The effect of hormones on women's health

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemicals produced by glands and carried in the bloodstream to regulate various vital functions of the body. Hormones affect growth, metabolism, the menstrual cycle, reproductive health, and other body functions.

Women's hormones and how they affect their health

Estrogen

It is the hormone that plays the most critical role in girls' puberty. It is responsible for the transformation of a girl into a woman at puberty and the onset of menstruation. This hormone directly affects the physical changes that occur when girls reach puberty, from body hair growth to breast growth and other changes. It is also one of the primary female hormones affecting reproductive health and pregnancy. It influences heart health, as estrogen levels can affect cholesterol levels. It also contributes to supporting bone health and protecting against osteoporosis. It also improves skin health, mental health, and mood. Most of the estrogen in the female body is produced by the ovaries, which produce eggs. This hormone is also produced by the adrenal gland located above the kidneys. Estrogen travels through the body through the bloodstream, thus affecting various organs in the body. It is worth noting that estrogen levels change during the month, at their highest levels in the middle of the menstrual cycle and at their lowest levels during menstruation. The levels of this hormone also change during menopause, as its levels begin to decline early in perimenopause, leading to the appearance of the following symptoms:

• Insomnia.
• Dry skin.
• Hot flashes.
• Night sweats.
• Irregular menstrual cycle.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Mood swings.
• Decreased sex drive.

If estrogen levels are low, the following symptoms appear in women:

• Weight gain, especially in the abdomen and hips.
• Menstrual disorders such as heavy or light bleeding.
• More severe PMS.
• Benign fibroids in the breast and uterus.
• Fatigue.
• Low sex drive.
• Feeling depressed and anxious.

Progesterone

It is a steroid hormone produced by the corpus luteum, a temporary gland secreted by a woman's body after ovulation. Progesterone's primary function is to prepare the uterine lining for the possibility of pregnancy after ovulation. It also stimulates the uterine lining to receive a fertilized egg. It prevents painless uterine contractions that may cause the expulsion of fertilized eggs. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dissipates, and progesterone levels in the body decline, causing menstruation. If pregnancy does occur, Progesterone continues to stimulate blood vessels in the lining of the uterus to nourish and support the growth of the fetus. Women with low levels of Progesterone suffer from irregular menstrual cycles and fertility issues, as the absence of Progesterone does not help provide the necessary environment for the fertilized egg to grow into a fetus. Even if a woman with low Progesterone becomes pregnant, she will be more likely to have a miscarriage or premature birth, as this hormone plays a fundamental role in the continuation of pregnancy.

Symptoms associated with a decrease in this hormone include abnormal uterine bleeding, irregular menstrual cycle, pregnancy bleeding, cramps during pregnancy, and recurrent miscarriages.

It is worth noting that low Progesterone may lead to high estrogen, which in turn will cause these symptoms to appear:

• Weight gain.
• Gallbladder problems.
• Low libido.

Testosterone

Although testosterone is the primary male hormone, it also plays a vital role in women's health. There are smaller amounts of this hormone in women's bodies than in men, and testosterone is secreted into the bloodstream from the ovaries and adrenal glands. It directly affects women's sexual desire, bone density, and muscle strength. However, if the levels of this male hormone are high in women, these symptoms will appear:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods.
• Increased body hair growth.
• Frontal baldness.
• Acne.
• Hoarseness of voice.
• Fertility issues.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Obesity.
• Insulin resistance.
• High blood pressure.
• Increase in levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides and decrease in good cholesterol levels.

Women in perimenopause and menopause witness a decline in the levels of female hormones and male hormones as well, which negatively affects sexual desire. This problem can be treated by taking testosterone supplements prescribed by a doctor.

Thyroid hormone

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, and it produces several hormones that are important for our health. If the thyroid gland does not produce enough Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), this is due to hypothyroidism. Mayo Clinic statistics indicate that women, especially after the age of 60, are more susceptible to hypothyroidism than men. Also, the difference in Progesterone and estrogen levels during pregnancy may cause thyroid hormone disorders. Postpartum thyroiditis is a common condition that affects about 10% of women; this condition is often not diagnosed and confused with postpartum depression because the symptoms of the two conditions are similar.

It is worth noting that hypothyroidism rarely causes any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, if the condition is left untreated, these symptoms may appear:

• Fatigue.
• Hypersensitivity to cold.
• Constipation.
• Dry skin.
• Weight gain.
• Facial swelling.
• Hoarseness of voice.
• Muscle weakness.
• High cholesterol.
• Muscle pain and stiffness.
• Pain and stiffness in the joints.
• Irregular menstrual cycle.
• Hair loss.
• Slow heart rate.
• Memory problems.
• Depression.

Hypothyroidism can be easily diagnosed by checking the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, and based on the result, the doctor can prescribe the appropriate dose to compensate for the low hormone level.

Causes of hormonal imbalance in women

• Not getting enough sleep.
• Following an unhealthy diet rich in sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods.
• Chronic stress and anxiety.
• Chronic diseases.
• Depression.

Treatment for women's hormonal imbalance

Medications

• Diabetes medications.
• Thyroid hormone replacement medications.
• Thyroid hormone suppression drugs in case of hyperthyroidism.
• Hormone replacement therapy in perimenopause and menopause.

Natural remedies

• Follow a healthy diet containing small amounts of added sugar, containing enough foods rich in protein and omega-3, and drinking enough water.
• Exercise regularly.
• Practice relaxation exercises and meditation.
• Take supplements as prescribed by your doctor.

To sum up,

Hormones are an essential factor in women's health, and they directly affect physical and mental health. They change at different stages of a woman's life, sometimes causing disturbing symptoms. It is essential to follow a healthy lifestyle to maintain the health of female hormones and have them checked regularly to ensure that there is no hormonal disorder. Consult a specialist doctor if you have a disorder to obtain appropriate treatment.