The estrogen estradiol

Estradiol - a female sex hormone, estrogen related to the group and is the most active of them. Estradiol is produced from the male sex hormone testosterone in women in the adrenal cortex, in the ovarian follicles (vesicles, which matures the egg) and placenta, men - in the seminal vesicles, the adrenal cortex and tissues. Stimulates the production of estrogen in women follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the pituitary gland (the main endocrine gland located in the brain).

The highest concentration of estradiol is observed in the urine of pregnant women, in the placenta and follicles. In nonpregnant women of childbearing age produces about 300-700 micrograms of estradiol per day. The content of estradiol in the blood of women with normal ovarian function during the menstrual cycle is changed as follows: in an early phase of maturation of the follicle estradiol concentration in the blood of a small to mid-cycle (the time of ovulation) gradually increased to three times, and then gradually reduced to the top next cycle reaches the initial level. If conception has occurred, the concentration of Estradiol is increasing. Raising and lowering serum estradiol levels during the menstrual cycle has the individual variation.

During pregnancy estradiol levels in the blood and increases gradually to the genera it becomes maximum after delivery in a few days it is reduced to normal values. As women age a decrease in the concentration of estradiol in the blood, and after menopause she becomes very low.

Main functions

Estradiol is involved in the formation of the body of the female type (including ensures the formation of subcutaneous fat on the female type), the development of secondary sexual characteristics of women, regulates the menstrual cycle (mainly in the first half), and particularly sexual behavior, and sexual desire of women.

Under the influence of this hormone and pituitary hormones in the ovaries mature egg. During pregnancy influenced estradiol uterus expands, it increases the number of blood vessels and increased blood flow. Estradiol promotes intensification of metabolic processes in the bone tissue, under its influence bone grow in length.

Estradiol promotes sodium and water retention in the body (largely by its effects appear swelling in pregnant women), increases blood svertyvemost (defensive reaction: during pregnancy - the body prevents excessive blood loss during menstruation and childbirth). Increased irritability Irritability - you try to control my temper   during pregnancy - it is also largely the result of exposure to estradiol.

Determination of the amount of estradiol in the blood

By quantity of estradiol in the blood is estimated the work of the ovaries. The amount of estradiol in the blood of women (as determined one week after the beginning of a new menstrual cycle) is determined in the menstrual cycle (including premenstrual syndrome), sterility, retarded puberty Puberty child - stages of a complex path   or, on the contrary, precocious puberty, uterine bleeding Uterine bleeding outside of menstruation - a sign of a serious breach   (including menopause), suspected ovarian tumors or pituitary gland, before the procedure of in vitro fertilization (IVF). In men, this analysis is carried out in the structure of the body of the female type and infertility, the cause of which is the lack of development (or absence) of sperm.

The increased amount of estradiol in the blood occurs when ovarian cysts and tumors Ovarian cysts and tumors: diagnosis and treatment , Tumors of the testicles in males, severe liver disease in violation of its functions, while taking certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives.

The reduced amount of estradiol in the blood occurs at high physical activity, fasting, low-calorie diet, rapid weight loss, under certain intoxications (for example, smoking), lagging in sexual development, in certain types of stunting, with insufficient development of pituitary hormones, when a female male structure of the body, chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital organs (including the prostate), the threat of termination of pregnancy.

Estradiol - one of the most important hormones, the amount it is important, both for men and for women.

  Galina Romanenko

Diagnostics

Increased secretion of thyroid hormone affects all types of metabolism, because the thyroid gland is one of the most important organs. On her turn, affect all the other endocrine glands, and in particular, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by long exposure to the sun, which is adversely affecting the endocrine system, contributing to the development of autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland Thyroid disease - women at risk . People who are prone to diseases of the thyroid gland can not sunbathe and receive physiotherapy to the neck.

Hyperthyroidism may be the first time at birth, younger, preschool and school age and adults. Predisposition to hyperthyroidism persists throughout life.

The thyroid gland and its main functions

The thyroid gland - a small degree (about twenty-five grams), which is on the front of the neck in front of the larynx and trachea. It distinguishes two lateral lobes and the isthmus. Glandular (secreting hormones) breast tissue is composed of follicles (vesicles), which is going to enter into the body with food iodine.

The thyroid hormones are produced tipeoidnye that affect all types of metabolism, and also for all organs and tissues. The main are two types of hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine (T4). These hormones are produced in the cells of the thyroid gland the iodine and tyrosine.

If a person does not get enough iodine from food and water, the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood drops. The main endocrine gland secretion of the pituitary gland regulates thyroid hormones by using its hormone thyrotropin. A production of TSH is regulated by hormones of the hypothalamus (part of the brain responsible for the operation of the whole endocrine system) and tireostatinom tireoliberinom.

Thyroid hormones enhance carbohydrate metabolism, increased glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, enhance the action of insulin (it helps tissues absorb glucose). Accelerating fat metabolism, especially fat breakdown, which promotes weight loss. Amplified and protein metabolism, so the increased secretion of thyroid hormone can appear symptoms of protein deficiency - fatigue, decrease in muscle. When hyperthyroidism increases the body's need for vitamins and oxygen.

How to diagnose

Diagnose hyperthyroidism possible using modern, accurate blood tests, the results of which are known, usually within one or two days. In hypothyroidism serum T3 and T4 in blood should be increased. In laboratory tests also determine the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland, and an object thereof is to stimulate the thyroid to it allocated their hormones. The pituitary gland constantly monitor the level of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormones: mechanism of action and physiological effects   and if notes slightest increase in their concentration in the blood ceases to produce TSH. Consequently, the low level of TSH suggests that the thyroid gland itself, without stimulation, it produces many hormones, which means that the patient has hyperthyroidism.

For the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is used such a test, the absorption of radioactive iodine. Since the thyroid gland absorbs iodine in normal to produce hormones to assess the functioning of the gland it is very useful to know how much it can absorb iodine. The dose of radiation received by the patient during this diagnostic procedure is very small and does not cause any side effects. This procedure helps to choose the optimal method of treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism include:

• determine the level of thyroid and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood - thyroxine Thyroxine - the main thyroid hormone   (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid stimulating hormone;
• ultrasound of the thyroid gland; during this study can evaluate the degree of increase of thyroid Increase in thyroid - that underlies the disease Reveal brush and small units;
• scintigraphy of the thyroid gland - a study that Policy Pay using radioactive iodine which selectively accumulates in the thyroid gland; This study is to determine the nature of goiter (toxic goiter, nodular goiter) and its function;
• Aspiration biopsy - to exclude malignant tumors; it is held by a thin needle, while from the thyroid gland content taken for analysis;
• computed tomography (CT) - it is sometimes performed to confirm the diagnosis, and a layered X-rays to produce three-dimensional picture of the thyroid gland; It is seen not only the shape and size of the thyroid gland, but also its relationship with other organs of the neck; You can see whether their squeezes enlarged thyroid gland.

Hyperthyroidism - is one of the most common disorders of the endocrine system.