- 1. Progesterone
- 2. Estrogen
- 3. Testosterone
- What are the tests to measure hormones
- Hormones in pregnancy
- Hormones in menopause
- Effect of female hormones in men
The main female hormones are estrogen and progesterone, which are manufactured in the ovaries, become active in adolescence and undergo constant variations during the woman's daily life.
Some factors that change the amount of female hormones are the time of day, the menstrual cycle, the state of health, menopause, use of some medications, stress, emotional factors and pregnancy.
Female hormones have different functions:
1. Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone that is responsible for regulating the woman's menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus to receive the fertilized egg, preventing it from being expelled by the body, which is why it is very important in the pregnancy process. Normally, progesterone levels increase after ovulation, and if there is a pregnancy, they remain high so that the walls of the uterus continue to develop. However, if there is no pregnancy, the ovaries stop producing progesterone, leading to the destruction of the lining of the uterus, which is eliminated through menstruation. Understand how the menstrual cycle works.
2. Estrogen
Like progesterone, estrogens are also responsible for regulating the hormonal cycle during childbearing years. During puberty, estrogens stimulate breast development and maturation of the reproductive system, as well as growth, and alter the distribution of body fat in women, usually deposited around the hips, buttocks and thighs.
3. Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that, although higher in men, is also found in women in smaller amounts. This hormone is produced in the ovaries, helping to promote muscle and bone growth. The woman may suspect that she has a lot of testosterone in her bloodstream when she has typically male symptoms such as the presence of hair on her face and a deeper voice. Learn more about how to identify and lower testosterone in women.
What are the tests to measure hormones
Hormonal changes can endanger your health, and can even prevent the development of the egg and ovulation and prevent pregnancy, so it is important to see your gynecologist regularly and, if necessary, perform some tests:
Blood tests: consists of the evaluation of various hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, TSH, which is a hormone produced in the thyroid and which influences the menstrual cycle, LH and FSH, which are hormones related to the functioning of the ovaries. See the values and how to understand the high or low FSH.
Pelvic ultrasound: consists of the observation of any abnormality in the reproductive organs, especially in the uterus and ovaries;
For each exam, a specific preparation may be necessary, so you should speak to the doctor at the time of the appointment, to find out if it is necessary to do the exam at a specific time of the menstrual cycle or on an empty stomach, for example.
Hormones in pregnancy
During pregnancy, the decrease in hormones, which usually happens at the end of the menstrual cycle, does not happen and therefore the menstrual period does not occur. A new hormone, HCG, is then produced which stimulates the ovaries to produce higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are necessary to maintain pregnancy. For this reason, most pregnancy tests consist of detecting this hormone in the urine. Learn more about how this type of test works.
After the fourth month of pregnancy, the placenta becomes responsible for the production of most estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus to thicken, increase the volume of circulating blood, and relax the muscles of the uterus enough to make room for the baby to develop.
Around the time of delivery, other hormones are produced that help the uterus to contract during and after labor, in addition to stimulating the production and release of breast milk.
Hormones in menopause
Menopause happens when menstrual cycles cease, around 50 years of age. It is a natural process that occurs due to decreased hormone production, which can cause symptoms such as sleep disorders, fatigue, vaginal dryness, mood swings, weight changes, among others.
After menopause, the risk of developing certain diseases increases, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis or urinary incontinence, and it is important to understand the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy, which can improve symptoms and prevent disease.
Menopause does not require treatment, but if symptoms cause a lot of discomfort, your doctor may recommend:
- Hormone replacement therapy: more effective treatment to relieve symptoms in menopause, such as Femoston. Learn more about this treatment. Vaginal estrogen: helps to reduce vaginal dryness and can be administered locally in the vagina with a cream, pill or ring. With this treatment, a small amount of estrogen is released, which is absorbed by the vaginal tissue, which can relieve vaginal dryness and some urinary symptoms. Low-dose antidepressants, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors: reduce hot flashes at menopause and sudden mood swings; Gabapentina: reduce heat waves. This remedy is useful in women who cannot use estrogen therapy and in those who also have hot flashes at night; Medicines to prevent or treat osteoporosis, such as vitamin D or supplements that help strengthen bones.
It is also possible to opt for natural hormonal replacement, for example through dietary supplements such as soy lectin or soy isoflavone, or even with herbal teas such as St. John's wort or chastity tree. Here are some tips from our nutritionist to relieve these symptoms:
Effect of female hormones in men
Female hormones can be used in men who identify themselves as (trans) women, however their use must be guided by an endocrinologist. Men normally produce estrogen and progesterone, but in very low quantities, the hormone prevalent being testosterone, which is what guarantees male characteristics. If the man starts using female contraceptives, for example, which contains high concentrations of estrogen and progesterone, there may be:
- Decreased testosterone production; Decreased sperm production; Gradual enlargement of the breasts; Reduced size of the testicles and penis; Sexual impotence; Fat accumulation in the hips, thighs and buttocks; Decreased muscle mass, weight gain and difficulty in slower growth of hair.
Despite promoting the appearance of several female characteristics, some male characteristics may still persist, such as, for example, the Adam's apple, vocal timbre and bone structure. In addition, the continued use of female hormones by men can increase the chances of osteoporosis and the increase in cholesterol, favoring atherosclerosis, for example, therefore it is important to be followed up by the endocrinologist.
