Hormonal disorders in women: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Hormonal balance plays a key role in the health and overall well-being of women. It affects many processes in the body, including reproductive function, emotional state, metabolism, and even physical health. Statistically, 8 out of 10 women suffer from some degree of endocrine disruption. However, many of them are not even aware of the problem until they start experiencing difficulties in conceiving or carrying a child.

Causes of hormonal disorders in women

The hormonal system of women is a complex system regulated by the endocrine glands, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and sex glands. When these organs function well, hormones are produced in optimal amounts, allowing the body to function normally. However, when hormone levels change, whether in excess or deficiency, there is an imbalance that can have serious consequences.

Among the main causes of hormonal disorders in women are

1. Dysfunctions of the central nervous system: stress, increased psycho-emotional stress, chronic fatigue, and other factors can negatively affect the work of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which regulate hormone production.
2. Infectious diseases: viral and bacterial infections can disrupt the endocrine glands, especially if they affect the organs of the reproductive system.
3. Gynecological diseases: conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, endometriosis, breast cysts, and others are often accompanied by hormonal dysfunctions.
4. Heredity: genetic predisposition can play an important role in the development of endocrine disorders.
5. Age: a woman's hormonal context changes throughout her life, especially during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.
6. An inappropriate lifestyle: an unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, and bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs) can negatively impact the endocrine system.

Symptoms of hormonal disorders in women

Hormonal imbalance can manifest in various ways, depending on which hormones are produced in excess or deficiency. The most common symptoms are as follows

• Menstrual disorders: light or, conversely, heavy periods, irregular cycles, prolonged bleeding, or total absence of bleeding.
• Difficulties in conceiving: no pregnancy after a year of regular unprotected intercourse.
• Uterine bleeding: bloody discharge not related to the menstrual cycle.
• General deterioration of well-being: weakness, lethargy, increased fatigue, frequent headaches.
• Weight changes: sudden weight gain or loss without apparent reason.
• Skin and hair problems: acne, dry skin, hair loss, or, conversely, excessive hairiness (hirsutism).
• Decreased libido: loss of interest in intimate life.
• Emotional instability: mood swings, irritability, depression.

Diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders in women

The diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders are performed by endocrinologists and gynecologist-endocrinologists. Women often turn to these specialists after unsuccessful attempts to conceive, as hormonal disorders are one of the common causes of infertility. To establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive examination, which may include the following

1. Laboratory hormone tests: analysis of thyroid hormone levels, sex hormones, pituitary and adrenal hormones.
2. Ultrasound allows assessment of the condition of internal organs, including the ovaries, uterus, and thyroid gland.
3. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain to exclude pathologies of the pituitary and hypothalamus.
4. Additional examinations, depending on the clinical picture, tests may be prescribed to check for infections, biochemical blood analyses, and other tests.

Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor develops an individual treatment plan, which may include the following methods:

• Diet therapy correction of diet to normalize metabolism and weight.
• Vitamin therapy intake of necessary vitamins and minerals to restore hormonal balance.
• Treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases with antibacterial and antiviral therapy.
• Hormone therapy taking medications that help restore normal hormone levels.
• Surgical intervention in cases where hormonal disorders are caused by tumors, cysts, or other structural changes in organs.

Assistance from specialists at the "NatuVitro" clinic

The "NatuVitro" clinic employs endocrinologists, gynecologists, and reproductive specialists specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders in women. The joint work of specialists allows for the development of a comprehensive approach to solving the problem, which is particularly important for women considering pregnancy. In cases where hormonal disorders lead to infertility, the clinic offers modern assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), IVF with egg donation, and IVF with double donation.