How to increase estrogen levels in the body. Estrogens - what is it? The female hormone estrogen. Estrogens in men

Before deciding how to increase, it should be noted that this group includes several important hormones– estriol, estradiol, as well as estrone, on which many processes occurring in the body depend.

Analyzing the reasons causing the lack of estrogen in female body, it can be noted that the weakened functioning of the ovaries, which are designed to produce vital female hormones, dominates among them.

A number of other pathological disorders that can lower estrogen:

• diseases of the pituitary gland that cause;
• sudden weight loss;
• bad habits– alcohol, drugs, smoking;
• hormonally active tumors;
• hereditary factor;
• taking antidepressants for a long time.

Thyroid hormones, produced by the thyroid gland, influence the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. reduced level which can occur with hypothyroidism - pathological process in the thyroid gland.

Hypoestrogenism is observed and, as a consequence, age-related changes. Estrogen deficiency may be caused by improper use of the drug Vitex, which is prescribed for certain women's diseases. This is due to the fact that taken for relief premenstrual condition Vitex can reduce the generation of estrogen. If you follow your doctor's instructions exactly, the result will be recovery. hormonal balance. At excessive consumption drugs will follow serious violations caused by a lack of hormones and requiring therapeutic measures.

Visible symptoms

Against the background of estrogen deficiency, due to loss of calcium, a woman’s bone strength decreases, which often leads to the development of osteoporosis. Most often, this condition occurs after 50 years, when estrogens during menopause are physiologically normal parameters are no longer produced. Whether treatment through maintenance hormonal therapy is necessary in this case is decided by the doctor.

It is impossible to independently understand the cause-and-effect relationship, therefore, for any noticeable and disturbing symptoms characteristic of estrogen deficiency, competent consulting support from a specialist is necessary.

Level normalization methods

For serious problems in the body that cause low estrogen levels, treatment is usually carried out by special means, designed to replenish the amount of hormones. The therapeutic complex is determined individually in each case. It may include both medicinal and natural preparations.

Considering that necessary for the body estrogens are found in some available products, the doctor gives recommendations on how to properly organize your daily diet. Special approach estrogen-progesterone deficiency will require, since it is necessary, along with replenishing female hormones, to stimulate the production of progesterone.

Menopause also requires attention. If it is severe, a maintenance treatment course can be carried out.

Drug treatment

Traditional treatment is based on the use of drugs that have an enhancing effect on tarragon. As an active ingredient, they contain the type of hormones that, according to the results of analytical studies, are not enough for the normal functioning of the body.

If you choose what is best to use, you must take into account that there are several dosage forms.

• The most convenient and common are tablets. When taken according to the recommended regimen, a positive effect appears fairly quickly.
• For people who often travel and work, patches that provide an increase in estrogen by absorbing the active substance through the skin are becoming increasingly attractive.
• They affect the body in the same way. medicinal ointments, gels, creams with estrogen. They do not cause discomfort when used unless an allergic reaction is observed.
• Subdermal implants have a long lifespan. They are able to release hormones directly into the blood. Usually they last for six months, and then they need to be replaced. If possible negative reactions Immediate removal of the implant is required.
• Vaginal forms have virtually no side effects. But the manifestation of the positive effect is weaker.
• To bring low estrogen back to normal at a faster rate, your doctor may prescribe intravenous or intramuscular injections.

If progesterone deficiency occurs simultaneously with estrogen deficiency, then combined oral contraceptives will be required. Drugs needed to restore function thyroid gland for hypothyroidism, if it is determined that this disease was the cause of a decrease in the amount of female hormones.

If prolactin is elevated, this indicates that estrogen levels are also high. Before carrying out a lowering course, it is necessary to identify the causes of hormonal imbalance so that the body quickly restores its vital functions.

Folk remedies

Along with hormonal therapy Natural estrogens are often used, which, when used correctly, help to gently restore the disturbed balance.

When deciding how to increase estrogen levels, you can pay attention to flax seed, which you can simply brew in the evening, leaving it until the morning, so that you can drink a flax drink after waking up. Also good effect flax appears if its seeds are simply chewed dry. Since they have a specific taste, it is preferable to prepare a vitamin salad with carrots, cabbage, flax seeds, and nuts. You can also grind flax seed to a powder and add it little by little to your dishes.

