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Hormonal failure consequences. Hormonal failure in women: causes, signs, symptoms and treatment

Recently, women of different ages are increasingly diagnosed with hormonal disorders. They manifest as irregular periods, mood swings, weight gain, hair loss, bad sleep, decreased libido, headaches, chronic fatigue. In the absence of correction, hormonal failure usually ends with problems with the onset of pregnancy, childbearing, the development of pathological formations, including malignant ones, in the female genital organs and mammary glands, and other serious complications.

Content:

Principles of hormonal failure recovery

The main female hormones that regulate puberty girls, the menstrual cycle and the functions of the reproductive system, are estrogen and progesterone. Their concentrations in different phases of the cycle should be within certain limits, and deviations from the norm in one direction or another lead to hormonal failure in the body, which entails a number of negative health consequences, poor health, and sometimes even some changes in appearance.

The reasons for such violations of the coordinated work of the hormonal system can be:

  • transferred infectious diseases;
  • nervous stress;
  • weakened immunity;
  • diseases of the endocrine system;
  • abortions;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse);
  • taking oral contraceptives;
  • malnutrition and not healthy lifestyle life;
  • diseases and operations on the organs of the reproductive system.

Hormonal disbalance in a woman's body can also be caused by natural physiological changes. We are talking about the beginning of puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, menopause. The changes occurring at this time in the absence of deviations are absolutely normal, and the unpleasant symptoms associated with them are temporary and do not need any drug therapy. To make it easier to survive these periods, you need to reconsider your lifestyle, nutrition, rest more, it is permissible to use folk and homeopathic remedies.

If you suspect a hormonal failure, a woman should contact a gynecologist, and the sooner the better. Only a doctor after a thorough examination, including tests for hormones, tests for infections, general and biochemical blood tests, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, will be able to identify the cause of the violations and prescribe adequate therapy.

To restore the hormonal background, in most cases, hormonal preparations are used in combination with a diet, lifestyle correction, physiotherapy, prevention of stressful situations and their negative impact on the body. When genital infections are detected, appropriate antibacterial, antiviral and immunostimulating therapy is necessarily prescribed. In some cases (with hormone-producing tumors, myoma, cysts and other pathological formations) to restore hormonal failure, surgical treatment is necessary.

Video: Obstetrician-gynecologist about the causes of hormonal failure and methods for its correction

Impact of diet and lifestyle

Risk factors for the development of almost any health problem, including hormonal failure, are unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Violation of hormone levels often results from chronic lack of sleep, overwork, increased physical, mental and nervous stress, lack of proper rest and relaxation. In this regard, in the treatment of hormonal failure, an important role is given to the normalization of lifestyle, the observance of the regime of work and rest, the creation of conditions for providing the body with the opportunity to fully restore its strength.

The following recommendations will be extremely helpful:

  • increase time for sleep and rest;
  • give up bad habits, if any;
  • before going to bed, take warm relaxing baths with the addition of decoctions and infusions of herbs that have a sedative and relaxing effect;
  • listen to soothing music at night;
  • spend more time outdoors
  • several times a week to do exercise therapy, yoga or Pilates.

Great importance for supporting hormonal balance has proper nutrition. Girls and women are often addicted to various diets that are not always beneficial to health. With an illiterate approach, they lead to the fact that the body does not receive enough of the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In the treatment of hormonal failure and for its prevention, it is necessary to eat a balanced diet, give preference to fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, exclude or significantly limit the use of sweets, fatty, fried and spicy food. Foods containing phytoestrogens will be useful. These include mushrooms, cereals and legumes, apples, carrots, pomegranates, pumpkin, eggplant, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

Problems with puberty

For the first time, young women may encounter hormonal failure during puberty. To assess the correct development of the reproductive system and the changes taking place in the body, it is recommended to contact a teenage gynecologist and undergo an examination. The following deviations may indicate a hormonal failure during this age period:

  • lack of menstruation before the age of 16;
  • Irregularity of the menstrual cycle a year after the first menstruation;
  • excessive or insufficient hair growth;
  • underdevelopment of the mammary glands;
  • lack of secondary sexual characteristics by the age of 14;
  • severe leanness or, conversely, obesity.

To restore hormonal balance in adolescent girls, first of all apply the most safe means. These include the organization of the correct and comfortable regime of the day, good rest, balanced diet, taking vitamins, moderate physical activity, prevention of stressful situations. If necessary, use medicines preference is given to homeopathy and remedies based on medicinal plants(cyclodinone).

Particular care should be taken when prescribing hormone-based drugs to adolescents to correct hormonal failure. This is due to the fact that some systems of the body, including the reproductive system, are still under active development, and such “intervention” can lead to unpredictable and difficult to predict health consequences in the future.

Changes during pregnancy

When pregnancy occurs, cardinal changes occur in a woman's body, all resources are directed to ensure optimal conditions for gestation and birth healthy child. The production of the main pregnancy-supporting hormone progesterone and estrogen increases. Progesterone stimulates the development of the mammary glands, provides fixation gestational sac in the uterus and suppresses the woman's immunity in order to prevent its rejection. Estrogens control uterine growth, accelerate excretion from the body excess fluid normalize blood pressure.

Hormonal failure during pregnancy can lead to the threat of miscarriage, spotting spotting pain in the lower abdomen, complications in childbirth and postpartum period, problems with lactation. To prevent the threat of miscarriage, many women who have had a history of problematic pregnancy and menstrual irregularities are prescribed progesterone preparations (utrogestan, duphaston) in the first and second trimester.

After the birth of the baby and the end of breastfeeding, the hormonal background of the woman gradually returns to its original state. Usually it takes 2-3 months.

Help with menopause

A common cause of hormonal imbalance in women over 40 is menopause. The changes that occur during this period are due to a lack of estrogen and manifest themselves in the form of:

  • frequent and prolonged headaches;
  • sleep disorders;
  • constant fatigue, distracted attention;
  • irritability;
  • exacerbations of chronic diseases;
  • pain in the joints;
  • depression;
  • night sweats.

