The production of estrogen, which is a female hormone, begins during puberty and decreases during menopause. It is necessary to prepare the body for conception, bearing and giving birth to a baby, it is very important for the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, regulates the menstrual cycle. At different ages, symptoms of low estrogen in women may occur. In this case, you need to see a doctor, since a hormone deficiency negatively affects not only the reproductive system, but even the appearance of a woman.
Estrogen function
The hormone is produced by the ovaries and partially the adrenal glands. Under his influence:
- the uterus with appendages is formed;
- mammary glands develop;
- pigmentation of the nipples and genitals is formed;
- secondary sexual characteristics appear;
- bone growth is activated;
- the menstrual cycle is regulated;
- blood clots are prevented;
- blood coagulation normalizes;
- procreation function is provided.
Reasons for violation
Hormonal balance failure can occur under the influence of various factors, hereditary diseases can also be the cause. Disruption of the ovaries that produce estrogen can provoke:
- pathologies of the pituitary gland, causing an imbalance in the hormonal system;
- sharp weight loss;
- excessive passion for alcohol, smoking, drug addiction;
- hormone-dependent tumors;
- treatment with antidepressants or nootropic drugs;
- thyroid disease;
- uncontrolled intake of hormones;
- poor nutrition.
Estrogen levels decrease with the onset of menopause, and this is a natural process. Symptoms of lowered estrogen are more difficult for women to tolerate if the cause of the condition was removal of the uterus with appendages, resection of the ovaries.
A sedentary lifestyle can be a provoking factor that causes a violation. On the other hand, excessive physical activity during some sports also sometimes leads to a lack of female hormones (estrogen).
Symptoms associated with hormone deficiency can also occur in those who are vegetarian or suffer from anorexia. But most often, pathology develops under the influence of several reasons.
Symptoms of estrogen deficiency in adolescents
Suspect estrogen deficiency in girls in adolescence can be on some grounds:
- lack of pubic hair and armpits;
- slowing or stopping breast growth;
- late onset of menstruation, violation of the regularity of the cycle;
- the formation of a figure according to the male type with a narrow pelvis, wide shoulders, developed muscles.
On examination, a gynecologist reveals small sizes of the uterus, underdeveloped internal and external genital organs. Estrogen deficiency in the future may interfere with the normal conception and bearing of the baby.
At the same time, do not forget that all the described symptoms can accompany other pathologies and are not always evidence of low estrogen content. Therefore, it is necessary to show the girl to a gynecologist and endocrinologist to determine the cause of the violation and prescribe adequate therapy.
Signs of estrogen deficiency in menopause
A decrease in hormone levels with the onset of menopause is absolutely normal. With estrogen deficiency, ovarian activity may begin to decline after 40 years, in some cases even earlier, doctors call this condition early menopause. Women have headaches, dizziness, they suffer from hot flashes, heart palpitations, sweating.
Imbalances in hormones that started early cause malfunctions in the ovaries and adrenal glands. The likelihood of diabetes, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, heart attack, thyroid pathology is increasing.
The average age of menopause is considered to be 45-55 years. At the same time, a woman suffers from such symptoms of a lack of female hormones (estrogen):
- weight gain as a result of insufficient activity of the endocrine glands;
- digestive system disorders;
- decrease in the amount of collagen (a woman develops wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, the skin becomes drier and less elastic);
- the appearance of papillomas and moles;
- cerebrovascular accident, which can cause strokes and heart attacks;
- increased heart rate;
- decreased libido, vaginal dryness.
The psycho-emotional state of the representative of the weaker sex also changes, which is manifested by a deterioration in memory, a decrease in working capacity, a feeling of emotional stress, increased fatigue, irritability.
Signs of impaired reproductive age
Women of this age suffer from such manifestations:
- frequent inflammatory processes of the genital area (colpitis, vaginitis), often occurring in a chronic form;
- menstrual irregularities (menstruation becomes more rare and not abundant, have a spreading character);
- heavily flowing premenstrual syndrome;
- vaginal dryness;
- deterioration of the skin, its increased dryness, peeling, the appearance of rashes;
- decreased performance, frequent depression, insomnia, increased irritability, aggressiveness;
- jumps in blood pressure, hot flashes, sensations of pain in the heart and joints;
- deterioration of the condition of nails and hair.
The work of different organs may also be disturbed if a woman has low estrogen. Symptoms can be very diverse. So, as a result of an imbalance of hormones, pathologies of the urinary system occur, intestinal function is disrupted, and vegetovascular disorders appear. The problem is reflected in the moral state. A woman begins to feel physically unattractive, and this provokes problems of a sexual and psychological nature, a decrease in self-esteem.