The level of estrogen will gradually increase if you brew herbs such as wormwood, sage and others instead of tablets. The natural estrogens they contain have a beneficial effect on the female body. Sage, which is often used if malfunctions occur, is especially effective in increasing the concentration of female hormones. menstrual cycle.

Sage also has a calming effect during hot flashes and promotes follicle formation. Before drinking sage, it is necessary to take into account that it is advisable to do this after the end of menstruation before the onset of ovulation. It is more convenient to use sage for brewing in bags. If necessary, the course can last a year, but with mandatory supervision by a doctor.

Estrogen-rich foods

Becomes treatment is more effective in order to increase estrogen, if you make adjustments to the diet and consume foods that contain a high percentage of these hormones.

The fairly extensive list includes the following food varieties containing estrogens that have a beneficial effect on the female body:

• soybeans, beans;
• olive oil;
• fruits – pomegranate, plums, apples, etc.;
• dairy products;
• Red beans;
• eggplants.

It is also important to know which foods contain carotene, which is needed for estrogen deficiency (beets, sea buckthorn, carrots and others). Especially useful in small quantities beet juice, rich in other vitamins.

Bibliography

1. Diabetes mellitus in pregnant women. Makarov O.V., Ordynsky Moscow 2010 P.127.
2. Miscarriage, infection, innate immunity; Makarov O.V., Bakhareva I.V. (Gankovskaya L.V., Gankovskaya O.A., Kovalchuk L.V.) - “GEOTAR - Media”. - Moscow. - 73 pp. - 2007.
3. New honey technology (Methodological recommendations) “Management of premature pregnancy complicated by premature rupture membranes"; Makarov O.V., Kozlov P.V. (Edited by Volodin N.N.) - RASPM; Moscow; TsKMS GOU VPO RGMU-2006.
4. Obstetrics: course of lectures. UMO stamp medical education. Strizhakov A.N., Davydov A.I., Budanov P.V., Baev O.R. 2009 Publisher: Geotar-Media.

Depending on a person’s gender, certain hormones dominate in his body, thanks to which secondary sexual characteristics are formed. In a woman’s body, this function is performed by -, the action of which allows a woman to remain a woman. They are produced by the ovaries and adrenal cortex, and during pregnancy they are produced by the placenta.

What functions do estrogens perform in the female body, and why is it important to maintain them? normal level, and what drugs help achieve the desired goal?

Translated from ancient Greek, the word “estrogen” means “kind”, “liveness” and “brightness”. That is why, with the normal production of these hormones, a woman performs her reproductive function and flourishes. of these substances leads to infertility and deterioration of appearance. However, theirs is no less dangerous, educative hormone-dependent tumors.

With the onset of a certain age, the production of estrogen in girls’ bodies is activated, due to which puberty. Under the influence of these hormones, changes occur in the tissues of the genital organs. In addition, estrogens contribute to the manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics in the form of breast growth, roundness of body shape, and they also influence the development of interest in the opposite sex.

In combination with other hormones, estrogens affect metabolic processes in tissue cells. With normal concentrations of these hormones in women, it improves appearance hair and skin.

Preparations with estrogens are prescribed for the following conditions:

• ovarian failure, characterized by a decrease or complete cessation of hormone production;
• to relieve symptoms accompanied by women in menopause;
• in the absence of the production of one’s own hormones in the case of removal of the uterus and appendages;
• conditions caused by excess male hormones, including androgenetic alopecia and acne;
• underdevelopment of the genital organs;
• contraception, which can be used not only tablets, but also gel.

Insufficient estrogen production leads to menstrual irregularities and infertility. Recovery reproductive function possible with the use of hormone replacement therapy, as well as vaginal products, restoring tissue of the vagina and cervix. One of these products is vaginal gel.

Types of estrogen-containing drugs

All medical supplies containing estrogen are divided into two groups.

• Therapeutic. This group may include any medicines, used to correct hormone levels in endocrine diseases.
• Contraceptive. This group drugs are prescribed for the purpose of contraception.