Considering that most women tolerate the symptoms of menopause extremely poorly, hormone replacement therapy is most effective to improve their condition during this period. It allows you to make up for the deficiency of your own hormones with the help of hormonal drugs based on the estrogen ethinylestradiol and synthetic analogues of progesterone. These funds help to prolong youth, eliminate mood swings, hot flashes, slow down the processes of skin aging, reduce the risk of developing oncological formations in the organs of the reproductive system, osteoporosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Folk remedies to restore hormonal failure

For the treatment of hormonal failure, you can use folk remedies. Particularly useful are infusions and decoctions based on medicinal plants containing phytohormones - substances that have an activity similar to human hormones, but less pronounced:

  • sage contains phytohormones with estrogen-like action, restores the normal structure of the endometrium;
  • goose cinquefoil promotes the production of progesterone;
  • Oxygen regulates the menstrual cycle, increases the production of female sex hormones;
  • fenugreek stimulates the production of prolactin and estrogen, increases the production of breast milk, promotes speedy recovery body of a woman after childbirth;
  • mint has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, normalizes hormonal balance, reduces the severity of menopause symptoms.

It should be remembered that any treatment, including folk methods must be agreed with the specialist.

Video: Self-massage to restore the menstrual cycle


Speaking about hormonal disorders in women, you need to know what exactly doctors call a “failure”. The synthesis of hormones is simultaneously provided by several glands:

  • The pituitary gland in the brain;
  • Thyroid gland above the larynx;
  • Adrenals;
  • Ovaries in the pelvic cavity.

Hormonal failure in women - a deviation in the amount of one or more hormones produced from normal values. That is, it may turn out that the level of all hormones is lowered or increased. But more often some hormones are more than normal, others are less. The failure begins with small discrepancies, but gradually (and usually imperceptibly) they reach values ​​at which clear signs and symptoms of pathology appear. Further, problems grow like a snowball: problems with one hormone cause the rest to be improperly produced.


The reproductive system is the first to suffer, because its normal activity, including the regularity of the menstrual cycle, almost completely depends on the hormonal balance. Important not to miss initial signs failure - the restoration of the endocrine system is not always possible and in any case it will take a long time.

The main causes of hormonal failure

Pathologies of hormone synthesis are congenital and acquired, the former are due to intrauterine development disorders, and the latter are the result of improper intake of hormonal drugs, abnormalities in the endocrine system, and even prolonged stress. In women, or can become an impetus to hormonal failure. So, rating possible causes by frequency of detection in patients of reproductive age:


  • Oral contraceptives, more precisely, errors in their selection. In some women, after discontinuation of the drug, the natural production of hormones in a normal amount is not restored;
  • emergency hormonal contraception. These drugs prevent unwanted pregnancy if taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse. For example, they are recommended to victims of rape. Usually it is one, less often 2 tablets, provoking a sharp and strong hormonal surge;
  • Self-treatment other preparations containing hormones. Only a doctor can prescribe and control such therapy, the price of a mistake is too high;
  • Development deviations or disease endocrine glands causing deviations in their work;
  • Physiological phenomena associated with the age of women - puberty in adolescence, after 45 years;
  • Abortions, miscarriages. Termination of pregnancy means abrupt cessation of excretion hCG hormone, which destabilizes the entire hormonal background.

Prolonged stressful conditions that suppress the production of oxytocin can also lead to hormonal failure. Try to protect yourself from negative emotions or abstract as much as possible, if this is not possible.

Separately, it is worth highlighting pregnancy, as a condition that inevitably entails changes in the production of certain hormones. As soon as the embryo is fixed in the uterus, the production of the hCG hormone begins - the higher its concentration becomes, the more the overall hormonal picture changes, this is normal.


If the woman's endocrine system cannot cope with the situation, miscarriage-threatening failures may occur:

  • Deficiency of progesterone and / or estrogens;
  • Pathological increase in testosterone.

Having identified the deviation, the gynecologist will prescribe adequate therapy, send the woman to the hospital for preservation.

After childbirth, the body, most likely, will return to the natural functioning of all systems, including the endocrine system. The process will take 3-4 months for non-nursing mothers, and will be significantly delayed for nursing mothers.

Symptoms of a hormonal failure

Those features of the state of one's own body that give a person a reason to suspect that he has health problems are called symptoms. Many ailments have similar symptoms, that is, signs of a general nature. So fever body is not the norm, but diagnose only by it specific disease it is forbidden. To symptoms of hormonal imbalance women can include:

  • Changing the nature of menstruation, breaking their habitual cycle. Menstrual bleeding becomes scanty or unusually heavy, disappears for several months in the absence of pregnancy;
  • Problems with conception. It is this symptom that most often leads a woman to a doctor. Pregnancy, which took place with a hormonal failure, has a severe course with a constant threat of miscarriage;
  • excessive sweating. Constant increased sweating at normal room temperature indicates a serious malfunction in the body;
  • Itching in the groin, armpits, as well as various skin rashes on the body. The symptom is relevant in the absence of fungal and infectious diseases;
  • puffiness face and limbs;
  • Brittle hair, nails;
  • Night insomnia. The symptom is unpleasant because the lack of normal sleep at night leads to increased fatigue and drowsiness during the day. It becomes impossible to work normally, apathy, lethargy appear;
  • Chronic fatigue. It follows from the previous symptom. Chronic fatigue is called fatigue, which does not go away after proper rest and sleep;
  • Significant weight gain without changing diet. Diets and sports do not help;
  • Irritability, tearfulness, sentimentality and others, previously atypical personality traits. The symptom feels like the well-known premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but unlike it, it does not go away after a few days, but rather intensifies.

The presence of one or two symptoms from this list does not yet indicate hormonal disorders, but is a reason for visiting an endocrinologist, mammologist, gynecologist.

