Did you know males and females share the same hormones? However, the amount of the same hormone produced in males is significantly different than the amount of same hormone produced in females? Females (women) and males (men) are uniquely different. This article highlights the hormones in females.
Hormones help regulate our body’s metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, sleep-wake cycles, and stress response. Hormones act as chemical messengers that communicate information between our organs and tissues to ensure proper functioning and coordination of their activities.
To maintain overall health and well-being, we need our hormones to perform optimally and in harmony with each other and our organs and tissues.
The primary hormones necessary for women are:
- Estrogen is responsible for the development of breast and the growth of pubic hair and regulating the menstrual cycle, which is the monthly process where the uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy. It also contributes to maintaining bone density. Estrogen affects mood, cognition, and skin health.
- Progesterone works with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterus for pregnancy. It helps thicken the uterine lining to make a suitable environment for a fertilized egg to develop. It is also involved in maintaining pregnancy.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and helps stimulate the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs. It plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and fertility.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) is also produced by the pituitary gland and works alongside FSH. It triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
- Prolactin is primarily known for its role in stimulating milk production in breastfeeding women. It also plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining reproductive function.
- Thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are regulate metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature.
- Testosterone plays a role in maintaining muscle mass and bone density, promoting sexual desire, and influencing mood and energy levels. It also supports the production of red blood cells and regulates certain aspects of the menstrual cycle.
Female hormones are crucial for reproductive health and overall well-being. Throughout a woman’s life, hormone levels fluctuate. Hormonal changes can cause various symptoms and changes in a woman’s body. Hormonal changes typically begin during the perimenopause phase of a woman’s life and in the 40s.
Perimenopause eventually leads to menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause typically occurs in women around their late 40s to early 50s and marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
Both perimenopause and menopause may include a time of irregular periods (they may be longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter than usual), hot flashes (sudden feelings of intense heat and sweating), night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in skin and hair, and emotional changes.
Hormonal changes can increase the risk of certain health conditions. These risks are primarily associated with the decline in estrogen levels, which has various effects on the body.
Following are some common health risks that may be associated with menopause:
- Osteoporosis: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, women become more susceptible to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. This increases the risk of fractures and bone-related injuries.
- Heart disease: Estrogen helps protect the heart and blood vessels, so its decline during menopause may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. Menopausal women may experience changes in cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, and a higher chance of developing cardiovascular problems.
- Weight changes: Many women notice weight changes during menopause. Hormonal changes, along with a decrease in muscle mass and a slower metabolism, can contribute to this weight changes. Weight changes can further increase the risk of other health conditions like diabetes and joint problems.
- Mood disorders: Menopause can bring about emotional and psychological changes. Some women may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even depression during this transition. Hormonal fluctuations, coupled with other life factors, can contribute to these mood disorders.
- Urinary incontinence: The decline in estrogen can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and lead to urinary incontinence or leakage. This can cause inconvenience and affect a woman’s quality of life.
- Sexual health changes: Vaginal dryness and decreased libido are common symptoms during menopause due to hormonal changes. These changes can impact a woman’s sexual health and may cause discomfort or a decline in sexual desire.
While menopause is a natural part of aging, the symptoms associated with it can be managed and treated with lifestyle adjustments, hormone replacement therapy, or other medications.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) refers to the use of hormones that are chemically identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. These hormones are derived from plant sources and are designed to closely match the structure of natural hormones.
Common BHRT options include:
- Bioidentical estrogen can be prescribed as oral tablets, transdermal patches, gels, creams, pellets, or sprays. It is available in various forms, including estradiol, estriol, and estrone. Bioidentical estrogen is typically used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
- Bioidentical progesterone is often used in combination with bioidentical estrogen in women with an intact uterus to protect against endometrial cancer. It can be prescribed as oral capsules, topical creams, pellets, or vaginal suppositories. Bioidentical progesterone is also used to manage symptoms such as sleep disturbances and mood changes.