IN medical practice drugs capable of stabilizing have been used for a long time hormonal background women. All of them have not only certain advantages, but also disadvantages, causing harm to the body. Pharmacologists are constantly working on developing the latest drugs, having less pronounced side effects. However, it is recommended to take them only if there are certain indications.

There are several types of estrogen-containing drugs.

• Natural steroids containing estrogens isolated from biological organisms, usually from animal urine, which is the cause frequent development allergic reactions in people.
• Synthetic analogues are obtained in laboratories through chemical transformations. These drugs are highly effective and are used to treat many hormone-dependent diseases.
• Natural steroid compounds are phytoestrogens obtained from plant materials through synthesis. They are used when there is no natural production of hormones by the body, for example, during menopause.

Medicines in tablets

• drugs containing exclusively estrogens;
• combination preparations containing estrogens and gestagens.

All hormonal drugs for women are divided according to the direction of action:

• oral contraceptives;
• means of hormone replacement therapy.

Products used to replenish the body's lack of hormones, which are estrogen in tablets, are used to treat menstrual irregularities and restore reproductive function in women. Such drugs effectively relieve menopause symptoms and stabilize hormonal levels in pregnant women. The estrogen contained in such tablets is most often. And the most popular among them are the following pharmaceutical products:

• Estradiol. This medicine is most often prescribed to women during menopause to restore hormonal levels.
• Premarin is used for menstrual irregularities, as well as for uterine bleeding.
• Extrofeminal is prescribed in case of infertility. It helps stabilize hormone levels in women of reproductive age.
• Hormoplex - drug wide range actions. It can be used by women regardless of age and the reasons for the lack of hormones.
• Proginova. This drug, like the previous one, can be used for any manifestations of hormonal deficiency (from 138 rubles).
• Ovestin. Active ingredient This drug contains estriol. Indications for its use are symptoms of menopause, infertility and concomitant conditions after undergoing operations to remove reproductive organs(from 763 rub.).
• Triquilar is a combined estrogen-progestogen drug containing high doses hormones (from 469 rub.).
• Microgynon. This drug, like the previous one, belongs to the group of combined estrogen-progestogen drugs (from 261 rubles).

The most popular contraceptives are the following birth control pills:

• Aktivel;
• Janine (from RUB 817);
• Lindinet (from 358 rub.);
• Femoden (from 526 rub.);
• Yarina (from 878 rub.).

All of these birth control pills are monophasic contraceptives with low estrogen content. Their operating principle is based on the fact that synthetic estrogen, once in the body, promotes the production natural hormones, as a result of which ovulation does not occur.

It is necessary to take any estrogen-containing drugs, including contraceptives, together with a progestin drug.

Vaginal preparations

Estrogen cream and gel are inserted into the vagina using an applicator. The hormone in this form has beneficial influence on vaginal tissue and the urinary system. The cream is intended to relieve the symptoms of menopause and helps prevent changes caused by a lack of hormones. They have a similar effect vaginal tablets with estrogens and suppositories.

To the most popular vaginal medications the following applies:

• Ogen – cream;
• Estrace – cream;
• Estraderm - cream;
• Estrogel - gel (from 584 rub.);
• Ovestin - tablets and suppositories (from 763 rubles).

Phytoestrogens in tablets

Currently in production medicines Based on plant analogues of hormones, the following phytoestrogens are used:

• lignans;
• isoflavones;
• salonins – steroidal and triterpenoid;
• kumestans;
• acid resorcylic lactones;
• phytosterols.

However, phytoestrogens are contained in negligible quantities in foods and herbs. Therefore, to increase efficiency in the production of tablets, plant extracts are used.

Phytoestrogens contain the following drugs:

• Inoclim - made on the basis of estrogens isolated from soybeans. Besides high efficiency this drug has virtually no effect side effects.
• Feminal - made from red clover extract. This drug eliminates the symptoms of menopause, improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and also strengthens bone tissue. Price this drug starts from 814 rub.
• Qi-Klim, Estrovel, Klimadinon. These preparations contain natural phytoestrogens obtained from the cimifuta plant. Their composition is also supplemented with a vitamin and mineral complex. Therefore, taking them significantly improves the appearance of women. You can buy these drugs at prices ranging from 220 rubles, 446 rubles. and 332 rub. respectively.
• Klimafem contains natural phytoestrogens isolated from red clover and hops. This product effectively eliminates the symptoms of menopause and improves skin condition.

