Doctors often prescribe estrogen tests to patients. What it is? What are the main functions of these hormones? How dangerous can hormonal disruptions be? These questions interest many people.
What are estrogens?
Of course, almost every person in my life has heard this term at least once. What are estrogens? These are biologically active substances, steroid hormones that ensure the normal functioning of the body, in particular the reproductive system, as well as the normal course of pregnancy.
To date, more than thirty varieties of these hormonal substances are known. But the most important are the following three:
- The most active hormone of this group is estradiol - it is its quantity that is determined during the analyzes. The same substance is part of many medications, including birth control pills.
- Estron is the second most important hormone in this group.
- Estiol is a substance that is synthesized from the first two types. Its greatest number is observed in women during pregnancy.
It is generally accepted that estrogens are female hormones. And indeed, their level among female representatives is much higher. However, these substances are synthesized in the body of men, however, in much smaller quantities.
Where are estrogens produced?
Estrogen in women is produced in the ovaries. In men, this substance is synthesized in the testicles. In addition, a small amount is formed in the adrenal glands. Estrogens are synthesized by complex enzymatic reactions from androgens. For example, testosterone is the starting material for estradiol formation.
It is worth noting that the female hormone estrogen can form in different cells of the ovaries. For example, in the first half of the menstrual cycle, the bulk of it is synthesized by follicles, and in the second half, by the corpus luteum. During pregnancy, the placenta takes over the function of estrogen production.
Where is estrogen contained? Hormones are biologically active substances that can be transferred to almost any part of the body along with the blood stream. The main target organs are the uterus, vagina, liver, mammary glands, parts of the urethra, pituitary gland, etc. By the way, the synthesis of estrogen is controlled by follicle-stimulating hormone produced in the hypothalamic-pituitary system.
The functions of hormones in the body of a woman
In fact, the role of estrogen in the female body is difficult to overestimate. First of all, it is worth noting that it is these substances that ensure the normal functioning of the reproductive system, and also support the body of the mother and baby during pregnancy. For example, they regulate the processes of growth, development and rejection of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle.
During puberty, the amount of estrogen in the body increases dramatically. After all, it is these substances that are responsible for the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, including the type of hair growth, as well as breast augmentation. These same hormones affect the metabolism of fats, stimulating their deposition, thereby creating soft, namely female outlines of the figure. Under their influence, the corresponding form of the pelvis is formed. Also, hormonal substances ensure the growth of vaginal epithelial cells, stimulate the release of vaginal mucus and create an optimal environment for sperm survival and fertilization.
In addition, estrogens affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system, affect blood pressure, maintain an appropriate level of cholesterol in the body, thereby preventing the development of atherosclerosis. These same hormones are responsible for the metabolism of calcium and the absorption of this mineral by bone tissues. On the other hand, they affect the functioning of the nervous system, improving brain activity. In the liver, estrogens regulate the synthesis of certain coagulation factors.
Estrogens and their role in the functioning of the male body
As mentioned above, the "female" hormone estrogen is produced in the male body. And, despite the relatively small amounts of this substance, its role is extremely important. For example, in representatives of the stronger sex, he is responsible for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, provides some functions of the brain, improves memory, and forms libido.
It’s worth mentioning right away that estrogens in men also support normal cholesterol levels and, in combination with testosterone, provide muscle growth.
An increase in the amount of these hormones affects the work of the whole body, contributes to the deposition of subcutaneous fat in the female type, causing gynecomastia, i.e., dysfunction of the reproductive system, decreased libido, sharp mood swings and depression.
The rate of estrogen in the blood
As already mentioned, the level of these hormonal substances in the female body depends primarily on the phase of the menstrual cycle - only on certain days the patients are analyzed. Estrogens, or rather, their number, are determined through the study of blood samples.
During the first, so-called follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, the amount of estrogen is not too large. But as the dominant follicle grows and develops, their level gradually increases. During this period, the amount of the hormone ranges from 5 to 50 pg / ml. But by the time the follicle ruptures and the ovum exits, the estrogen level is maximum - during ovulation, an indicator of 90–300 pg / ml is considered the norm. After this phase, under the influence of a luteinizing hormone, the level of estrogen decreases and ranges from 11 to 116 pg / ml. Next, the cycle repeats again.
Separately, it should be noted that the level of estrogen in children under the age of 11 years is 5–20 pg / ml. Its amount decreases in women during menopause - it is 5–46 pg / ml.
