Hormonal changes in adolescent boys. Hormones in children: how to recognize disorders

Hormones play an important role in the proper maturation of the body. They are responsible for the growth of the body, mental development, puberty. Therefore, endocrine disorders in childhood lead not only to various diseases, but also to developmental delays, which simply cannot be compensated for in adulthood. IllnessNews will tell you what symptoms should alert parents and become a reason for examination by an endocrinologist.

Growth hormone (somatotropin) is responsible for the growth of bones in length - it is under its influence that children “stretch out” literally in a matter of months. Of course, growth is determined not only by hormonal influences, but also by heredity. But parents should still carefully monitor the child’s health if active growth is not observed during certain periods.

Basic parameters of the increase:

• 1st year of life - body length increases by 25-30 cm.
• 2nd year - up to 12 cm.
• 3rd year - approximately 6 cm.
• 10-14 years (for girls) - about 8-12 cm.
• 12-16 years (for boys) - 10-14 cm.

The activation of growth hormone and sex hormones during adolescence is called the pubertal spurt, during which body length can increase by 20%. Such a sharp increase in the length of bones is only possible when they still have “growth zones” - specific cartilage tissue at the ends. After it ossifies completely, the activation of somatotropin can lead to the growth of bones in width and their deformation, but will no longer be able to significantly affect the growth of the child. Therefore, if body length does not increase properly, you need to contact an endocrinologist as soon as possible.

Risk of diabetes in children

Doctors distinguish 2 types of diabetes. The first (insulin dependent, complete lack of the hormone insulin) most often manifests itself in childhood, as it is associated with the pathology of the pancreas. The second (insulin resistance - the immunity of cells to the hormone), on the contrary, is considered an acquired disease and more often develops in adults who are obese and have an unhealthy diet. However, doctors note that last years Type 2 diabetes has become significantly younger and is now found even in schoolchildren.

Risks of developing the disease:

• Type 1 diabetes: 2-5% - if the mother is sick, 5-6% - if the father is sick, 15-20% - if both parents are sick.
• Type 2 diabetes: the onset of insulin resistance after 40 years in 50% if one of the parents was sick. Moreover, the key factor is not so much heredity as eating habits and lifestyle.

Therefore, if there are diabetics in the family, it is important to pay maximum attention to the child’s healthy diet and exercise. Consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary for the following symptoms:

• Sudden weight loss or gain.
• Constant feeling of thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Itchy skin, poorly healing wounds.
• Slow recovery after ARVI or other infectious diseases.
• Changes in character: fatigue, drowsiness or, conversely, irritability.

Thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4) significantly influence the growth and development of the child. It is with them, in particular, that it is connected mental development, they also interact with somatotropin and sex hormones. In fact, disruptions in the synthesis of T3 and T4 affect the child’s health as a whole; moreover, these are the types of endocrine disorders that occur most often. For example, congenital hypothyroidism (lack of hormones) is observed in 1 out of 4000 newborns in the Russian Federation. Thyrotoxicosis (hyperfunction of the thyroid gland) is more often diagnosed in adolescents.

Such endocrine disorders may initially appear general symptoms deterioration of health. With hypothyroidism, a child is characterized by:

• Fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness.
• Learning problems, poor assimilation of information, difficulty remembering.
• Weight gain.
• Slow growth (thyroid-stimulating hormones affect growth hormone).
• Fragility, thinning hair.
• Swelling (especially swelling of the face).

For thyrotoxicosis:

• Irritability, tearfulness, often aggressiveness.
• Enlargement of the neck (goiter).
• Bulging eyes.
• Unhealthy thinness, weight loss with normal appetite.
• Dry thin skin.

Signs of impaired synthesis of sex hormones

Sex hormones become active starting at the age of 8-10, and by the age of 12-14 their influence is clearly visible in the development of the child. In boys, puberty occurs several years later than in girls. Sex hormones are very important not only for fertility function, but also for proper development body. Their shortage can even affect mental abilities child, children with such endocrine disorders often experience developmental delays. Moreover, the synthesis of estrogens and androgens is closely related to the production of thyroid hormones, the functioning of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands and other organs of the endocrine system. Therefore, such hormonal imbalances are often a sign of serious diseases. Delayed sexual development may be a consequence of hypothyroidism, and excessive production of hormones may generally indicate the presence of tumors.

