What you need to know about hormones. Hormones perform very important functions in the human body.. Endocrine glands are systemically connected to each other and to other organs.. Therefore, any external intervention (in the form of hormonal drugs or blockers) will have certain consequences..

In any case, drugs with hormones should be prescribed only by a doctor, namely an endocrinologist or a gynecologist-endocrinologist, if we are talking about gynecological problems.

To begin with, let's deal with the main types of hormones and how they affect our body and its vital functions..

Estrogen.

It is considered a female hormone, although it is also produced in the male body, but in small quantities.. In women, it is synthesized by the ovaries. This hormone regulates the menstrual cycle, is responsible for secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.. Estrogen, among other things, is the hormone of youth and beauty, as it is largely responsible for the condition of the skin.. With a normal content, a woman feels great.

Progesterone.

The hormone responsible for the development of pregnancy. Progesterone prepares a woman for childbearing not only physically, but also psychologically.. Interestingly, the level of progesterone in the blood of a woman increases at the sight of a small child or even a doll that looks like a baby..

Prolactin.

This substance is produced by the pituitary gland (a small, pea-sized gland in the brain). The role of this hormone is in the development of the mammary glands and the production of milk during breastfeeding.. In addition, prolactin is a stress hormone, that is, it is intensively produced during overwork, psychological trauma, etc..

Testosterone.

It is considered a male hormone, but is also produced in the female body.. This is the most " To keep it normal, men need physical activity.. Testosterone, among other things, helps to endure pain, is responsible for body and facial hair and voice pitch (the more this hormone, the lower the voice). Other male hormones, like testosterone, are produced in the female body in small amounts..

When is hormonal therapy justified

In two cases, we can talk about the medical indications of hormones:.

•hormone deficiency affecting health and normal functioning;

• fight against autoimmune disease.

In the first case, hormone replacement therapy occurs, that is, the lack of a hormone is compensated by its external introduction into the body.. This is possible when, for example, any of the glands responsible for the production of hormones does not work well.. Side effects of this therapy are virtually non-existent..

In the second case, we are talking about the health or even the life of the patient.. Some autoimmune diseases are suppressed by high doses of hormonal drugs.. Of course, there are inevitable side effects..

Is there a relationship between the level of hormones in the blood and being overweight?

Hormonal preparations do contain gestagens, which can increase body weight.

Therefore, when undergoing hormonal treatment, the doctor is guided by the current weight of the patient: if there is excess weight, then drugs with a minimum content of progestogens should be selected..

In the case when hormone therapy occurs for thyroid disease, weight loss may occur.. Insulin and modern hormone-based contraceptives do not affect body weight.

Self-medication is unacceptable.

Never self-treat with hormonal drugs. Reckless pill taking can lead to trouble and health problems.

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