Estrogen - the most important female hormones, which are responsible for implementing a variety of functions in the body, both women and men. There are several types of estrogens, but often, when they are all in mind, the term "estrogen" is used in singular.

Estrogen

Estrogen is produced primarily in the ovaries. His secrete follicle and corpus luteum - after mature egg enters the fallopian tube, and placenta - during pregnancy. Luteinizing hormone, which is produced in the anterior pituitary gland, ovaries gives signals that they produce estrogen. With age, the luteinizing hormone stimulates the ovaries are less, and the level of estrogen decreases.

Estrogen synthesis starts with the transformation of cholesterol into androstenedione - substance having mild androgenic properties. Androstenedione is converted to testosterone, and he, in turn, to estrone and estradiol - a form of estrogen. The catalyst for the process of conversion of androstenedione to estrogen is an enzyme of the adrenal glands - aromatase.

Estrogen levels change during the menstrual cycle, and is the highest just before ovulation.

Small amounts of estrogen produced in the liver, adrenals and breast cancer. These secondary sources of estrogen are especially important for women who have menopause.

Cells adipose tissue also belong to a secondary source of estrogen. This is the main reason that the likelihood of infertility is high in women with too little and too much weight: the excess or shortage of estrogen is bad for fertility.

Functions of estrogen

The main objective of estrogen - the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, since the period of fetal development. This hormone is responsible for the growth of breast and endometrial, and is also involved in regulating the menstrual cycle. Due to estrogen produced by vaginal lubrication, vaginal wall and compacted. The level of estrogen in a woman's body is as high as possible in the interval between menarche (first period) and menopause.

Estrogen slow resorption (destruction) of bone, and it promotes the formation of new cells. They are involved in the process of protein synthesis, increases the level of beneficial cholesterol (HDL), and lower levels of LDL-cholesterol. At the same time, estrogen promotes the deposition of fat and a decrease in the volume of muscle tissue (precisely because of sex hormones in men and women different ratio of muscle and adipose tissue).

Estrogen may stimulate the growth of certain types of cancer, including - breast cancer.

It is believed that estrogen is important for the mental health of women. The sudden drop in estrogen levels in the blood often coincides with the emergence of a variety of psychological problems. Low estrogen levels after childbirth, during the pre-menopausal Premenopausal women - one step in a woman's life   and after menopause, may contribute to the development of depression Depression - a little more than a bad mood .

Already many years ago, it became clear that estrogen is an important substance for skin health. They improve the composition and quality of the collagen fibers increased the density of the skin and improves blood circulation in the skin.

Estrogen deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease, atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis. In the male body, estrogens are responsible for spermatogenesis and metabolism of cholesterol; they also increase bone density.

Estrogen in medicine

Estrogen is a component of many of hormonal contraceptives. These drugs reduce the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone, and prevent ovulation. Most hormonal contraceptives contain the synthetic estrogen and progestin. In modern contraceptive pills generally contain from 20 to 50 .mu.g of estrogen - a safe dose for most women. The first combined oral contraceptives, which will be available a few decades ago, contained much more estrogen; reception of contraceptives has been associated with an increased risk of blood clots and heart disease and stroke. Current hormonal contraceptives are much safer, although they may cause various side effects.

Estrogen and other hormones used for hormone replacement therapy to prevent osteoporosis and relieve menopausal symptoms such as menopausal hot flashes, vaginal dryness Vaginal dryness: Causes and Symptoms , Urinary incontinence, dizziness, fatigue, irritability Irritability - you try to control my temper   and sweating.

Women who started taking drugs with estrogen for hormone replacement therapy for three years after the onset of menopause, and took them, in total, over 5-10 years, significantly reduced the risk of fractures in the elderly. Hormone therapy lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. On this basis, scientists have suggested that supplementation with estrogen after menopause reduces the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis in the future.

Estrogen is part of ointments, which are used for the treatment of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women. Studies have shown that estrogen can be used for the treatment of bulimia, certain liver diseases and in certain circumstances, for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Estrogens (phytoestrogens including - phytochemicals with estrogenic properties) are also present in some cosmetics, but their use for skin care is currently considered unsafe.

The word "menopause" comes from the Greek words for "month" and "stop" and refers to the end of the menstrual cycle, is considered by some throughout history as a process taking place under the influence of the moon. The moon can influence or affect the female periods, but estrogen is definitely affected.

As we age, our bodies begin to produce less estrogen, which leads to irregular menstruation or lack thereof. It may also occur after hysterectomy Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) - a terrible need   and both ovaries, then it is said to surgical menopause. Non-surgical menopause usually occurs around the age of fifty years, plus or minus five years. It is impossible, however, for this to happen at the age of thirty-five or closer to seventy.

Symptoms of Menopause

You may have only some of these symptoms or even none at all.

• Hot flushes (up to twenty times a day);
• Mood swings;
• Depression;
• Irregular, heavy or light menstruation;
• Bad dream;
• Night sweats;
• Decreased sex drive;
• Vaginal dryness;
• Nausea;
• Bladder infections;
• Heartbeat.

Health risks and substitution treatment

Once installed, what your symptoms are the symptoms of menopause, you will help your doctor to determine whether your increase to lower the estrogen Estrogen - the key to bone health   the risk of health problems such as osteoporosis or heart disease.

If it is determined that the risk increases, you can begin to estrogen replacement therapy or hormone replacement therapy. These treatments have their pros and cons and should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor before making a decision. You need to take into account things like your age, ethnicity (race), personal and family history. If you have certain types of cancer or liver disease, for example, you should not take estrogen.

Regular exercise and calcium supplements may be the best way to prevent osteoporosis in some cases.

How to deal with early menopause

• During the day, light clothing made from natural fibers and / or layered clothing can help reduce hot flashes.
• Portable fans can provide additional comfort.
• Before bedtime Dreams: how to understand our dreams   Avoid caffeine and hot, spicy food.
• Sleep naked or in clothes made of cotton can help reduce discomfort from night sweats.
• Lubricants vaginal funds can mitigate any discomfort or vaginal dryness that you may occur during intercourse.
• Support groups for women who have gone through or are going through menopause can benefit.

Despite the side effects of menopause, life must go on just as it was before. Continue to use birth control if you do not want to get pregnant until you're sure (requires confirmation of a doctor) that you can no longer conceive.

Many women find that after menopause life (about a year after their last menstrual period) becomes more free, because there is no more need to worry about pregnancy or menstruation - and there is more time to focus on new areas such as the health and well health.

Take care of health after menopause

• Make mammography. It is performed every two years between the ages of forty and fifty years old, and once a year after fifty.
• Eat more calcium-rich foods such as dark green vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
• Exercise regularly Myths about exercise: do not believe   and reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet.

A new beginning

Whatever we do, it is important to remember that menopause is not the end of life. For many women, this is the beginning of a new life - you are free from worries about pregnancy and about what others might think of you. These are important years of your life, they are full of possibilities - to enrich your personal relationships, learn new skills, find new hobbies, and if you want to reconsider who you are and how you are contributing to the world around.