In the female body, a large number of hormones are produced. Their action provides what is commonly called female health: the smoothness of the lines of the female figure, the density and shine of the hair, mood, skin condition and emotions.
But the main function of the woman's organism is the bearing and the birth of children. The main role in the regulation of female reproductive function belongs to two groups of hormones: to estrogens and progesterone .The lack of these hormones leads not only to problems with conception and the birth of a child. Deficiency of estrogen and progesterone leads to early aging of the body and numerous impairments of functions.
The role of estrogens for women
Estrogens belong to the group of steroids. The main source of estrogen production in the reproductive age of women is the ovaries. A small amount is produced by the pituitary gland. During pregnancy, a certain amount of estrogen is produced by the placenta. Receptors to estrogens are in the vagina, in the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, adipose tissue, mammary glands, in the liver and myocardium.
Currently, about three dozen types of estrogens have been studied, of which estradiol, estriol and estrone play a major role in the reproductive function.
The main functions of estradiol:
- the formation of secondary sexual characteristics in girls;
- development of the figure by female type;
- maintenance of calcium balance in bone tissue;
- development of internal genital organs;
- maturation of the follicle and regulation of ovulation;
- the growth of the uterus and an increase in its blood vessel tissue during pregnancy;
- growth of mammary ducts during pregnancy;
- increase in blood coagulation before delivery.
Estradiol and estrone are produced by the ovaries in a much smaller quantity, their content rises during pregnancy, during this period the role of the synthesis of estrogens is borne by the placenta.
Consequences of lack of estrogen
Depending on the age of the woman, the symptoms of estrogen deficiency manifest themselves in different ways.
Consequences of estrogen deficiency in adolescents
Adolescents with puberty lack estrogen leads to a delay in the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. Hormonal imbalance can disrupt the formation of the figure of girls by the female type. Excess hair growth on the limbs may appear, similar to the male type.
The average age of the appearance of the first menstruation - from 11 to 14 years. A later development of the menstrual cycle indicates a deficiency in the hormonal function of the ovaries. In these cases, estrogen deficiency can lead to the development of primary infertility.
Consequences of a shortage of estrogen in the reproductive age
In the reproductive age, the lack of estrogen leads to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Menses become irregular, as a rule, such women seek help with complaints about the inability to become pregnant for a long time.
With a shortage of estrogens, dry skin and mucous membranes develop. There is discomfort during sexual intercourse, it is not uncommon to have urinary infections. With severe estrogen deficiency, the shape of the breast can change, stretch marks can appear on the skin.
Consequences of a shortage of estrogen in adulthood
In adulthood( after 40 years) hormone production gradually decreases. During this period, the lack of estrogens is manifested increase in wrinkles on the skin, mood swings, periodic pressure increase .In the menopause, a deficiency of estrogen leads to an increase in fragility of bones, a decrease in memory and attention. At this time, many women experience "hot flashes" - periodic vegetative seizures of heat, increased sweating, increased pressure and panic fears. These symptoms are associated with a lack of estrogens in the body.
The role of progesterone
The main functions of progesterone are manifested during pregnancy. Beyond pregnancy, this hormone inhibits excessive growth of breast tissue, normalizes the coagulating system of blood, reduces permeability of blood vessels and prevents swelling.
Functions of progesterone during conception and during pregnancy:
- preparation of the mucous uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg;
- relaxation of the smooth muscles of the uterus;
- stimulates egg movement through the fallopian tubes;
- suppresses the mother's immune system to ensure that the baby is born;
- before delivery softens the pelvic ligaments to facilitate the passage of the child through the birth canal.
Symptoms of a deficiency of progesterone
This hormone regulates the second phase of the menstrual cycle. With a lack of progesterone, the cycle of menstruation is disrupted. There is a delay in ovulation, an excessive increase in the thickness of the mucous membrane of the uterus and its subsequent prolonged rejection. Menstruation becomes painful, plentiful and lasts more than a week.
With a deficiency of progesterone, the process of implantation of the embryo into the uterine mucosa is broken, infertility is developing. Because of a violation of the movement of a fertilized egg on the fallopian tubes, development of an ectopic pregnancy is possible.
Women with a shortage of progesterone increase the frequency of pregnancy interruptions and premature birth.
Out-of-pregnancy symptoms of progesterone deficiency are manifested:
- as increased emotional lability - mood swings, depressive or aggressive condition( PMS);
- sleep disorders - insomnia, or vice versa - increased drowsiness;
- unstable blood pressure, dizziness and fainting;
- increased or decreased body temperature;
- disorders of intestinal motility - constipation and bloating;
- appearance of edema;
- presence of fibrotic or cystic changes in the mammary glands.
Estrogens and progesterone provide not only a reproductive function. From the good hormonal balance depends on the appearance, well-being and mood of a woman. If you are experiencing symptoms of a lack of female hormones - you need to seek qualified help.