Signs of pathology

After telling the doctor the reason for the visit, be prepared to answer a number of clarifying questions and go through several medical procedures. The examination will necessarily include blood tests - general and hormones. After you need to do an ultrasound of the pelvis and, possibly, other areas. This determines the extent of the damage. internal organs as a result of a hormonal imbalance.

After receiving the results of the examination and talking with the patient, the doctor will identify or exclude specific features characteristic of hormonal disorders:

  • Intermenstrual bleeding, change in the duration of one of the phases of the cycle, lack of ovulation;
  • Hair Growth in places where they were not previously - above the upper lip, on the chin, inner thighs, hands;
  • Hair loss on the head is also a sign of hormonal dysfunction;
  • Selection breast milk in the absence of lactation;
  • Cyst formation on the ovaries, corpus luteum of the follicle;
  • big number follicles in one ovary;
  • Deviation endometrial thickness from the norm;
  • Education and growth myoma tumors;
  • Problems in sexual life. Lack or decrease in sexual desire and even irritation from the caresses of a partner.


Having carefully studied the history and complaints of the woman, the results of the tests, the doctor will develop an individual treatment regimen.

Treatment

Restoring hormonal balance is a delicate and lengthy process that requires a responsible approach by the woman herself, strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations. Treatment is carried out by one of the methods:

Taking oral contraceptives. Such drugs even out the hormonal background, normalize the cycle and the course of menstruation. OK treatment is convenient as there is no need to line up detailed diagram taking hormones, they are pre-distributed in tablets. Probable side effects- nausea and vomiting due to individual intolerance, and after the abolition of OK, an aggravation of the situation or an unplanned pregnancy;

Personal selection of hormonal preparations. A gynecologist-endocrinologist paints a regimen for taking several drugs, selected so as not to provoke a violation of the production of hormones that are normal.

As an aid in complex treatment include:

  • Antipsychotics for normalization nervous system, restoring the mode and quality of sleep;
  • Vitamin complexes, calcium preparations, . Vitamins increase the body's endurance, have a positive effect on activity thyroid gland;
  • Diet. Foods containing phytoestrogens are introduced into the diet. These are berries, vegetables, fruits, all kinds of greens, representatives of legumes, onions, chicken eggs. Sources of zinc are lean beef, pumpkin seeds. Pork, sweets (especially chocolate) are completely excluded. If it is necessary to correct weight, the diet is supplemented with treatment with fat-burning hormonal agents;
  • Folk remedies. Recipes based on flax and cumin oils, herbs are recognized and used for a long time official medicine in the treatment of hormonal disruptions in women.
Everybody life cycles the human body is directly related to physiological changes hormonal levels that provide growth and reproduction, development and wilting.

Meaning normal state It is difficult to overestimate the hormonal background, since the endocrine system has a decisive influence on many functions of the central nervous system (emotions, feelings, memory, physical and intellectual performance), and also participates in the regulation of the work of all vital organs.

Initially, "hormonal failure" was called the pathology of the endocrine system in women, which was clinically manifested, first of all, by menstrual irregularities.

However, more and more often the phrase "hormonal failure" is used in the designation different kind troubles associated with endocrine regulation disorders in men.

The fact is that, despite all the differences in the structure of the reproductive system, hormonal disorders cause both men and women many similar symptoms that have systemic manifestation(disorders of the central nervous activity, obesity, osteoporosis, the development of severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, etc.).

Causes of hormonal failure in women and men

The causes of hormonal disruptions in men and women are very diverse. First of all, it should be noted that the hormonal background is the result of a complex interaction between the central system of neuroendocrine regulation located in the brain (the so-called hypothalamic-pituitary system) and the endocrine glands located on the periphery (male and female gonads).

So all the factors of hormonal failure in their origin can be divided into:
1. Causes associated with violations of the central regulation.
2. Causes due to the pathology of the peripheral glands (infectious and inflammatory diseases, congenital hypoplasia (underdevelopment), tumors, injuries, etc.).

Disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, in turn, can be caused by its direct organic damage (severe traumatic brain injury, tumor, encephalitis), or by the indirect influence of adverse external and internal factors(chronic fatigue syndrome, general exhaustion of the body, etc.).

In addition, the general hormonal background is strongly influenced by endocrine glands that are not directly related to reproduction. This is especially true of the adrenal cortex and the thyroid gland.

The causes of hormonal failure can be nervous or physical overexertion, acute infectious diseases, beriberi. According to statistics, almost healthy girls students studying on an intensive schedule (lyceums, gymnasiums, etc.).

Clinically, JUB is uterine bleeding that develops in girls during puberty (usually within 2 years after the first menstruation), after a delay next menstruation for a period of two weeks to several months.

Such bleeding, as a rule, is profuse, and leads to severe anemia. Sometimes SMCs are not abundant, but long (10-15 days).

Strong repeated bleeding can be complicated by an imbalance between the coagulation and anticoagulation systems of the blood (DIC), against which the bleeding is even more intensified - this condition poses an immediate threat to life, and requires emergency medical care.

Signs of hormonal imbalance in women of reproductive age

Amenorrhea

The prolonged absence of menstruation, not associated with pregnancy or lactation, in women of reproductive age is called amenorrhea, and indicates a hormonal failure.

According to the mechanism of occurrence, they distinguish:
1. Amenorrhea central genesis.
2. Amenorrhea associated with dysfunction of the adrenal cortex.
3. Amenorrhea caused by ovarian pathology.

Severe mental trauma can lead to amenorrhea of ​​the central genesis, as well as physical exhaustion caused by prolonged illness or nutritional factors (prolonged fasting). In addition, direct damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary system is possible in case of injuries, infectious-inflammatory or oncological processes.

In such cases, hormonal failure occurs against the background of nervous and physical exhaustion, and is accompanied by symptoms of bradycardia, hypotension, anemia.

