Most processes in the human body occur due to the action of biologically active substances, which include testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. They are the main hormones of the reproductive system that are produced in both sexes. In the body of men, more testosterone is synthesized, in women - estrogen.
Estrogens
Estrogens are a group of sex hormones that includes estradiol, estriol, and estrone. Among them, estradiol is the most physiologically active. Other species do not significantly affect the body. They are synthesized in the ovaries in women and the testes in men. Also produced in the adrenal cortex of both sexes.
Estrogen function
Among women:
- Estradiol. It regulates the menstrual cycle, participates in the maturation of the egg, is responsible for ovulation and prepares the uterus for the upcoming pregnancy (attachment of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus). Also involved in the regulation of the circulatory system, the work of the bladder and intestinal motility. It affects the development of bone tissue and its strength. It takes part in the metabolic processes of the body.
- Estriol. It is produced during pregnancy, participates in maintaining the functions of the placenta and ensures the normal formation of the fetus.
- Estron. Provides the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics and is involved in the correct formation of the uterus.
In men:
- Estradiol. It stimulates metabolic processes in the body, participates in the normal functional state of the nervous system, regulates the production of pituitary hormones, reduces the level of development of heart and vascular diseases, affects the quality of spermatozoa, the ability to conceive, increases blood coagulation, prevents osteoporosis, and prevents baldness.
- Estriol. It is produced in small quantities. It does not affect the male body.
- Estron. It has no activity, but in combination with estradiol affects the childbearing functions, is involved in maintaining the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal system. Prevents the appearance of gynecomastia, tumor processes in the testicles and osteoporosis.
Testosterone
It is an androgenic sex hormone. It is of two types:
- Free. It is active and has no relationship with blood proteins.
- Common. It consists of all fractions, including free testosterone and associated with proteins - albumin and globulin.
In men, it is produced by the testes, in women by the ovaries. Synthesis also occurs in the adrenal cortex in both sexes. When a young person reaches puberty, the level of testosterone in the blood increases markedly. But after 50 years, hormone production decreases.
Testosterone function
In men:
- Provides the normal development of the genitals and the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.
- Participates in sperm production.
- Influences sexual behavior.
- Under the influence of testosterone, a change in the tone of the voice occurs.
- The work of the sebaceous glands is activated.
- Participates in the metabolic processes of calcium, phosphorus, potassium ions.
- It affects the growth and development of bone tissue.
Among women:
- It takes part in egg maturation.
- Participates in the formation of mammary glands.
- It affects sexual attractiveness and attraction.
Hormone levels
Testosterone and estrogen are produced in both sexes. As a rule, the norms depend on age. In women, the level of hormones depends on the phases of the menstrual cycle.
In men, it is normal:
- Testosterone level total. Up to 50 years - 11-33 nmol / L, after 50 years - ≥11 nmol / L, the active form is 3.5-12 nmol / L.
- Free testosterone levels. Up to 50 years - 8.8-42.6 pg / ml, after 50 - 6-30 pg / ml.
- The level of estradiol is 5-53 ng / l.
- Estrol is 3-6 ng%.
In women, it is normal:
- The level of total testosterone before menopause is 0.31-3.78 nmol / L, and in postmenopause it is 0.42-4.51 nmol / L.
- Free testosterone before menopause - 0-4.2 pg / ml, in postmenopause - 0.1-1.7 pg / ml.
- The level of estradiol in the first phase of the menstrual cycle is 15-160 ng / l, in the middle of the cycle - 34-400 ng / l, in the second phase - 27-246 ng / l. During pregnancy is 17000-18000 ng / l. During menopause and postmenopause - 5-30 ng / l.
- Estron in the first phase of the cycle - 5-9 ng%, in the second - 3-25 ng%, during pregnancy increases to 1500-3000 ng%.
- Estriol is mainly determined during gestation and its level depends on the number of full weeks of pregnancy.
Causes of hormone deficiency
A decrease in testosterone and estrogen levels in men occurs for various reasons. The most common include:
- Age-related changes. As you know, after 50 years, the synthesis of testosterone is reduced. This is a natural physiological process that is irreversible.