Hormone deficiency in pregnant women
During gestation, the estrogen level rises significantly, which is necessary for the normal course of pregnancy. With a hormone deficiency, there is a risk:
- detachment of the placenta;
- threats of miscarriage;
- development of genetic disorders of the fetus;
- violations of the development of the cardiac and nervous systems of the fetus;
- uterine bleeding.
At a later date, there is a risk of child bearing, a weak labor activity during childbirth. To correct the condition, a woman is recommended hormone replacement therapy, a special diet.
Diagnostic Methods
The signs described above can indicate various violations. To determine estrogen deficiency, it is recommended to take a blood test. The norms of estrogen in women depend on the age of the patient, the phase of the cycle. On average, for a healthy woman, indicators of 11-190 pg / ml are considered normal. During menopause - from 10 to 90 pg / ml.
For the reliability of the study, it is recommended to do an analysis on the 3-5th day of menstruation. Sometimes additional research is required on the 20-21 day of the cycle. Since estrogen norms in women also depend on other factors, physical activity, eating fatty foods, smoking and drinking alcohol are excluded before taking the test. Blood is given in the morning on an empty stomach.
How to treat
Therapy consists in the selection of drugs that increase the level of the hormone. The dosage and regimen for women with low estrogen levels should be selected exclusively by a doctor who will take into account age, general health, individual characteristics of the patient, and the amount of hormone. Self-medication can cause various complications.
To normalize the hormonal background, drugs that increase estrogen in women are prescribed. They are available in various pharmacological forms:
- gels (do not cause discomfort and allergic reactions);
- patches (convenient for those who have to work hard and travel on business trips);
- oral agents (normalize the condition for a short period of time);
- vaginal suppositories (do not lead to the development of side effects);
- subcutaneous implants (release hormones into the blood dosed, the effect lasts about six months);
- intravenous and intramuscular injections (quickly increase the level of the hormone).
Pros and Cons of Hormone Therapy
A correctly selected drug contributes to the gradual disappearance of signs of a lack of estrogen. Such treatment has other advantages:
- is the prevention of strokes, heart attacks;
- relieves symptoms of depression;
- prevents the development of osteoporosis and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
- normalizes the activity of the endocrine system;
- positively affects the work of the brain;
- activates collagen production;
- useful for the functioning of the circulatory system.
The downside is that when taking such medications, adverse reactions may appear in the form of nausea, vomiting, dizziness. If the drug was chosen incorrectly or the intake schedule was violated, deviations in the liver function, blood clots are possible, the risk of breast cancer is increased.
In addition to medicines, it is necessary to ensure conditions that will help the body to produce its own hormone. A woman should review her diet, adjust the menu. Many patients who are wary of hormones are interested in how to increase estrogen in women with folk remedies. But here it is important to consider that to achieve a positive effect is possible only with the help of complex treatment.
If a teenager has a problem, in addition to taking medications, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed, moderate exercise and calm rest are recommended. If necessary, the patient is sent for a consultation with a psychotherapist.
What foods contain estrogen?
Women who turn to specialists for help are often advised to supplement hormonal therapy with foods that help increase estrogen levels. Phytoestrogens as part of complex therapy are no less effective than pharmacy drugs, do not have so many side effects, but their course of treatment is longer. Therefore, if there is a problem, you should pay attention to the list of products that increase estrogen in women.
First of all, these are flax seeds and oil. These products are champions in the content of phytoestrogen, in addition, they contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The advantages of such therapy are improved digestion, increased immunity, improved condition of hair and nails, prevention of heart pathologies and breast oncology, normalization of liver function.
Oil is consumed on an empty stomach, half an hour before a meal. They can also season salads. You can purchase the product at a pharmacy or supermarket.
You can also increase the level of the hormone with the help of legumes:
- chickpea;
- beans;
- green peas;
- soybeans;
- lentils.
According to some studies, women who use natural coffee have higher estrogen levels than those who are not addicted to such a drink.
Herbs for treatment
Some plants also contain hormones necessary for the fairer sex. Herbalists, if there is a problem, are advised to pay attention to herbs that increase estrogen. Women should introduce drinks to their diet based on:
- sage;
- linden trees;
- daisies;
- licorice root.
Of course, one should approach this “treatment” wisely, because herbs, although they act more gently, are not always safe.
So, what conclusions can be drawn? Any imbalance of hormones in the body is a pathology, and the condition in which women have low estrogen will not be an exception. Symptoms of such a violation can be detected at any age. Without adequate therapy, the development of various complications and consequences is possible - from deterioration in appearance to infertility. Therefore, if suspicious signs occur, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.