Estrogen - what is it? The female hormone estrogen. Estrogen in men

Often, the patients are the tests for estrogens. What is it? What are the main functions of these hormones? How dangerous can be hormonal disruptions? These questions are of interest to many people.

Estrogen — what is it?

Of Course, almost everyone in my life ever heard this term. Estrogens — what is it? This biologically active substances steroid hormones that ensure normal functioning of the body, particularly the reproductive system and also a healthy pregnancy.

Today there are more than thirty varieties of these hormonal substances. But the most important are the following three:

• Most active hormone of this group is the estradiol — this quantity is determined during the analysis. The same substance enters into the composition of many medicines, including birth control pills.
• Estrone is the second most important hormone of this group.
• Astil — a substance that is synthesized from the first two types. The greatest number occurs in women during pregnancy.

It is considered that the estrogens-female hormones. Indeed, their level of females is much higher. However, these substances are synthesized in the body of men, albeit in much smaller numbers.

Where is estrogen produced?

Estrogen is produced in women in the ovaries. In men, this substance is synthesized in the testes. In addition, a small amount is produced in the adrenal glands. Estrogens are synthesized by complex enzymatic reactions of androgens. For example, the starting material for formation of testosterone is estradiol.

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It is Worth noting that the female hormone estrogen can be formed in different cells of the ovaries. For example, in the first half of the menstrual cycle, the bulk is synthesized in the follicles, and in the second half — yellow body. During pregnancy, the production function of estrogen takes on the placenta.

Which contains estrogen? Hormones — biologically active substance with the blood to be transported to almost any part of the body. The main target organs are the uterus, vagina, liver, mammary glands, portions of the urinary system, pituitary gland, etc. by the Way, synthesis of estrogen is controlled by follicle-stimulating hormone, produced in the hypothalamic-pituitary system.

Functions of hormones in a woman's body

In fact, the role of estrogens in the female body cannot be overstated. First and foremost it should be noted that these substances ensure the normal operation of the reproductive system, and support the mother and child during pregnancy. For example, they regulate the processes of growth, development, and rejection of the endometrium during menstrual cycle.

In the period of puberty the amount of estrogen in the body dramatically increases. Because these substances are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, including the type of hair growth, and breast augmentation. These hormones influence the metabolism of fats, stimulating their deposition, thus creating soft, it is feminine shape. Under their influence formed the appropriate form of the pelvis. Also hormonal substances ensure the growth of the cells of the vaginal epithelium and stimulate the secretion of vaginal mucus and creates an optimal environment for the survival of sperm and fertilization.

In addition, estrogens affect the cardiovascular system, affecting blood pressure, maintain the body's appropriate level of cholesterol, thus preventing the development of atherosclerosis. These hormones are responsible for the metabolism of calcium and absorption of calcium by bone tissue. On the other hand, they also affect the nervous system, improving brain activity. In the liver estrogens regulate the synthesis of certain factors of blood clotting.

Estrogens and their role in the functioning of male body

As mentioned above, “female” the hormone estrogen produced in the male body. And, despite the relatively small quantities of this substance, it plays a crucial role. For example, the representatives of the stronger sex he is responsible for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, provides some of the functions of the brain, improves memory, libido forms.

Immediately is to say that the estrogen in men also support healthy cholesterol levels and, in combination with testosterone, ensure muscle growth.

The Increase in quantity of these hormones affects the entire body, contributes to deposits of subcutaneous fat on the female type, causing gynecomastia, i.e. dysfunction of the reproductive system, decreased libido, mood swings and depression.

The rate of estrogen in the blood

As mentioned, the level of these hormonal substances in the female body depends primarily on the phase of menstrual cycle — only on certain days, patients are doing it. Estrogens, specifically their number, determine the study sample.

During the first so-called follicular phase of the menstrual cycle the amount of estrogen is not too large. Butthe growth and development of the dominant follicle, their level gradually increases. During this period, the amount of the hormone ranges from 5 to 50 PG/ml. But by the time of the rupture of the follicle and release of the egg the estrogen level, the maximum — during ovulation, the norm is increased in 90–300 PG/ml. After this phase, under the influence of luteinizing hormone, estrogen level decreases and ranges from 11 to 116 PG/ml. Further the cycle is repeated again.