Side effects

Side effects may occur when taking estrogen tablets:

• increase in the size of the mammary glands;
• swelling of the limbs;
• weight gain;
• convulsions;
• decreased appetite and bloating;

• nausea and vomiting caused by problems with gallbladder and liver;
• bleeding from the vagina;
• yellowing of eyes and skin;
• shortness of breath and dizziness;
• diarrhea;
• headache;
• increased libido.

To avoid side effects, you can buy medications with natural estrogens plant origin, and vaginal suppositories, cream or ointment, gel and tablets that have a targeted effect. They will restore reduced hormone levels without affecting internal organs.

Estrogens are hormones that are produced in the ovaries and are responsible for a woman’s ability to reproduce. This group includes:

• estrone;
• estriol;
• estradiol

They regulate the menstrual cycle, influence the formation of internal and external genital organs during adolescence, and in adulthood they prevent the development of atherosclerosis and influence the reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood. The amount of calcium in the female body is also kept under their control.

Symptoms of Low Estrogen

Insufficient estrogen causes infertility or the development of osteoporosis. A deficiency of the female hormone affects, first of all, the functioning of the body and appearance:

• Hair becomes dull and brittle, so-called autumn hair loss is observed.
• The skin of the face turns pale and early wrinkles appear on it.
• The general begins early aging the woman's body, the breasts fall, lose shape and attractiveness.
• Hair appears in those places on the body where its presence is characteristic of a man.
• Bones and teeth are no longer sufficiently saturated with calcium, which leads to their fragility and destruction.
• The figure takes on a more rigid, angular shape.

Having discovered all these symptoms, first of all, you need to consult doctors who know how to increase estrogen levels: an endocrinologist and a gynecologist. Medical specialists will prescribe a mandatory examination, which includes all necessary tests, revealing the presence of disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system and the whole organism.

Treatment of estrogen deficiency

As soon as the results of the examination become known, treatment will be prescribed with means that will help increase the content of the necessary hormone in the woman’s body. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe hormonal pills:

• Tocopherol. A drug based on vitamin E. It is used in complex treatment together with other hormonal medications.
• Premarin. Contains equine estrogen natural origin. Normalizes hormonal levels and the functioning of the entire body.
• Proginova. Medicine with synthetic analogue estrogen. has a restorative effect on hormonal levels, reduces the risk of developing joint diseases.
• Hemafemin. Natural medicine, contains pantohematogen of maral females. Renders positive influence for the work of the whole organism.

Under no circumstances should you make a decision on your own and start taking them: self-medication can cause harm, since an excess of estrogen leads to various diseases from insomnia to the appearance of various tumors and obesity.

Fat deposits promote the production of estrogen, so very overweight men the level of these hormones is higher than the permissible norm.

And although it is believed that the estrogens necessary for women are completely useless for the male body, this opinion is erroneous. Men need them too, but in a certain quantity. Therefore, the stronger sex is also sometimes faced with the need to increase their level.

Except hormonal drugs Your doctor may prescribe tablets consisting of natural ingredients. They are suitable if the level of hormonal disorder is insignificant, since the tablets natural basis They act extremely slowly and need to be taken for quite a long time.

Foods that increase estrogen levels

Drinking boiled coffee will help increase the amount of estrogen. Instant coffee will not help solve the problem. This method is only good for those who do not suffer from cardiovascular diseases. To achieve this goal you need to include in your diet:

• soy products: milk, meat, flour, yogurt, cheese;
• beef meat;
• fish;
• tomatoes, eggplants, cauliflower, carrot;
• red caviar;
• classic dark chocolate;
• strong black and green tea;
• cereals and legumes: beans, corn, rye, barley;
• fruits: apples, pomegranates, dates.