- Bioidentical testosterone sometimes used in women to address symptoms related to low testosterone levels, such as low libido, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass. Bioidentical testosterone can be prescribed as transdermal patches, gels, pellets, or injections.
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone that can be converted to other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Bioidentical DHEA supplements are sometimes used in BHRT to help optimize hormone levels and support overall hormone balance.
Many consider hormone replacement therapy important because it provides relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. Replacing the declining levels of hormones may restore hormonal balance and improve quality of life for many women by preventing osteoporosis, maintaining cognitive function, and improving energy levels, mood, sexual function, and overall well-being.
While hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial, it is not without risks or side effects. It is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess individual health factors and determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan may also be necessary. Get a blood hormone panel assessing the levels of your hormones to provide helpful insight of how your hormones are processing.
Hormones play an important part in optimal functioning of our daily life and influence our daily life experiences. I encourage you to speak to your health provider to gain better insight regarding your hormones and how they impact your daily life experiences.
As seen in At Home Memphis and Midsouth July 2023: https://issuu.com/athometennessee/docs/july_2023/
Je, unajua kwamba wanaume na wanawake wana homoni zilezile? Hata hivyo, kiasi cha homoni hiyo hiyo inayotengenezwa katika wanaume ni tofauti sana na kiasi cha homoni hiyo hiyo inayotengenezwa katika wanawake? Wanawake (wanawake) na wanaume (wanaume) ni tofauti kabisa. Makala hii inazungumzia homoni za wanawake. Homoni husaidia kudhibiti kimetaboliki ya mwili wetu, ukuzi na maendeleo, uzazi, mzunguko wa usingizi-kuamka, na majibu ya mkazo. Hormoni ni wajumbe wa kemikali ambao huwasiliana na viungo vya mwili ili kuhakikisha utendaji sahihi na utaratibu wa shughuli zao. Ili kudumisha afya na ustawi wa jumla, tunahitaji homoni zetu kufanya kazi vizuri na kwa upatano na kila mmoja na viungo na tishu zetu. Hormon za msingi zinazohitajika kwa wanawake ni: Estrogeni ni wajibu kwa ajili ya maendeleo ya kifua na ukuaji wa nywele pubic na kudhibiti mzunguko wa hedhi, ambayo ni mchakato wa kila mwezi ambapo tumbo la uzazi hujitayarisha kwa mimba iwezekanavyo. Pia huchangia kudumisha unene wa mifupa. Estrojeni huathiri hali ya moyo, uwezo wa kutambua, na afya ya ngozi. - Progesterone hufanya kazi pamoja na estrogen ili kudhibiti mzunguko wa hedhi na kutayarisha tumbo la uzazi kwa ajili ya ujauzito. Husaidia kuimarisha uterasi ili kutokeza mazingira yanayofaa kwa ajili ya yai lililotengenezwa kwa mbegu. Pia inahusika katika kudumisha ujauzito. Hormon ya kuchochea follicle (FSH) hutengenezwa na pituitary gland na husaidia kuchochea ukuaji na kukomaa kwa follicles ya ovari, ambayo ina mayai. Ina jukumu muhimu katika mzunguko wa hedhi na uzazi. Luteinizing hormone (LH) hutengenezwa na pituitary gland na hufanya kazi pamoja na FSH. Inachochea ovulation, kutolewa kwa