Amenorrhea can also be one of the manifestations of Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome. In such cases hormonal imbalance leads to severe damage to many organs and systems. Patients have a very specific appearance: cushingoid obesity (moon-shaped purplish-red face, fatty deposits on the neck and upper half of the body with atrophy of the muscles of the limbs), male-type hair growth, purple striae on the body. In addition, arterial hypertension and osteoporosis are characteristic, and glucose tolerance is reduced.

Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome indicates hyperproduction of hormones of the adrenal cortex, so its cause may be neoplasms that secrete these hormones, or pituitary tumors that stimulate the synthesis of steroids in the adrenal glands.

However, the so-called functional hypercortisolism (pseudo-Cushing's syndrome) is quite common, when the cause of hormonal failure is functional disorders activities of the neuroendocrine system associated with obesity, alcoholism, neuropsychiatric diseases.

Most common cause ovarian amenorrhea is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that can occur under the influence of stress factors such as the onset of sexual activity, abortion, childbirth, etc. In addition to amenorrhea, the leading symptom of hormonal failure in PCOS is obesity, reaching the second or third degree, as well as male pattern hair growth (on upper lip, chin, on inner surface hips). Very characteristic features also are dystrophy of the skin and its appendages (stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen, chest and thighs; brittle nails, hair loss). Subsequently, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism- there is a tendency to develop atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding in women of reproductive age occurs, most often, due to hormonal failure caused by nervous or mental stress, infectious diseases, abortion, etc.

This disrupts the normal periodicity of the menstrual cycle, and there is a predisposition to malignant neoplasms endometrium. The ability to conceive and normal childbearing in women with DMC is reduced.

This kind of hormonal failure most often occurs after 30 years, but it can also develop in young girls. Causes of PMS not fully explored. Hereditary predisposition is of great importance (the family nature of the pathology is often traced). Provoking factors are often abortions, severe nervous turmoil, infectious diseases.

Risk factors for developing PMS are exposure to stress and physical inactivity (living in big cities, intellectual work, sedentary image life), as well as malnutrition, chronic gynecological diseases and lesions of the central nervous system (trauma, neuroinfection).

PMS got its name from the time of onset: symptoms appear a few days before the onset of menstruation, peak on the first day of menstrual bleeding, and disappear completely with the end. However, in severe cases, PMS progression is observed - its duration increases, and light gaps are shrinking.

Conventionally, all the symptoms of PMS can be divided into several groups:
1. Neurosis-like disorders: irritability, tendency to depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance (drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night).
2. Migraine-like syndrome: severe headache often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
3. Signs of metabolic disorders (swelling of the face and limbs).
4. Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia (lability of pulse and blood pressure, flatulence).

In severe cases, vegetative-vascular disorders proceed according to the type of sympathoadrenal crises ( unmotivated seizures fear of death, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate, ending in profuse urination). Such crises indicate the involvement of the adrenal medulla in the process.

Most women complain about hypersensitivity to odors and painful engorgement of the mammary glands. Often there are violations various bodies and systems (pain in the heart, a slight increase in body temperature, skin itching, allergic manifestations).

Today, the list of symptoms of hormonal failure in PMS has exceeded 200 items, but psycho-emotional disorders are the most common. At the same time, depression is more characteristic of young women, and irritability is more characteristic of mature women.

Hormonal failure in women after an abortion

Hormonal failure is one of the most frequent complications abortion. It is caused by both a serious mental shock and a breakdown in the complex neuroendocrine restructuring of the body, which begins from the first weeks of pregnancy.

As a general rule, primiparous abortions are much more likely to have complications, regardless of the method of abortion. Of course, the earlier the intervention was made, the lower the risk.

But if we are talking about medical abortion, then in this case, hormonal failure occurs already during the intervention itself. That is why after medical abortion be sure to conduct a course of hormonal therapy to restore the cycle.

Normally, the menstrual cycle should be restored a month after the abortion. If this does not happen, you should immediately consult a doctor.

In addition, the symptoms of hormonal failure after an abortion are:

  • weight gain;
  • the appearance of stretch marks on the skin;
  • symptoms from the nervous system (irritability, headache, fatigue, depression);
  • instability of blood pressure and pulse, sweating.

Hormonal failure in women after childbirth

After childbirth, a physiological restructuring of the body takes place, which takes a fairly long period of time. Therefore, the timing of the restoration of a normal menstrual cycle is very variable, even in cases where a woman is not breastfeeding.

Weight gain after childbirth during lactation is physiological - this side effect hormones that stimulate milk production. Therefore, lactating women can only be advised to move more, and also to exclude easily digestible high-calorie foods (sweets, muffins, etc.). During lactation, diets are contraindicated.

As a rule, after a period of feeding, the weight gradually decreases as the hormonal background returns to normal.

If in the post-lactation period, despite dietary restrictions and normal physical activity, the weight does not return to normal, the presence of hormonal failure can be suspected.

Thus, it is necessary to consult a doctor in cases where, after childbirth and the end of the lactation period, the following symptoms are observed:

  • unmotivated weight gain;
  • signs of virilization (male pattern hair growth);
  • irregular menstrual cycle, spotting bleeding between periods;
  • symptoms of neurosis (headaches, irritability, drowsiness, etc.).
Such a hormonal failure after childbirth can be triggered by various adverse factors: stress, acute infectious diseases, exacerbation of chronic somatic ailments, gynecological pathology, overwork.

Signs of hormonal failure in women during menopause

Menopause is the period of attenuation of the reproductive function. In women, it occurs after 45 years, and continues until the end of life. Irregular menstruation after the age of 45 is considered a physiological phenomenon if it does not lead to heavy bleeding and are not accompanied by any unpleasant symptoms. It should be noted that for many women, the cessation of menstruation occurs suddenly and painlessly.

However, the physiological decline of reproductive function today is less common than the so-called climacteric syndrome- a symptom complex caused by hormonal failure.

By the time of onset, all the symptoms of pathological menopause are divided into the following groups:
1. Early - appear two to three years before menopause (complete cessation of menstruation).
2. Delayed - develop over two to three years after menopause.
3. Late - occur five or more years after menopause.