When estrogen levels are elevated and there is an urgent need to reduce their content in the blood, you should avoid everything that contributes to their active production: alcohol and coffee. You need to go in for sports and try to lose weight, since with a decrease in body fat, the level of estrogen will also decrease.

After completing the course of treatment, tests for the level of the hormone in the blood are taken again. If the level of hormones in a woman’s blood does not increase, then further treatment continues with the appointment of stronger ones hormonal pills.

Traditional medicine recipes

In addition to hormonal pills, there are methods recommended traditional medicine. They are based on the use of various medicinal herbs. Three recipes help best:

Recipe using perennial aloe vera sap. The fleshy parts of the leaves of this plant are kept in the refrigerator for three days. After this, the juice is squeezed out of them. You need to drink the squeezed juice one teaspoon three times a day before meals.

Using plantain. One teaspoon of the seeds of this plant is poured into a glass hot water. Bring to a boil, then keep covered over low heat for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool, then strain. Drink one third of a glass during the day before meals. Plantain seeds can be brewed in a thermos, leaving to steep overnight.

With nettles. Dried leaves of this herb in the amount of 2 tablespoons, pour a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse in a thermos overnight. Strain and drink one tablespoon three times a day. Contraindicated for those who suffer varicose veins, since nettle increases blood clotting.

What you need to know when using herbs?

• Herbal treatment also has its contraindications.
• You will have to take the herbs for quite a long time, usually at least a month.
• It is necessary to do tests periodically during treatment.
• Do not take herbs during menstruation.
• The course of treatment lasts no more than three cycles.
• Alcohol tinctures are made only on medical alcohol, which is diluted up to 40 percent with water.
• Boiling of decoctions occurs only in a water bath.

What else can be done to increase hormone levels?

• To begin with, you should quit bad habits. Smoking and alcohol have a negative impact on endocrine system women, which is a suppressive factor for estrogen production.
• Try to drink natural coffee more often, rather than instant. Women who drink boiled coffee at least twice a day have more high rate presence of the hormone of youth in the blood. But this method also has negative sides: the risk increases gynecological diseases And of cardio-vascular system. For pregnant women, too much caffeine is harmful to the development of the fetus, as it increases the risk of miscarriage.
• But most attention should be paid proper diet , built taking into account the products necessary for the body that affect the normalization of the body’s functioning. The diet can be created with the help of a nutritionist.
• As active additive You can add flax seeds to your diet; they are sold in any pharmacy, are completely safe and are an effective remedy.

Hormonal imbalance in women can occur in at different ages, and most often patients complain of symptoms indicating increased level estrogen in the body. But women also come to us because their condition is worsening due to low estrogen levels, and most often the patients are already in menopause or immediately after the birth of a child.

In principle, doctors cannot name any one specific cause of the condition in question, but during the course of research, several provoking factors were identified. These include:

• hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and the postpartum period;
• irregular sexual relations;
• diseases, pathologies internal organs chronic form of the course;
• - a condition in which a woman sedentary lifestyle life;
• regular violation of the diet;
• long-term use of GnRH antagonists;
• constant ;
• , despondency;
• independent choice and use of hormonal drugs - in this case they are taken according to the wrong scheme and only harm the body;
• natural changes with;
• courses of chemotherapy carried out during treatment serious illnesses reproductive system.

Most often, a decrease in estrogen levels in a woman’s body is caused not by one of the listed factors, but by a combination of several at once. Therefore, when a doctor detects the condition in question in a patient, he must conduct a full examination - only by accurately identifying the cause of the decrease in estrogen will it be possible to undergo effective treatment.

