The problem of infertility in women today is very acute. Various factors can provoke such a pathological condition. Estrogen-progesterone deficiency is often the cause of this problem, since these hormones underlie the mechanism for the onset and maintenance of pregnancy.
Phases of the menstrual cycle
Procreation is a natural ability of the female body, the implementation of which requires the coordinated interaction of all its organs and systems. Hormones play a major role here. To be able to become pregnant, gonadotropins produced by the pituitary gland are needed. It is they that affect the functionality of the ovaries, which, in turn, produce estrogen and progesterone.
Menstruation is the process of rejection of the endometrial layer of the uterus. After it ends, the first phase of the cycle begins. At this stage, oocytes mature. The value of estrogen in a woman's body at this stage is very high.
In the middle part of the cycle, ovulation occurs - the exit of matureeggs. In this period, the concentration of gonadotropins reaches its peak. Then the second phase begins: the luteal. The bubble from which the egg came out turns into a corpus luteum, which ensures the development of pregnancy at first. Here the main role belongs to progesterone.
Estrogen and progesterone provide not only the onset of pregnancy, but also its development at an early stage. Thanks to these hormones, the ability to lactate appears.
Functions of estrogen and progesterone
Both hormones are very important for women's he alth. Estrogen promotes the development of the mammary glands in girls, thinning the waist, expanding the pelvis. It is produced by the ovaries. The importance of estrogen in a woman's body is enormous. He is responsible for the regularity of the menstrual cycle, conception, development of the embryo, the process of giving birth to a baby. Its increased content is just as dangerous as its deficiency. Violation of its production contributes to an increase in body weight, the development of oncological tumors. Its production begins at puberty and ends at menopause.
The hormone progesterone in women, what it is already clear, is responsible for preparing the reproductive organs and the whole body for conception and pregnancy. It reduces the risk of miscarriage. If conception does not occur, then the level of progesterone decreases.
What is pathology?
Estrogen-progesterone deficiency is a violation of the production of estrogen in the follicular phase and progesterone in the luteal phase. Moreover, it is the deficiency of progesterone that causes more harm to the body.
Pathology occurs in 3-4% of all patients diagnosed with infertility. However, insufficiency is not a sentence. With timely treatment, the situation can be corrected.
As for the normal level of hormones, it depends on the age of the patient. The standard value of progesterone ranges from 0.3-30 ng / ml. As for estrogen, here the indicators are as follows: in girls under 11 years old - 5-20 pg / ml, in women under 50 years old - 5-300 pg / ml (the highest level during ovulation), and during menopause - 5-46 pg /ml.
Reason for development
Estrogen-progesterone deficiency develops due to exposure to factors such as:
- Too many hormones produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries.
- Violation of the functionality of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
- Too much prolactin.
- Pathology of the corpus luteum.
- Problems with the thyroid gland.
- Chronic pathologies of the reproductive organs.
- Avitaminosis, nutritional problems.
- Frequent abortions in the past.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Disorders of the psyche or the functionality of the nervous system.
- Long-term use of hormonal drugs.
Estrogen-progesterone deficiency is a serious problem that cannot be de alt with on your own. Only a thorough examination will determine the level of hormones, prescribe adequate treatment.
Symptoms of pathology
This is not to say that it is easy to identify the problem on your own. You need to listen carefully to your body. Symptoms of estrogen-progesterone deficiency are:
- Permanent underdevelopment of the endometrioid layer. As a result, conception cannot occur.
- Frequent spontaneous abortions.
- Permanent weakness, loss of strength.
- Decrease in body temperature.
- Meteorism.
- Headache.
- Depressive state.
- Sleep problems.
- Increased irritability.
- Impaired skin tone.
- Vaginal dryness, soreness during intercourse.
- Osteoporosis.
- Pain in the joints.
- Hair loss.
- Frequent bloating.
- Irregular menstruation, painful or scanty periods. With a lack of progesterone, women experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Pathologies of the functioning of the mammary glands.
A few days before the onset of menstruation or in the middle of the cycle, spotting appears. The risk factor is excessive physical activity, inflammation in the brain tissues. Frequent stress, emotional outbursts, infectious pathologies of any genesis can also provoke a problem.
Diagnosis of failure
If the norm of menstruation is violated in adult women or there are signs of a delaypuberty in girls, it is urgent to consult a gynecologist. Additionally, you will need to consult an endocrinologist and other narrow specialists.
Identification of the causes of estrogen-progesterone deficiency, as well as the degree of its complexity, is the main task of diagnosis. It provides for the following studies:
- Testing for estrogen, progesterone and other hormones. The patient's blood is being tested. An estrogen test is done on the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle. To accurately determine the level of progesterone, you need to conduct a study on the 21-22nd day, if the cycle duration is 28 days.
- Basal temperature measurement. You need to do this every day at the same time interval. The procedure is carried out in bed. To obtain accurate data, a thermometer is placed in the anus. The same measuring device is always used.
- Smear for urinary tract infections.
- U3I reproductive organs. The technique determines anatomical developmental defects. You also need to examine the thyroid gland with ultrasound.
- Hysteroscopy.
- Endometrial biopsy to rule out cancer.
Additionally, it is necessary to examine the brain.
Conservative Therapy
Treatment of estrogen-progesterone deficiency begins with replacement therapy. In the first phase, the patient is prescribed medications containing estrogen: Utrozhestan, Duphaston, Ovepol, Ovestin, Ovedon.
It is possible to restore the norm of menstruation with the use of additional methods of treatment:
- Acupuncture. Thanks to acupuncture, you can activate the receptors that are in the reproductive organs. Antioxidant tissue protection is also stimulated.