To early signs include the most characteristic symptom of hormonal failure in menopausal syndrome - the so-called hot flashes, which are bouts of heat, especially strongly felt in the face.

Other early symptoms of pathological menopause are in many ways similar to signs of hormonal failure in premenstrual syndrome: psycho-emotional disorders (irritability, depression, fatigue), vegetative-vascular pathology (palpitations, lability of blood pressure, pain in the region of the heart), attacks of headaches resembling migraines are possible.

Delayed symptoms are associated with insufficiency of female hormones - estrogens. Estrogen deficiency causes dystrophic lesions of the skin and its appendages.

These processes, as a rule, are most pronounced in relation to the mucous membranes of the female genital organs, and lead to the development of a complex of urogenital disorders (dryness of the vagina, lowering of its walls, pain during intercourse, discomfort during urination, urinary incontinence), in severe cases inflammatory processes (cystitis, vulvovaginitis).

In addition, increased dryness of the skin, brittle nails, and hair loss are often observed.

Late symptoms of hormonal failure in pathological menopause are signs gross violation metabolic processes. The most characteristic systemic osteoporosis, lipid metabolism disorders (vascular atherosclerosis) and carbohydrate metabolism (decreased glucose tolerance, development of type 2 diabetes mellitus).

The causes of hormonal disruptions in pathological menopause are not fully understood. However, the value hereditary predisposition. As provoking factors, stress, malnutrition, physical inactivity, bad habits (smoking, frequent alcohol abuse) are distinguished.

The risk group for the development of pathological menopause includes women with the following pathologies:
1. Neuroendocrine disorders: premenstrual syndrome, toxicosis of pregnancy and dysfunctional uterine bleeding in history.
2. Diseases of the central nervous system: neuroinfections, neurosis, mental illness.
3. Gynecological pathologies: chronic inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, endometriosis.
4. Complicated obstetric history: abortions, miscarriages, difficult births.

Causes of hormonal failure in men

Male sex hormones (androgens) are produced in the gonads - the testicles. Their products ensure the development of secondary sexual characteristics in boys, as well as high growth, powerful muscles, aggressiveness.

Interestingly, for normal functioning the male body also needs female sex hormones (estrogens), so that the blood healthy man contains more estrogen than the blood of a woman during menopause.

Clinical studies have proven that it is estrogens that provide normal libido (sexual desire decreases both with an excess and a lack of female sex hormones in men). In addition, estrogens are responsible for the normal maturation of spermatozoa and cognitive abilities, and also affect lipid metabolism. One more important function estrogen - ensuring normal calcium metabolism in the bones.

Most of the estrogen in male body is formed as a result of the transformation of testosterone in the liver and adipose tissue. Only a small percentage is synthesized directly in the sex glands.

In men, as well as in women, the regulation of the activity of the sex glands is coordinated with the help of a complex hypothalamic-pituitary system.

Thus, hormonal disruptions in men can occur as a result of direct damage to the testicles ( congenital anomalies, injuries, infectious and inflammatory processes, etc.) and in violation of the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Accordingly, primary and secondary hypogonadism (primary and secondary insufficiency in the production of male sex hormones) are distinguished.

Secondary hypogonadism (hormonal deficiency of central origin) in men occurs for the same reasons as in women (tumors of the hypothalamic-pituitary zone, trauma, neuroinfections, congenital malformations).

In addition, hormonal failure in men may be associated with an increase in the formation of estrogen from testosterone. This often happens with chronic intoxications, when the metabolism of androgens in the liver is disturbed, and their transformation into estrogens increases (chronic alcoholism, drug use, professional contact with certain poisons, exposure to radiation).

Less commonly, male hormone deficiency can be caused by endocrine pathologies (hyperthyroidism), hormone-active tumors, severe liver and kidney damage that occurs with intoxication (uremia, liver failure).

Symptoms of hormonal failure in men

puberty

Just like in women, in men there is an untimely (too early or too late) sexual development. Despite the difference in the structure of the sexes, the causes and symptoms of untimely development are similar.

Premature sexual development (PPR) in boys is usually associated with neoplasms of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Also found constitutional early sexual development. With PPR, secondary sexual characteristics in boys appear before the age of 7-8 years, there is increased growth, which suddenly stops at adolescence due to premature ossification of bone growth zones.

There are also false PPR associated with the pathology of the adrenal cortex. In such cases, it is combined with obesity and other signs of metabolic disorders. A similar clinical picture develops when eating foods containing a large number of hormones (milk and meat of animals stimulated with steroid drugs).

Sexual retardation (SPR) in boys is said to be when development is more than two years late compared to the average. Hormonal failure in such cases is most often associated with damage to the central nervous system (trauma, infection, intoxication, etc.), endocrine pathology(obesity, thyroid disease) or severe chronic diseases leading to general depletion of the body.

When making a diagnosis of mental retardation, differential diagnosis with hypogonadism (primary or secondary) should be carried out, as well as the possibility of constitutional mental retardation (hereditary developmental features in healthy children) should be taken into account.

Symptoms of hormonal disruptions in men of reproductive age

Hormonal disruptions in men of reproductive age, as a rule, occur with absolute or relative hyperestrogenemia, and are manifested by the following symptoms:
  • gynecomastia (breast enlargement);
  • obesity;
  • disorders of the nervous system;
  • decreased libido, disorders in the sexual and reproductive sphere.
Hormonal imbalance can be caused by the most different reasons: both external (stress, unhealthy lifestyle, overeating, smoking, excessive drinking), and internal (diseases of the central nervous system, endocrine diseases, intoxication, severe lesions liver or kidneys). Therefore, the clinical picture will be supplemented by signs of the pathology that caused the hormonal failure.

Signs of hormonal failure during menopause in men

Normally, in men, sexual function gradually decreases with age. However, often this process accompanied by a number of pathological symptoms, the totality of which is called "climacteric syndrome in men."