Symptoms of estrogen deficiency in the body

In general, the symptoms of the condition in question cannot be called characteristic - they are rather general and may indicate the development of other pathologies. But still doctors highlight whole line Signs of decreased estrogen levels in women:

1. There is no lubrication in the vagina at all, which is necessary for normal sexual intercourse. That is, the woman experiences sexual desire, gets excited, but no lubricant appears.
2. Frequently occurring colpitis, vaginitis and others inflammatory diseases reproductive system. Moreover, every time a woman passes full course treatment, adheres to the recommended rules of prevention, but the disease still returns, turning into chronic form currents.
3. Menstrual irregularities. This symptom is very conditional, because if we are talking about a decrease in estrogen levels in women over 40 years of age, then it can be perceived as a natural state during the onset of menopause.
4. State changes skin . A woman may notice that the skin of her face, arms and neck has become drier, often peels, and red spots periodically appear on it.
5. Psycho-emotional disorders. We are talking about sudden changes in mood, unmotivated irritability, and periodic insomnia. This, of course, can be attributed to the menopause, but an experienced doctor will definitely pay attention to this point.

Often, a decrease in estrogen levels in a woman is accompanied by memory loss, hot flashes and pain in the lower abdomen during menstrual bleeding.

If the condition in question develops in a young teenage girl, the following symptoms will be noted:

• lack of breast growth;
• breast reduction if breast growth has already occurred;
• absence of menstruation.

When examining a young girl, the doctor can determine a decrease in the size of the uterus, and this fact will certainly affect the woman’s future ability to become a mother.

Note:only based on the indicated symptoms, it is impossible to accurately say about a decrease in estrogen levels in a woman, so the doctor will definitely prescribe laboratory test blood for hormone levels.

Ways to increase estrogen levels

As a rule, for the condition in question, the doctor prescribes to the patient complex treatment– both medicinal and corrective. Everything is selected strictly individually, but there are also general recommendations:

1. Normalization motor activity . Woman with low level estrogen must necessarily engage in physical exercise, and it is absolutely not necessary to set Olympic records for this - swimming in the pool, visiting gym, morning exercises and running will be quite enough. Choose a competent and effective complex the doctor will help you with exercises physical therapy or a trainer at a sports complex.
2. Reception vitamin complexes . Most often, the condition in question involves a lack of vitamins in the body, so the doctor will prescribe a course of medications with vitamins C, group B and E.
3. Nutrition correction. The woman will definitely have to follow a diet - the menu is selected by the attending physician, and consultation with a nutritionist may be necessary. It is necessary to include legumes in the diet, Sesame oil, flax seeds, red grapes, coffee, tomatoes, dairy products, carrots and fish fat. From these products a rational, balanced menu which will help naturally increase estrogen levels in the body.
4. Stabilization of sexual life. To normalize estrogen levels, a woman must have regular sexual relations, otherwise depression may develop, and estrogen levels will not increase.

Concerning drug therapy, then it is selected on a strictly individual basis - for the condition in question, the woman is prescribed hormone replacement therapy. Most often, specialists make the following appointments:

• drugs based on synthetic estrogen - Hormoplex, Ovepol, Estrogel, Hormoplex, Ovestin and Proginova;
• products containing progesterone and estriol - Ovidon, Novinet, Tri-Regol, Janet, Mercilon and others.

What is the hormone estrogen? The definition says that strogen - a group of female hormones, contained in small quantities in male bodies. There are many varieties of these hormones in the body, the main ones being estradiol, estriol and estrone.

What do the predominant three types of these hormones affect in women?

• Estradiol is the most active. It is administered by injection to women with severe hormonal deficiency. Estradiol is the basis of most combination oral contraceptives.
• Estrone - stimulates the development of the uterus and the growth of the mucous membrane in its cavity, as well as the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.
• Estriol - formed from the first two types. If its amount in the urine of a pregnant woman is increased, this indicates that the placenta is working well and the fetus is viable.

In women, in the first half of the menstrual cycle, these hormones are formed in the follicle, and in the second half - in corpus luteum. Female estrogens are produced in smaller quantities by the adrenal glands. After menopause, their production occurs in the adrenal cortex. In men, these hormones are produced mainly in the testicles.

Estrogen production increases significantly during pregnancy. During this period, they are produced in the placenta.

Why are estrogens needed?

If the female body contains enough estrogen, the “symptoms” that first catch the eye are: beautiful figure with a thin waist and rounded hips, and velvety skin.

