Estrogen deficiency

Estrogen deficiency in a woman's body can cause quite serious disorders. Estrogen belongs to a subclass of steroid hormones produced by the follicular apparatus of the ovaries in women. The level of estrogens, starting from the appearance of the first menstruation and ending with the climacteric period, does not undergo significant changes, and after reaching the age of forty, women are subject to a decrease in this hormone in the body and the development of estrogen deficiency. This condition can lead to vasomotor and thermoregulatory instability, accompanied by hot flashes, arrhythmia, sleep disorders, increased sweating, irritability, headaches, and atrophy of the genitourinary organs. Due to a lack of estrogen in women in the post-climacteric period, a disease such as osteoporosis can develop, causing increased bone fragility.

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Causes estrogen deficiency

In fact, estrogen deficiency can occur at any age. With a lack of estrogen, there is a risk of infertility, the uterus and mammary glands decrease in size. The risk factors for the development of hormonal imbalance include the following:

• genetic predisposition (congenital deficiency or excess of any enzyme);
• stress and depressive states;
• long-term use of antidepressants and tranquilizers;
• excessive alcohol consumption;
• nicotine addiction (has a negative impact on the functioning of the ovaries);
• physical exhaustion, accompanied by excessively low weight, as a result of which the ovaries function worsens, menstruation may disappear.

Estrogen deficiency can be the cause of underdeveloped mammary glands, thin skin, high voice, decreased libido. The duration of the menstrual cycle can be less than twenty-eight days or more than 1-3 months, menstrual flow is usually not abundant and short-lived. With such a disorder as estrogen deficiency, hormonal correction is necessary, since such a condition can cause quite serious negative consequences.

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Symptoms estrogen deficiency

Estrogen deficiency can cause a disruption of the water balance in the body, which leads to intensive salt deposition. The skin loses its elasticity, becomes dry, wrinkles appear, and cellulite is formed. Since estrogen promotes the production of cholesterol, which is necessary for the normal distribution of fats, a decrease in its amount can cause vascular calcification - calcium salt deposits in any soft tissues or organs.

A decrease in the body's estrogen level causes severe discomfort. To prevent negative consequences in a timely manner, a woman should have her menstrual flow and saliva analyzed on the third day after ovulation. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient may be prescribed hormonal drugs, including ovestin (two to four tablets per day), dimestrol (administered intramuscularly, usually one injection per week at a dose of twelve milligrams (2 ml of solution), in case of atrophy of the mucous membranes of the urinary tract and vagina, estriol and colpotrophin (one suppository per day) are prescribed.

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Treatment estrogen deficiency

If signs of decreased estrogen levels in the body appear, you should consult an endocrinologist or gynecologist.

In case of estrogen deficiency, it is necessary to eat foods that stimulate the natural production of estrogens in the body. These include dairy products with a high fat content, legumes, meat, eggs, and cheese. It is also necessary to take a vitamin complex, including vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin K, as well as folic acid and fish oil. Products containing phytoestrogens, including soy, pumpkin, tomatoes, and beans, also contribute to the normalization of hormonal balance.

In women of childbearing age, estrogen deficiency most often makes itself known in the form of sudden mood swings, decreased sexual desire, menstrual cycle irregularities, painful periods, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and deterioration of the skin's appearance. To normalize the condition, hormonal oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone hormones in varying proportions are usually prescribed.

Estrogens quickly penetrate into the blood through the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and mucous membranes. They are metabolized in the liver quite quickly, so for a long-term effect, preference is given to drugs for intramuscular and transdermal injections.

There are also transdermal gels and patches (estramone, fem, estrogel), which are able to regulate the functioning of estrogens. This method of therapy in the treatment of estrogen deficiency maintains a stable concentration of the drug in the peripheral bloodstream. Patients taking estrogen-containing drugs, if any side effects occur, should immediately consult a doctor. When treating estrogen deficiency, in order to avoid the development of side effects, drugs should be prescribed in minimally effective doses (no more than 30-50 mcg per day).

Dosage and administration of drugs

1. Folliculin (administered intramuscularly at 5,000-10,000 IU daily or every other day (total course 10-15 injections)

2. Estradiol dipropionate (administered intramuscularly as a 0.1% oil solution, 1 ml once or twice a week)

3. Progynova (1 tablet per day for twenty-one days, it is advisable to take the drug at the same time)

4. Presomen (take 1 tablet once a day. In case of severe disorders, take two to three tablets a day during the first week, then 1 tablet once a day. After twenty days, take a seven-day break)

5. Sinestrol (prescribed orally at 0.5-1 mg. Intramuscular and subcutaneous use is also possible)

6. Dimestrol (estrastilbene D, dimethylestrogen). Oil solution 0.6% - ampoule 2 ml (12 mg per ampoule)

7. Ovestin (can be taken orally in the form of tablets or locally in the form of suppositories or cream - once a day. The effectiveness of the drug does not depend on the method of application)

In each case, depending on the course of the disease and the characteristics of the body, the duration of treatment and dosage of drugs are prescribed individually by the attending physician.