With pathological menopause in men, as well as in women, symptoms of a violation of higher nervous activity come first:

  • irritability;
  • fast fatiguability;
  • mood lability with a tendency to depression;
  • tearfulness;
  • low self-esteem;
  • feeling of own uselessness;
  • panic attacks;
  • decrease in cognitive and creative abilities.
Another characteristic symptom of pathological menopause in men is a sharp decrease in sexual function, which is accompanied by violations of the genitourinary system(painful urination, urinary incontinence, etc.).

Hormonal failure is manifested by symptoms characteristic of relative hyperestrogenemia: mammary glands, there is a rapid weight gain with fatty deposits according to the female type (on the abdomen, hips, chest), often the type of pubic hair growth resembles a female, hair growth on the face and on the body stops or weakens.

rising fast dystrophic changes musculoskeletal system: osteoporosis, flabbiness and muscle weakness develop, patients complain of pain in the joints and bones.

Violations of the cardiovascular system are very characteristic: pain in the region of the heart, palpitations, hypertension and atherosclerosis develop.

The skin becomes dry and atrophic, brittle nails appear, hair falls out.

Violations of the vegetative-vascular system resemble the symptoms of female menopause: hot flashes, excessive sweating are often encountered.

The development of pathological menopause in men is facilitated by past illnesses central nervous system (traumatic brain injury, neuroinfection, intoxication), pathology of the endocrine system (obesity, thyroid disease), liver disease, unhealthy lifestyle (physical inactivity, malnutrition, alcohol abuse, smoking).

To provoke a hormonal failure can be a strong prolonged nervous strain or a severe somatic disease. There is evidence of a hereditary predisposition to the occurrence of hormonal disruptions. In addition, men with a history of hormonal disruptions (delayed puberty, sexual dysfunction during the reproductive period) are at risk for the development of pathological menopause.

Diagnostics

When signs of hormonal failure appear, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive medical examination, including all the necessary tests to determine the level of hormones, as well as a study of the state of internal organs that could suffer from hormonal imbalance (diagnosis of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, etc.).

In addition, it is necessary to exclude severe organic pathologies that often cause hormonal failure (hormone-producing tumors, severe lesions of the central nervous system, cirrhosis of the liver with gynecomastia, etc.).

Of course, there must be differential diagnosis between various neuroendocrine disorders (primary or secondary hypogonadism, hormonal deficiency or Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome, etc.).

Treatment of hormonal failure

In cases where it is possible to radically eliminate the cause of hormonal failure (hormone-producing tumor), etiological treatment is carried out.

If the cause is unremovable (climacteric syndrome, primary hypogonadism), according to indications, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed.

Hormonal disruptions in women and men of the reproductive period can often be corrected by the course administration of hormonal drugs, in cases where they are not caused by a serious organic pathology.

Of great importance in the treatment and prevention of hormonal disruptions in women and men is a healthy lifestyle:

  • correct daily routine;
  • healthy eating;
  • dosed physical activity;
  • getting rid of bad habits (smoking, alcoholism, drug use);
  • prevention of stress reactions.
According to indications, vitamin therapy, herbal medicine, physiotherapy, spa treatment are carried out.

16 Symptoms of Hormonal Failure Everyone Should Know to Take Action on Time - Video

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

A stable hormonal background is important at any age. It influences women Health, well-being and attractiveness. Sometimes, under the influence of certain factors, hormonal failure occurs in women.

What is a hormonal imbalance

All operations that take place in the body are controlled special substances- hormones. In a woman's body, the main hormones are estrogen and progesterone. The cycle of menstruation, the processes of sexual development depend on their level, they affect the ability to conceive and give birth to a child.

All hormones are close cooperation. That is why the lack or excess of one hormone causes the other hormones to be produced improperly.

Initially, hormonal failure meant a failure in the processes of the endocrine system, which was manifested by changes in the menstrual cycle. However, increases or decreases in hormonal levels lead to various consequences and diseases.

When does hormonal imbalance occur in women?


Hormonal imbalance can occur at different ages. But more confirmed girls in adolescence and women during menopause. After 30 years, a variety of changes are possible in the female body. At this age, hormonal decline can often occur.

According to studies, approximately 80% of women have hormonal disruptions, but they often “write off” them for physical fatigue and existing ailments.

Causes of female hormonal changes


Often hormonal failure occurs due to physiological changes in the body.

It is often associated with:

  • The onset of puberty
  • Time of pregnancy and childbirth
  • climax
  • Genetic heredity (primary amenorrhea - the complete absence of menstruation)

Sometimes hormonal failure becomes a consequence of any ailments.

The reasons are different:

  • Various infectious diseases, also sexually transmitted
  • General diseases of the body
  • Pathologies
  • The result of abortion, surgical interventions, drug treatments
  • Stress and fatigue
  • Excessive physical activity and stress
  • overeating and excess weight
  • Bad habits, changing the daily routine

It is possible to establish the exact reason why the hormonal background failed only at a doctor's appointment. The attending physician will also prescribe proper treatment aimed at influencing and eliminating the cause of the imbalance.

Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance


Hormonal changes do not proceed "without a trace." Based on which of the endocrine glands is not working properly, a woman notices certain signs of a hormonal disorder.

Primary symptoms of hormonal failure in women:

  1. Changes in the cycle of menstruation (delay more than 35 days or less than 28 days). Too strong or too weak discharge is not considered the norm.
  2. Intermenstrual bleeding.
  3. Constant feeling of overwork in the usual mode of sleep and rest.
  4. Difficulty falling asleep even when tired and drowsy.
  5. Deficiency or demotion sexual attraction.
  6. Constant mood swings, a feeling of irritability and tearfulness, absent-mindedness.
  7. Weight gain with the usual diet, swelling.
  8. Frequent .
  9. Hair loss, pimples, blackheads, wrinkles;
  10. dry skin, pruritus deterioration of the condition of the nails.
  11. aggravation premenstrual syndrome.
  12. Pain in the chest, joints.
  13. The manifestation of vegetation on the body.
  14. Heavy sweating.
  15. Isolation of breast milk in the absence of feeding.
  16. Dryness in the vagina.