- Physiotherapy treatments. Electrophoresis with copper, magnetotherapy, phonophoresis with the use of vitamin E are useful here.
- Reduce physical activity. At the time of treatment, a woman must remain calm. Intensive sports training is prohibited.
- Chorionic gonadotropin. You can buy it by prescription in the form of a powder for injection. The duration of therapy, as well as the dosage of the drug, is determined by the doctor. It is impossible to change the rate of the drug on your own or stop taking it - this will further unbalance the hormonal system.
Lack of progesterone in women will help eliminate spa treatment. It is especially useful for patients with inflammation of the genitourinary system.
Folk treatment
Treatment of estrogen-progesterone deficiency with folk remedies is effective if the conditions and their applications are met. The following remedies are used to increase estrogen levels:
- Aromatic oils. They normalize the general condition of a woman. Geranium, lavender, fennel and basil oils will be useful.
- Tea hibiscus.
- Flax seeds. They can be taken with food or on their own. Seeds contain a large number of useful substances that improve the overallthe state of the body, as well as stabilize the hormonal background. You need to eat them in half a cup. After consulting a doctor, the dosage can be slightly increased.
- Aloe juice. Leaves should be refrigerated for several days. After a few days, you need to squeeze the juice and drink a teaspoon three times a day.
- Young nettle. It must be collected in the spring. Dried raw materials must be crushed, poured into a thermos and pour boiling water. The remedy is infused during the day. The liquid is used three times a day in a sip.
Progesterone can be increased using these tools:
- Raspberry leaves. Pre-dried raw materials in the amount of 2 tbsp. l. you need to pour 2 cups of boiling water. It will take 1 hour to infuse. Take the medicine in small sips throughout the day.
- Wild yam. It should be mixed with raspberry leaves in equal proportions. Further, 1 tbsp. l. the mixture is poured into a glass of freshly boiled water. The liquid is infused for several hours. The medicine is used three times a day for a tablespoon.
- Psyllium seeds and cuff herb. Requires 1 tsp. the first component and 1 tbsp. l. second. This mixture is steamed 1 stack. boiling water and taken three times a day for a tablespoon.
- Red brush. To prepare the medicine, 100 g of raw materials and 1 liter of vodka (moonshine can be used) are required. The remedy should be infused for a month in a place where access to direct sunlight is closed. It should be taken three times a day for 40 drops. For ease of use, the tincture is diluted with a small amount of water. Inwhile infusing, the mixture should be shaken periodically.
- Upland uterus. It is necessary to pour 50 ml of raw materials into 0.5 liters of vodka or alcohol and keep in a dark place for 2 weeks. The dosage is 30 drops three times a day. Drink the medicine half an hour before meals.
- Potentilla goose. It is required to pour 20 g of crushed raw materials with boiling water and additionally boil over low heat for 15 minutes. After that, the product should be left under the lid until it cools completely. After straining the medicine, you need to drink it half a glass 4 times a day before meals.
Also, to normalize the general hormonal background, you can use the following tools:
- Hop cones. Raw materials must be thoroughly washed, poured with cold water and boiled over low heat for 20-30 minutes. After the product has cooled down, you can use it 0.5 cups up to 4 times a day.
- Rose hips and lemon balm leaves. Both components are combined in equal amounts, poured with hot water and boiled over low heat for 40 minutes. You can drink the remedy instead of tea twice a day.
You need to start treatment with folk remedies if the patient has no contraindications. Do not use herbal medicines if the person has:
- There is an allergic reaction or intolerance to some components in the body.
- Period of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Chronic pathologies in the acute stage.
- Long-term use of hormonal drugs.
- Pathologies of the intestines or stomach.
- Presence of blood clots in blood vessels.
Herbs should not be consumed if the woman has a hormone-dependent tumor or unstable blood pressure.
Diet
To normalize hormone levels and prevent malfunction of the body, you need to eat right. If you eat legumes daily, you can increase the level of female hormones.
The natural source of estrogen is fruits and vegetables. It is better to include in the menu those foods that contain vitamins E and C. Tomatoes and pumpkin are included in the diet. Phytoestrogens are present in spinach, strawberries. Grapes have a positive effect on the hormonal system.
Dairy products will help improve the condition of a woman's body, regardless of their type. Flaxseed oil should be taken as food. It contains phytoestrogens.
Natural soy products give a good effect. They activate the work of the ovaries, lower the level of cholesterol in the blood. But it's hard to find non-GM foods on the market right now.
To increase estrogen levels, you can use the following products:
- Chicken, rabbit, turkey.
- Hard cheeses.
- Nuts.
- Green tea.
- Chicken egg yolk,
- Vegetable oil: olive, sesame.
- Seafood.
Proper nutrition is one of the components of pathology therapy.
Prevention
In order to prevent a decrease in hormone levels, you need to observesuch preventive measures:
- Enrich your diet with oily marine fish.
- Eat enough fruits, vegetables, greens.
- Reduce the amount of foods containing hormones in the menu.
- Quit smoking, drinking alcohol and other bad habits.
- Reduce coffee and strong black tea.
- Don't overwork.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid stress, emotional tension.
- Have a regular sex life with a regular partner.
- Reduce sweets.
In order for the body to succumb to stressful situations less, it is necessary to spend enough time on rest. You need to go to bed between 21 and 22 hours.
Lack of progesterone and estrogen in the body leads to serious violations of its functionality. Before starting therapy, you should consult with your doctor. Self-medication will only further disrupt an already fragile hormonal system.