- Improper nutrition. Inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals in the body can provoke a decrease in testosterone. And the lack of protein foods in the diet, the intake of fat in small quantities and excess carbohydrates can lower estrogen levels.
- Overweight. Due to excess weight, testosterone production is suppressed. Estrogen levels increase and further inhibit the synthesis of "male hormone". For this reason, testosterone and estrogen levels in men are in constant imbalance.
- With sudden weight loss, estrogen levels may decrease.
- Alcoholism, smoking, drug use contribute to a decrease in testosterone and estrogen.
- Lack of physical activity leads to a decrease in testosterone production. Intense exercise reduces estrogen levels.
- Violation of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, testicular dysfunction have a negative effect on the hormonal background. Such pathological conditions are often congenital.
- Stress. Long and frequent stressful situations can lead to a decrease in the level of hormones in the body.
- Diseases of the heart, blood vessels and kidneys.
Low testosterone levels lead to increased estrogen synthesis, which further inhibits testosterone production. As a result, there is a constant imbalance of hormones in the body.
Reasons for a decrease in hormones in women:
- Change in hormonal levels. During menopause, testosterone and estrogen levels decrease.
- Renal failure. Due to the decrease in the efficiency of the adrenal glands, in which testosterone is synthesized, there is a violation of the production of this hormone.
- A sharp decrease in body weight causes a decrease in estrogen production.
- Taking certain medications can lead to hormone deficiency.
- Removal or disruption of the ovaries can cause a decrease in testosterone and estrogen levels.
- Congenital pathologies that disrupt the production of hormones.
- The use of alcohol, drugs, smoking.
Causes of excess hormones
Among women:
- Alcohol consumption.
- Taking certain medications.
- Excess weight.
- The formation of cysts, tumor processes in the ovaries, cancer of the breast, uterus. As a rule, testosterone and estrogen are elevated in such pathological conditions.
In men:
- Tumor processes of the testicles.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Excess weight.
- Age-related changes.
Symptoms of hormonal disorders
Reduced levels of testosterone and estrogen in women are manifested by the following symptoms:
- The menstrual cycle is irregular or completely absent.
- Symptoms of the premenstrual period are significantly pronounced. Menstruation is painful.
- Dryness and burning in the vagina.
- There is no desire for sexual contact.
- Unstable blood pressure.
- Weight loss.
- There are problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Excessive levels of testosterone and estrogen hormones in women cause the following symptoms:
- Puberty occurs earlier.
- Increased thyroid function.
- During menopause, bleeding begins.
- Cysts and tumor processes in the ovaries form.
- Fatigue appears, frequent mood swings, nervousness.
- Physical health is getting worse.
Symptoms of insufficient testosterone and estrogen in men:
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system.
- The development of chronic prostatitis.
- The ability to conceive is reduced.
- Depressive conditions arise, there is no libido.
- The production of seminal fluid is impaired.
Symptoms in which testosterone and estrogen are elevated in men:
- The occurrence of puffiness.
- Atrophy of muscle mass begins, it becomes difficult to increase it.
- Missing or decreased libido.
- The amount of hair on the body is reduced.
- The formation of a figure of a female type begins.
Treatment
In order for the treatment to be correct, it is necessary to pass an analysis for testosterone and estrogen. First, the endocrinologist determines the reasons for the development of hormonal imbalance and evaluates the results of the tests. Further, depending on the level of testosterone and estrogen in the blood, he selects hormone therapy. This method of treatment takes a long time, but it is considered the most effective.
Non-pharmacological methods for normalizing hormone levels include:
- Compliance with sleep and wakefulness. Sleep should last 7-8 hours. It is necessary to organize the daily routine.
- Proper nutrition. Food must be balanced. The daily diet should include foods high in vitamins and minerals.
- Refusal of alcohol, smoking, drugs.
- Regular sex life.
- Try to avoid stressful situations.
All this will help to stay healthy for a long time.