Hormonal failure in women can manifest itself in different ways. The detection of any sign of a hormonal disorder should be the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor to prescribe the correct and timely treatment.

In order to timely notice how a hormonal failure manifests itself, a woman needs to monitor her own health and notice all the changes in the body.

Hormonal disorders after abortion, after childbirth, during menopause


  1. During pregnancy and a woman produces a lot of childbirth different hormones. If there were no pathologies before conception, after childbirth, recovery will be quick (1-3 months) and without any consequences.

Childbirth is a huge stress for the body and the endocrine system is more disturbed. Manifestation of hormonal disorders after childbirth:

  • Fluctuating mental state
  • Body mass gain
  • Decreased sexual activity
  • Difficulties with lactation
  • Pressure surges

If recovery period after childbirth lasts more than 6 months, you should visit an endocrinologist. Reduce weight with hormonal failure after the birth of a child will help special diet and fitness. But you can start losing weight no earlier than six months after giving birth.

  1. After the abortion Most often, hormonal failure also occurs.

Then the following signs appear:

  • Weight gain
  • High pressure
  • Increased sweating
  • Depressive states, neuroses
  • Difficulties with skin, nails and hair

With successful surgery, a month later, the hormonal background is restored and menstruation begins.

  1. After 40 years the decline of reproductive functions begins. Menstruation is intermittent and sexual functions subside.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in menopause:

  • Diseases of the cardiovascular system
  • Sleep is disturbed
  • Copious excretion sweat
  • Inconstancy of pressure and mood
  • Migraine

It is possible to improve the condition with menopause with proper rest, proper nutrition and a favorable psychological background. In difficult cases, the doctor prescribes special preparations.

Diagnosis and possible consequences


Which doctor should I contact for hormonal failure? If signs of a hormonal disorder are detected, it is recommended to visit an endocrinologist, mammologist and gynecologist. Diagnostic methods depend on the symptoms of hormonal failure and the conclusion after examination by a doctor.

Diagnostic methods:

  1. Blood tests for hormones
  2. Ultrasound procedure
  3. Hysteroscopy
  4. Laparoscopy

Possible consequences or what is dangerous hormonal failure:

  • Diseases of the mammary glands develop
  • Infertility and miscarriage
  • uterine fibroids
  • Polycystic ovaries
  • Asthma
  • osteosclerosis
  • Migraine
  • stroke, heart attack
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer neoplasms

At all ages, a woman should monitor the cycle of menstruation and the state of her own health. Normalizing hormone levels is easier than having serious and dangerous consequences.

Is it possible to get pregnant with hormonal fluctuation? Pregnancy is possible with timely treatment.

How to fix hormonal imbalance


Treatment of hormonal failure will be based on the causes of the violation and aimed at eliminating them.

  1. Medical treatment

If the "monthly" cycle fails, the doctor prescribes hormonal drugs that regulate the level of hormones. They need to be taken for a long time, and they have many side effects. You cannot self-medicate, the doctor prescribes the pills.

Are usually discharged oral contraceptives(single-phase and two-phase). Only the doctor determines how to be treated, makes a choice and prescribes a schedule for taking medications.

Often, "Mastodinon" and "Cyclodinone" are prescribed to regulate the cycle.

To eliminate unpleasant symptoms in menopause, "Klimadinon" will help. Vitamins A, E and calcium are also prescribed in the complex.

  1. Surgery

It is prescribed when the medicine does not give the desired results (tumors, fibroids, fibromyomas).

  1. Folk remedies

cure folk medicine may be effective in addition to treatment prescribed by a doctor. Medicinal herbs can be used to relieve some of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

  • Infusions of St. John's wort and horsetail are effective in strong secretions.
  • Sage and oregano will help with meager and long periods.
  • Decoctions of motherwort and plantain will reduce discomfort during menopause.
  • A decoction of elecampane is used to prevent premature birth.
  • Linseed oil also restores hormonal failure. You should drink 2 tbsp. cold butter per day.
  • Black cumin oil has a beneficial effect on hormonal level.
  • Juices contain many vitamins, minerals and biologically active elements. They have a positive effect on the functioning of the whole organism.

How to lose weight with hormonal failure


Changing the number of hormones often leads to weight gain. This is due to an increase in appetite, a violation of material metabolism, fluid retention in the body. A diet high in plant food and protein accelerates metabolism and allows you to quickly “lose” extra calories.

During the period of hormonal failure, the menu should include:

  • Vegetables, fruits and greens
  • Poultry and beef
  • Cereal porridge
  • Honey, nuts and dried fruits

When eating, you need to follow simple rules:

  • There are small portions five times a day.
  • Control appetite and monitor the calorie content of food.
  • Do not eat salty, spicy and smoked foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Exclude tobacco and alcohol, because. they have a devastating effect on the hormonal background of women.
  • Do a fasting day once a week.
  • Do physical exercises.

Prevention of hormonal failure


What to do to avoid hormonal imbalance:

  1. Do not have bad habits, adhere to a healthy lifestyle
  2. eat well
  3. Follow the rules of rest and activity
  4. Go to the gynecologist once a year
  5. Notice all the changes in the body, track the cycles of menstruation
  6. Avoid stressful situations
  7. Do not use hormonal drugs without doctor's supervision

Hormonal failure in women is accompanied by unpleasant sensations and can lead to serious consequences. It is important to carefully and attentively treat your health and consult a doctor in time. Self-medication is unacceptable.

For every woman, her health is very important. The role of a woman is very huge: she is a mother, a wife, a faithful assistant to her husband. All this requires strength, wisdom, emotional stability and, of course, good health. Of great importance in the life of every woman is her ability to give birth to a healthy child. Therefore, the health of the reproductive system also requires serious attention. It directly depends on the balance of four hormonal components: testosterone, progesterone, prolactin and estrogen.