yai lililokomaa kutoka kwenye yai. - Prolactin inajulikana hasa kwa jukumu lake katika kuchochea uzalishaji wa maziwa katika wanawake wanaonyonyesha. Pia huchangia kudhibiti mzunguko wa hedhi na kudumisha uwezo wa uzazi. Hormoni za thyroid, thyroxine (T4) na triiodothyronine (T3), huongoza metabolism, viwango vya nishati, na joto la mwili. - Testosterone ina jukumu katika kudumisha misuli na mifupa wiani, kukuza hamu ya ngono, na kushawishi hali ya moyo na viwango vya nishati. Pia huchangia kutokezwa kwa chembe nyekundu za damu na kudhibiti mambo fulani ya mzunguko wa hedhi. Homoni za kike ni muhimu kwa afya ya uzazi na ustawi wa jumla. Katika maisha yote ya mwanamke, viwango vya homoni hubadilika-badilika. Mabadiliko ya homoni yanaweza kusababisha dalili mbalimbali na mabadiliko katika mwili wa mwanamke. Mabadiliko ya homoni huanza wakati wa kipindi cha perimenopause na katika miaka ya 40. Perimenopause ni kipindi cha miezi 12 ya mfululizo bila hedhi. Menopause kwa kawaida hutokea kwa wanawake karibu na miaka yao ya 40 hadi mapema miaka ya 50 na huashiria mwisho wa miaka ya uzazi wa mwanamke. Perimenopause na menopause inaweza kujumuisha kipindi cha hedhi isiyo ya kawaida (inaweza kuwa ndefu, fupi, nzito, au nyepesi kuliko kawaida), joto kali (hisia ya ghafla ya joto kali na jasho), jasho la usiku, mabadiliko ya hisia, ukame wa mkojo, kupungua kwa hamu ya ngono, uchovu, matatizo ya usingizi, mabadiliko ya ngozi na nywele, na mabadiliko ya kihisia. Mabadiliko ya homoni yaweza kuongeza hatari ya matatizo fulani ya afya. Hatari hizi zinahusiana hasa na kupungua kwa viwango vya estrogen, ambayo ina athari mbalimbali kwenye mwili. Kuna hatari kadhaa za kawaida za afya ambazo zinaweza kuhusishwa na menopause: - Osteoporosis: Estrogen ina jukumu muhimu katika kudumisha wiani wa mifupa. Kadiri viwango vya estrojeni vinavyopungua wakati wa kipindi cha kukoma kwa hedhi, ndivyo wanawake wanavyoweza kuathiriwa zaidi na ugonjwa wa mifupa, ambao husababisha mifupa kuwa dhaifu na dhaifu. Hilo huongeza hatari ya kuvunjika na majeraha yanayohusiana na mifupa. Estrogeni husaidia kulinda moyo na mishipa ya damu, kwa hiyo kupungua kwake wakati wa menopause kunaweza kuchangia kuongezeka kwa hatari ya ugonjwa wa moyo. Wanawake wanaopoteza msimu wa hedhi wanaweza kupatwa na mabadiliko katika viwango vya kolesteroli, kuongezeka kwa shinikizo la damu, na uwezekano mkubwa wa kupatwa na matatizo ya moyo na mishipa ya damu. - Mabadiliko ya uzito: Wanawake wengi huona mabadiliko ya uzito wakati wa menopause. Mabadiliko ya homoni, pamoja na kupungua kwa misuli na kupunguza mwendo wa kimetaboliki, yanaweza kusababisha mabadiliko hayo ya uzito. Mabadiliko ya uzito yanaweza kuongeza hatari ya matatizo mengine ya afya kama vile ugonjwa wa kisukari na matatizo ya viungo. - Matatizo ya hisia-moyo: Kipindi cha kukoma kwa hedhi chaweza kuleta mabadiliko ya kihisia-moyo na ya kisaikolojia. Wanawake fulani wanaweza kupatwa na mabadiliko ya hisia-moyo, kukasirika, wasiwasi, au hata kushuka moyo wakati wa badiliko hilo. Mabadiliko ya homoni, pamoja na mambo mengine ya maisha, yaweza kuchangia matatizo hayo ya hisia-moyo. - Ugonjwa wa kukosa umwagaji mkojo: Kupungua kwa estrogen kunaweza kudhoofisha misuli ya sakafu ya kitanda na kusababisha kukosa umwagaji mkojo au kuvuja. Hilo laweza kusababisha usumbufu na kuathiri hali ya maisha ya mwanamke. - Mabadiliko ya afya ya kingono: Ukame wa mkojo na kupungua kwa hamu ya ngono ni dalili za kawaida wakati wa menopause kutokana na mabadiliko ya homoni. Mabadiliko haya yanaweza kuathiri afya ya kingono ya mwanamke na yanaweza kusababisha usumbufu au kupungua kwa hamu ya ngono. Ingawa kukoma kwa hedhi ni sehemu ya kawaida ya kuzeeka, dalili zinazohusiana na kukoma kwa hedhi zaweza kudhibitiwa na kutibiwa kwa kurekebisha mtindo wa maisha, tiba ya badala ya homoni, au dawa nyingine. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) ni matibabu ya kimwili ambayo hutumia homoni zinazofanana na homoni zinazozalishwa na mwili wa binadamu. Hormoni hizo hutokana na mimea na zimetengenezwa kwa njia inayolingana sana na muundo wa homoni za asili. Chaguzi za kawaida za BHRT ni pamoja na: - Estrojeni ya bioidentical inaweza kuagizwa kama vidonge vya mdomo, patches za transdermal, gels, cream, pellets, au sprays. Inapatikana katika aina mbalimbali, kutia ndani estradiol, estriol, na estrone. Kwa kawaida estrojeni inayofanana na ya kibiolojia hutumiwa kupunguza dalili za menopause, kama vile joto, jasho la usiku, na ukame wa mkojo. - Bioidentical progesterone mara nyingi hutumiwa pamoja na bioidentical estrogen katika wanawake wenye tumbo la uzazi lisiloharibiwa ili kulinda dhidi ya kansa ya endometrial. Inaweza kuagizwa kama vidonge vya mdomo, krimu za kawaida, pellets, au suppositories za mkojo. Bioidentical progesterone pia hutumiwa kusimamia dalili kama vile matatizo ya usingizi na mabadiliko ya hisia. - Bioidentical testosterone wakati mwingine kutumika katika wanawake kushughulikia dalili zinazohusiana na viwango vya chini vya testosterone, kama vile libido ya chini, uchovu, na kupungua kwa misuli. Testosterone ya bioidentical inaweza kuagizwa kama patches transdermal, gels, pellets, au sindano. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) ni homoni ya awali ambayo inaweza kubadilishwa kuwa homoni nyingine, ikiwa ni pamoja na estrogen na testosterone. Bioidentical DHEA virutubisho ni mara kwa mara kutumika katika BHRT kusaidia kuboresha viwango vya homoni na kusaidia jumla ya homoni usawa. Wengi huona tiba ya kubadilisha homoni kuwa muhimu kwa sababu hutoa kitulizo cha dalili za menopause kama vile joto, jasho la usiku, mabadiliko ya hisia, ukame wa mkojo, na matatizo ya usingizi. Kuondoa viwango vya homoni vinavyopungua kunaweza kurudisha usawa wa homoni na kuboresha ubora wa maisha kwa wanawake wengi kwa kuzuia osteoporosis, kudumisha kazi ya utambuzi, na kuboresha viwango vya nishati, hali ya moyo, kazi ya ngono, na ustawi wa jumla. Ingawa tiba ya kubadilisha homoni yaweza kuwa yenye manufaa, ina hatari na madhara. Ni muhimu kujadili faida na hatari za uwezekano na mtaalamu wa huduma ya afya aliye na sifa ambaye anaweza kutathmini mambo ya afya ya mtu binafsi na kuamua mbinu ya matibabu inayofaa zaidi. Huenda ikawa lazima pia kufuatilia na kurekebisha mpango wa matibabu kwa ukawaida. Kupata kipimo cha homoni ya damu, ambayo inahesabu viwango vya homoni zako, hutoa ufahamu muhimu wa jinsi homoni zako zinavyotumiwa. Homoni huchangia sana utendaji bora wa maisha yetu ya kila siku na huathiri uzoefu wetu wa kila siku. Tafadhali wasiliana na daktari wako ili upate ufahamu zaidi kuhusu homoni zako na jinsi zinavyoathiri maisha yako ya kila siku. Katika kipindi cha At Home Memphis na Mid-South Julai 2023: https: www.athometennessee.com