We should also indicate that the level of estrogen in children under 11 years is 5–20 PG/ml. the Number decreases and in women during menopause — it is equal to 5–46 PG/ml.

As for men, they have a number of this hormone as a rule, does not exceed 50–130 PG/ml.

The reasons for the increase in estrogen levels

Sometimes, during research, doctors are finding patients elevated levels of estrogen in the blood. What accounts for such failures? In most cases, this indicates a malfunction of the endocrine, in particular, the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Often, the disorder associated with receiving inappropriate hormonal drugs such as contraceptives.

In some cases, an excess of estrogen is observed when improper nutrition, namely by eating large amounts of fatty meat, legumes, beer and other foods rich in hormones. In addition, the disorder may indicate the presence of tumors of different origin in the tissues of the reproductive system, rarely in the brain.

Symptoms increase estrogen

Of Course, the increased level of estrogen affects the whole body. And there are a number of symptoms, the occurrence of which is possible with the violation of hormonal background. First fail of the menstrual cycle. In addition, women with this diagnosis there is an increase in blood pressure. Also increases the risk of blood clots.

Excess estrogen is often accompanied by body weight gain, obesity, metabolic disorder. Symptoms include pain in the chest, persistent edema, recurrent headaches. It is sometimes possible hair loss, and skin rash. The increase in estrogen levels may be accompanied by increased irritability, insomnia, nausea and vomiting. The lack of timely medical intervention can result in tumors and malignant degeneration of the tissue.

Why the estrogen level is declining?

Of Course, there are some factors that can inhibit the synthesis of substances called estrogen. What is it? What is the reason for the decrease in the level of hormones? There are some congenital malformations of the reproductive system that cause hormonal imbalance. They usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.

In addition, the reduction in estrogen may be associated with malnutrition. Sometimes hormonal issues causes a deficiency of vitamins, in particular ascorbic acid, tocopherol and vitamins of group B. risk factors can be attributed to sharp weight loss. On the other hand, the decrease in estrogen levels women have during menopause.

Symptoms of declining hormone levels

Reduced levels of estrogen is often accompanied by headaches and palpitations. Often patients complain of excessive sweating and the so-called “hot flashes” at night, which are not associated with the climacteric period. In addition, the disorder can be accompanied by dizziness, constant weakness, these or other sleep disorders. Sometimes there is bedwetting. Some women complain of reduced appetite.

The Decrease in estrogen also affects the reproductive system, which is manifested by reduction of sexual desire and increased vaginal dryness.

Lack of proper treatment can lead to serious consequences. For example, the lack of hormones in adult women often leads to a reduction of the uterus and mammary glands, and infertility. In addition, such a condition contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, digestive disorders, and disruption or disappearance of the menstrual cycle, memory problems, reduced mental activity. There is also the possibility of osteoporosis. Hormonal disruptions are also accompanied by increased irritability and frequent mood swings.

How to increase estrogen level?

In the presence of disturbing symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor and get tested for hormone levels. When severe violations of the hormonal background of patients, as a rule, prescribe hormonal medications.

To Increase the level of estrogen you can own, but only if the changes are minor and do not pose serious threats to health. For example, doctors often recommend patients to take vitamin complexes, in particular vitamin E. in addition, the importance here is the power circuit. For example, for anybody not a secret that is extremely useful for the female organism are so-called phytoestrogens, which in large amounts found in legumes (beans, peas, beans), as well as in eggplant, pumpkin, redgrapes, tomatoes, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

An Extra dose of hormones you can get from animal products, including milk, butter, yogurt, cheese. Rich in nutrients as meat and fish.

How to reduce estrogen level?

Of Course, increasing levels of these hormones in a woman's body is no less dangerous than their deficit. And when such disorders by a qualified specialist is simply necessary. In most cases, after a complete diagnosis doctors prescribe a course of hormonal therapy. But many women wondering whether to do something at home?

Of Course, even during medical treatment need to follow some medical recommendations. In particular, it is best to adjust the diet to exclude fatty meats, limiting the amount of legumes and some other products. But foods containing high amounts of fiber (fresh fruits, vegetables), on the contrary, a positive impact on the condition of the body.

Another way to quickly reduce the level of estrogens — is exercise, but of course within reasonable limits. Experts recommend regular aerobics or Jogging. Fit dance classes or swimming. In addition, it is necessary to abandon bad habits, including Smoking, excessive caffeine and alcohol.