As for men, their amount of this hormone, as a rule, does not exceed 50–130 pg / ml.
Reasons to increase estrogen levels
Sometimes, during studies, doctors find that patients have high levels of estrogen in the blood. What are the reasons for such failures? In most cases, this indicates a violation of the endocrine, in particular, hypothalamic-pituitary system. Often, such a disorder is associated with the use of inappropriate hormonal drugs, for example, contraceptives.
In some cases, an excess of estrogen is observed with improper nutrition, namely when eating a large amount of fatty meat, legumes, beer and other foods rich in hormones. In addition, such a disorder may indicate the presence of tumors of different origin in the tissues of the reproductive system, less often in the brain.
Symptoms of Increasing Estrogen
Of course, an increased level of estrogen affects the functioning of the whole organism. And there are a number of symptoms, the occurrence of which is possible with a violation of the hormonal background. First of all, malfunctions of the menstrual cycle occur. In addition, women with this diagnosis have an increase in blood pressure. Also increases the risk of blood clots.
Excess estrogen is often accompanied by an increase in body weight, obesity, metabolic disturbance. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent edema, and recurring headaches. Hair loss and skin rashes are sometimes possible. An increase in estrogen levels may be accompanied by increased irritability, insomnia, nausea and vomiting. The lack of timely medical intervention is fraught with the occurrence of tumors and malignant degeneration of tissues.
Why is estrogen levels going down?
Of course, there are some factors that can inhibit the synthesis of substances called estrogens. What is it? What causes a decrease in hormone levels? There are some congenital malformations of the reproductive system that cause hormonal failure. As a rule, they are diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
In addition, a decrease in estrogen may be due to malnutrition. Sometimes a deficiency of vitamins, in particular ascorbic acid, tocopherol and B vitamins, leads to hormonal failure. Risk of weight loss can also be attributed to risk factors. On the other hand, a decrease in estrogen levels in women is observed during menopause.
Symptoms of a decrease in hormone levels
Decreased estrogen levels are often accompanied by headaches, as well as heart palpitations. Often, patients complain of excessive sweating and the so-called "hot flashes" at night, which are in no way associated with the menopause. In addition, such a disorder may be accompanied by dizziness, constant weakness, or other sleep disorders. Enuresis is sometimes observed. Some women complain of decreased appetite.
A decrease in the amount of estrogen affects the work of the reproductive system, which is manifested by a decrease in sexual desire and increased dryness of the vagina.
Lack of proper treatment can lead to serious consequences. For example, hormone deficiency in adult women often leads to a decrease in the uterus and mammary glands, as well as infertility. In addition, this condition contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, digestive disorders, as well as disturbance or disappearance of the menstrual cycle, memory problems, and a decrease in mental activity. There is also a chance of developing osteoporosis. Hormonal disruptions are also accompanied by increased irritability and frequent mood changes.
How to increase estrogen levels?
In the presence of symptoms disturbing you, you need to urgently consult a doctor and take tests for hormone levels. With severe hormonal imbalances, patients are usually prescribed hormonal drugs.
You can increase estrogen levels yourself, but only if the changes are minor and do not pose a serious threat to health. For example, doctors often recommend that patients take vitamin complexes, in particular vitamin E. In addition, the nutritional scheme is important here. For example, it is not a secret for anyone that the so-called phytoestrogens, which are found in large quantities in legumes (beans, peas, beans), as well as in eggplant, pumpkin, red grapes, tomatoes, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, are extremely useful for a woman’s body. .
An additional dose of hormones can be obtained from animal products, including milk, butter, yogurt, cheeses. Meat and fish are also rich in nutrients.
How to lower estrogen levels?
Of course, increasing the level of these hormones in a woman’s body is no less dangerous than their deficiency. And with such disorders, the help of a qualified specialist is simply necessary. In most cases, after a full diagnosis, doctors prescribe a course of hormone therapy. But many women are interested in whether it is possible to do something at home?
Naturally, even during drug treatment, you need to adhere to some medical recommendations. In particular, it is best to adjust the diet by eliminating fatty meat from it, limiting the amount of legumes and some other foods. But food containing a large amount of fiber (fresh fruits, vegetables), on the contrary, will positively affect the state of the body.
Another way to quickly reduce estrogen levels is to exercise, but, of course, within reasonable limits. Experts recommend regular aerobics or jogging in the morning. Dancing or swimming classes are suitable. In addition, you should abandon bad habits, including smoking, abuse of caffeine and alcohol.