estrogen. Of the vegetables, carrots and cabbage are considered useful.

Daily nutritionists recommend drinking 1 tbsp. green tea. For this, drug charges are applied. With a lack of estrogen, the boron uterus is contraindicated. This plant significantly lowers the level of this hormone in the female body.

It is not recommended to self-medicate. If the symptoms of a deficiency of the hormone in question are identified, then you need to seek help from a doctor. The specialist will prescribe appropriate treatment, including medication and folk recipes.

Reproductive function in women is controlled by hormones called estrogens. They are also formed in a certain amount in the testicles of men, and also in the liver and adrenal glands of both sexes. Due to insufficient or excessive production of them, various health problems arise. The symptoms of a lack of female estrogen hormones will be discussed in this material.

The norm of estrogen in women

During the reproductive period of a woman's life, the most high level these hormones that make her beautiful and feminine. With the onset of menopause, their production stops in the ovaries, but continues in the adrenal glands and adipose tissue.

Testosterone is similar to estrogen in chemical composition, being a hormone of masculinity and often transforming into the latter. Hormones are no longer responsible for how a man or woman will look, but their ratio. If a representative of the stronger sex has accumulated estrogens, then feminine signs will appear in his appearance.

In adipose tissue, progesterone is produced, then estrogen is synthesized. Increasing its level begins at the age of 7.

There are 3 types of female hormones:

estrone (E1), "dealing with" the quality of the functioning of the uterus and the growth of its endometrium;
estradiol (E2), which regulates hundreds of functions in the body of a lady;
estriol (E3), which affects the distension of the uterus during pregnancy.

The amount of estrogen depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. At its beginning, a small amount of hormones is noted, which increases as the follicle matures. The highest rates are recorded during the release of the egg from the exploded follicle. Then, the concentration of sex hormones gradually decreases.

Norms of two types of hormones:

estrone in the first phase from 5 to 9 ng / l, in the second - from 3 to 25, and in pregnant women - from 1500 to 3000 ng / l;
estradiol, respectively, from 15 to 60, from 27 to 246 and from 17000 to 18000 ng/l.

These are averages, which in other sources often differ in units of measurement (for example, pg / ml). During the period of ovulation, from 5 to 30 ng / l is considered normal. Hormonal imbalance in a woman's body begins after 40 years.