Estrogens in women are steroid hormones: they affect the growth and development of the genital organs, preparing the woman for motherhood. Under their influence, the following changes occur in the body:

• secondary sexual characteristics are formed (in armpits and hair appears on the pubis, it is formed characteristic shape pelvis, mammary glands enlarge);
• an acidic environment is created in the vagina (for the period from puberty to menopause);
• the size of the uterus increases;
• fat cells are distributed (on the chest, hips, buttocks, knees), which gives the figure a more feminine outline.

If the female body contains this hormone in sufficient quantities, symptoms appear in regular periods.

Increased hormone levels

Among women

Some of the most important hormones in a woman’s body are estrogen and progesterone. Both are produced in the ovaries. These hormones are released in different phases menstrual cycle.

On the first day of menstruation, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Under its influence, the follicle begins to develop on the ovary and estrogens are released. As soon as their level rises to a certain point, they block the release of FSH. This occurs approximately on the 12th–15th day of the cycle.

At this time, the pituitary gland begins to secrete another hormone - luteinizing hormone (LH). When its level rises, ovulation occurs - the follicle bursts and an egg ready for fertilization emerges. After ovulation, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone begins to be produced in the ovaries.

Schematically, the production of hormones during the menstrual cycle can be represented as follows:

follicle-stimulating hormone (pituitary gland) → estrogens (ovaries) → luteinizing hormone (pituitary gland) → progesterone (ovaries)

Oral contraceptives operate on this principle: they regulate the amount of female hormones in the body. At the same time, they reduce the level of FSH to such an amount that luteinizing hormone does not begin to be produced. No luteinizing hormone - no ovulation.

In men

Normally, in men, the amount of estradiol should fluctuate between 50–130 pmol/l. Increased hormone levels in men may indicate a tumor in the testicles.

Lack of estrogen

Lack of female hormones in childhood is the reason for slow development:

• mammary glands;
• female genital organs;
• skeleton.

If adolescents have a lack of estrogen after puberty, the following symptoms may occur:

• reduction of the mammary glands (after the breasts have grown, they begin to shrink);
• absence of menstruation;
• reduction in the size of the uterus.

If a woman of childbearing age is estrogen deficient, the most common symptoms include:

• sudden change in mood;
• “coldness” in bed;
• irregular monthly cycles;
• pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation;
• insomnia;
• decreased performance;
• memory impairment;
• skin problems.

With a lack of hormones, inflammation and stretch marks may appear on the skin, and elasticity may decrease. As you can see, the problems are due to hormonal imbalance mostly “female”: these hormones help us to be more feminine and beautiful.

How to increase estrogen?

If you notice the above signs of hormone deficiency, consult your doctor. Depending on the test results, he selects an individual way to increase hormones.

Doctors often prescribe tocopherol (vitamin E) to patients. It is also possible to take hormonal medications (oral contraceptives). Each tablet of combined oral contraceptives contains estrogen and progesterone (in different ratios).

You can also increase hormone levels in women with the help of food. They contain phytoestrogens - these are non-steroidal plant hormones, the structure of which is similar to human hormones. They contain:

• soybeans and soy products (milk, cheese, butter, flour, yogurt);
• other types legumes(beans, peas, beans);
• products of animal origin (meat, fish oil, dairy products);
• some vegetables and fruits (carrots, red grapes, eggplants, tomatoes, pumpkin, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts);
• coffee.

If there is a lack of these hormones in the body, try to eat a dosed amount of these foods. Excessive portions can cause excess hormones.

Excess estrogen

With an increased amount of these hormones in the body, the following side effects may occur:

• nausea, vomiting;
• headache and dizziness;
• insomnia;
• irritability;
• soreness of the mammary glands;
• swelling, including bloating;
• increased arterial pressure;
• irregular periods;
• cold extremities (arms, legs);
• weight gain;
• fatigue;
• acne;
• hair loss;
• blood clot formation;
• tumors (uterus, breast, endometrium).

Both excess and deficiency of these hormones immediately manifest themselves externally and internally. In Russia, a lack of female hormones is rare, but an excess of them is very common. This is why Russian women are often diagnosed with breast cancer, mastopathy, and severe premenstrual syndrome.

If you experience the symptoms described, contact your doctor immediately. Adjust your hormonal levels before the situation gets worse.