The amount of these hormones in a woman's body is strictly balanced. The slightest violation of the hormonal balance entails the development of various kinds of very serious diseases. Among them, diseases such as uterine fibroids, polycystic ovaries, infertility, obesity, intensive hair growth on the face or on other parts of the body, and so on can be noted.

Causes

What factors lead to hormonal imbalance in a woman's body?
Violation of the hormonal balance in women has become a very common phenomenon in the last few years. What is it connected with? What circumstances are so bad for women's health?

  • Ecological situation

Deterioration of the ecological state environment leads to the fact that in the female body there is a violation of the hormonal balance. Studies have shown that the number of women suffering from hormonal imbalance and living in more environmentally unfriendly areas is 30% higher than the number of such cases in women living in cleaner areas.

  • Lack of proper rest. chronic fatigue syndrome

Women's emancipation and various life circumstances have led to the fact that fragile women's shoulders carry work on a par with men, housework, raising children, caring for elderly parents. As a result, due to strong overloads, the female body does not have time to recover, which causes hormonal imbalance.

To fully restore strength, an adult needs eight hours of sleep a day and has a full breakfast, lunch and dinner during the day. But due to the high pace of life, most women do not adhere to this schedule. In addition, if you have to work in night shift, this also causes the internal biological clock in organism. As a result of these stresses and lack of normal mode sleep and nutrition, the body fails, which is expressed in hormonal imbalance.

  • genetic predisposition

Hormonal imbalance has been observed for several generations. Therefore, each next generation is more and more vulnerable in this respect. If a woman had cases with such a disease in her family, then she needs to be especially attentive to her lifestyle and place of life in order to, if not prevent, then at least minimize hormonal imbalance.

  • Beginning of sexual activity

The most optimal age for the onset of sexual activity and, therefore, childbearing is considered to be 21-23 years. By this time, the body was sufficiently formed. If sex life starts too early, it has a negative effect on the female body and contributes to the occurrence of hormonal imbalance.

Diagnostics

What will help determine the presence of hormonal imbalance in the body? What symptoms will suggest the appearance of this disorder?
Depending on which hormone in the female body fails, there may be various symptoms. Next, consider the signs of a violation of each of the hormones.

  • Testosterone

Although it is generally accepted that testosterone is only a male hormone, its presence in the female body also plays a very important role. Testosterone is responsible for sex drive, the work of sweat and sebaceous glands, kidneys, for the regularity of the menstrual cycle. The lack of testosterone in the body leads, respectively, to frigidity, to disruption of the menstrual cycle and the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands, to the development kidney failure.

  • Progesterone

In the medical community, progesterone is called the hormone of pregnancy. This hormone is responsible for the conception and bearing of the fetus, for the menstrual cycle, for preparing the breast for breastfeeding the baby.

The lack of progesterone in the body leads to the development of intrauterine inflammatory processes, the appearance of very abundant and painful menstruation, violation of the process of ovulation, the appearance of acne and boils on the skin. Pregnancy in this case also does not proceed without problems. Exist high degree danger spontaneous miscarriage.

An increased content of progesterone in a woman's body contributes to the development of kidney failure, cysts may form on the corpus luteum, and the menstrual cycle is disturbed.

  • Prolactin

Prolactin is responsible for the development of the mammary glands and the formation of a sufficient amount of breast milk during breastfeeding. In addition, prolactin takes a serious part in the process of water-salt metabolism.

The lack of prolactin in the body leads to abnormal development of the mammary glands, to insufficient production or to total absence milk during breastfeeding, to menstrual irregularities. A very serious hormonal imbalance develops.
For normal production of prolactin in the body, it is required strict observance sleep and eating patterns, moderate exercise, proper nutrition and adequate rest.

  • Estrogen

Estrogen is the main female hormone and is responsible for the formation and subsequent activity of the uterus and mammary glands, for the state of the endometrium of the uterus, for the normalization of the menstrual cycle, for the readiness of the genital organs to conceive a child, successfully bear it and give birth without various complications. Also, estrogen prevents the formation of plaques in the vessels, provides a normal water-salt exchange in the body, regulates the level of skin hydration and the work of the sebaceous glands, contributes to the production of sufficient phosphorus and calcium by the body.

Lack of estrogen entails the threat of spontaneous miscarriage, menstrual irregularities, the formation of cervical erosion, the development of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis, breast tumors, autonomic disorders, obesity, and depression.

Treatment

As can be seen from all of the above, hormonal disorders have quite serious consequences. Therefore, you need to take your health seriously. To diagnose a hormonal imbalance, you need to contact an endocrinologist and pass a series of tests, in particular, blood is taken several times: before, during and after menstruation. The results of the tests will allow you to see a picture of the hormonal state of the body. If a violation of the level of any hormone is established, then it will be necessary to identify the cause of the resulting imbalance.
For this it will be necessary to additional examination using procedures such as:

  • Ultrasound of the main organs;
  • computed tomography of the brain;
  • fundus examination;
  • laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.

Carrying out all the necessary research procedures will help to accurately determine the hormonal picture. After that, treatment is prescribed. This may include the use of hormonal drugs for a certain period to normalize the level of hormones in the body, as well as the organization of the correct diet and rest. In rare cases, constant medication will be required to maintain hormonal balance at the required level.

The attending endocrinologist selects the scheme for taking such drugs strictly in individually. The required dosage of the drug is calculated based on such indicators as:

  • the age of the patient;
  • patient weight;
  • blood levels of each of the hormones.

Also, the general condition of the patient's body and other factors are taken into account.

A properly selected treatment regimen and strict adherence to it lead to the normalization of hormonal balance and the restoration of the woman's reproductive system.

Self-medication, on the contrary, can lead to very sad consequences. The wrong treatment regimen contributes to the deterioration general condition organism and to the appearance of quite serious pathologies.