Hormones are proteins produced by the body that help organs and tissues perform specific functions. They control growth, fertility, sexual function, emotions, and the body's ability to absorb and use nutrients. Hormonal disorders are the result of a hormonal imbalance, which means you have too much or too little of one or more hormones, or they are out of balance
If you have questions about hormones, our gynecologists and women's health experts at Carmen Clinic in Gran Canaria they will be happy to help you.
What are the symptoms of hormonal disorders?
Symptoms of hormonal disorder depend on the nature of the imbalance. You may experience only a few symptoms, and they may not be the same as another woman, even with the same condition. Common ones include:
- Irregular (frequent, infrequent, absent) or heavy menstrual periods.
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, or back.
- Hair loss or thinning.
- Weight gain or loss.
- Acne
- Indigestion
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Darkening of the skin around the groin, under the breasts, and in the creases of the neck.
- esterilidad
- Uterine bleeding (not due to menstruation).
- Sensitivity in the breasts.
- Osteoporosis
- Vaginal dryness.
- vaginal atrophy.
- Change in sexual desire.
- Pain during sex.
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats.
What are the causes of hormonal disorders?
The cause of a hormonal disorder will depend on what disorder it is. Usually the main reason is an imbalance affecting the reproductive system or the thyroid. Some common hormones that, when out of balance, can play a role in female hormonal disorders are:
- Insulin
- Androgens and other steroid-like hormones.
- Thyroid hormone.
Other factors that can cause female hormonal disorders include:
- The presence of tumors.
- Certain medications.
- Chromosomal defects.
- Exposure to chemotherapy, radiation and other toxins.
- Inflammation
- Autoimmune disease.
- Stress
- Diet
- Weight
What are the types of hormonal disorders?
The most common female hormonal disorders include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This is the most common of the female hormonal disorders. It causes irregular periods, ovarian cysts, weight gain, and fertility problems. PCOS affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
- Thyroid disease: This includes hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) and hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone). Women are 5 times more likely than men to have a thyroid disorder.
- Hirsutism: This hormonal disorder triggers the growth of excess hair, especially in places where women do not usually have much hair.
- Primary ovarian insufficiency: Also called premature ovarian failure, this disorder occurs when a woman's ovaries stop working before the age of 40.
What are the risk factors for hormonal disorders?
Factors that can affect your hormone levels include:
- Genetics: Some hormonal disorders are related to genetic mutations that run in families. Diabetes and PCOS are two hormone-related diseases that may be related to genetics.
- Age: A woman's hormone levels change throughout her life. Estrogen levels, for example, decline as a woman approaches menopause.
- Ethnic origin: Depending on the specific disorder, women of some ethnic backgrounds may be at increased risk. For example, women from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South Asia are at increased risk of hirsutism.
- Medication: Some medications, including steroids, influence the production and secretion of hormones.
- Weight: obese women may be at increased risk of hormonal disorders.
- Previous ovarian surgery: Women who have undergone ovarian surgery are at increased risk of developing primary ovarian insufficiency.
- Tumors: Tumors in the ovaries or adrenal glands can cause the glands to release excess androgens. Androgens are commonly called "male hormones," although both men and women have them. Androgens are responsible for many characteristic male traits, including facial hair and a deep voice. Tumors that affect androgen production are rarely cancerous.
How are hormonal disorders prevented?
When it comes to female hormonal disorders, there are some factors that can be controlled and some that cannot. As with any aspect of health, it's important to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet of fresh, whole foods and plenty of exercise. This can keep your insulin levels and other hormones in balance and help you maintain a healthy weight. You should also:
- Managing stress
- No Smoking
- Talk to one of our specialists to improve your hormonal climate.
If you have questions about hormones, our gynecologists and women's health experts at Carmen Clinic in Gran Canaria they will be happy to help you. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
Recent comments