Warning symptoms that parents should pay attention to:

• Secondary sexual characteristics appear before the age of 8 (in girls) and before the age of 9 (in boys).
• Secondary sexual characteristics do not appear until 14-15 years of age. For example, a boy’s voice does not become rough, and a girl does not begin menstruation.
• Marked growth retardation compared to peers of the same sex.
• Only some of the secondary sexual characteristics are observed. For example, in girls only pubic hair appears (may be a symptom of an adrenal tumor), but their figure does not change, the mammary glands do not enlarge, and menstruation does not begin.

The listed symptoms should be the reason for a complete examination of the child by an endocrinologist. The doctor conducts a physical examination: hormonal imbalances are reflected in appearance, so often already at this stage a specialist may suspect possible disorders. But laboratory tests are required to confirm the diagnosis. Among standard procedures The following diagnostics are carried out:

• Blood tests for hormones (sex hormones, TSH hormone, responsible for the synthesis of T3 and T4).
• X-ray of the hands and wrist joints (the size of the bone growth zones is checked). An important study when choosing treatment for growth hormone deficiency.
• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
• Additional examinations of the endocrine system. They are carried out when there is excessive production of hormones to identify possible tumors.

The importance of the normal state of hormonal levels is difficult to overestimate, since the endocrine system has a decisive influence on many functions of the central nervous system (emotions, feelings, memory, physical and intellectual performance), and is also involved in the regulation of the work of all vital organs.

Initially, “hormonal failure” was the name given to the pathology of the endocrine system in women, which was clinically manifested primarily by menstrual irregularities.

However, recently the phrase " hormonal disbalance" is used to refer to various kinds of troubles associated with disorders of endocrine regulation in men.

The fact is that, despite all the differences in the structure of the reproductive system, hormonal imbalances cause both men and women to have many similar symptoms that have a systemic manifestation (disorders of central nervous activity, obesity, osteoporosis, the development of severe diseases of the cardiovascular system and etc.).

Causes of hormonal imbalance in women and men

So, according to their origin, all factors of hormonal imbalance can be divided into:
1. Causes associated with disturbances of central regulation.
2. Causes due to pathology of peripheral glands (infectious and inflammatory diseases, congenital hypoplasia (underdevelopment), tumors, injuries, etc.).

Disturbances in the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, in turn, can be caused by its direct organic damage (severe traumatic brain injury, tumor, encephalitis), or by the indirect influence of unfavorable external and internal factors(chronic fatigue syndrome, general exhaustion of the body, etc.).

In addition, the general hormonal background is strongly influenced by endocrine glands that are not directly related to reproduction. This is especially true for the adrenal cortex and thyroid gland.

The causes of hormonal imbalance can be nervous or physical stress, acute infectious diseases, vitamin deficiency. According to statistics, practically healthy girls studying on an intensive schedule (lyceums, gymnasiums, etc.) are at risk.

Clinically, JUM is uterine bleeding that develops in girls during puberty (usually within 2 years after the first menstruation), after a delay in the next menstruation for a period of two weeks to several months.

Such bleeding is usually profuse and leads to severe anemia. Sometimes SMCs are not abundant, but long-lasting (10-15 days).

Severe repeated bleeding can be complicated by an imbalance between the coagulation and anticoagulation systems of the blood (DIC), against the background of which the bleeding intensifies even more - this condition poses an immediate threat to life and requires emergency medical care.

Signs of hormonal imbalance in women of reproductive age

Amenorrhea

According to the mechanism of occurrence they distinguish:
1. Amenorrhea of ​​central origin.
2. Amenorrhea associated with dysfunction of the adrenal cortex.
3. Amenorrhea caused by ovarian pathology.

Amenorrhea of ​​central origin can be caused by severe mental trauma, as well as physical exhaustion caused by prolonged illness or nutritional factors (prolonged fasting). In addition, direct damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary system is possible due to injuries, infectious-inflammatory or oncological processes.

In such cases, hormonal imbalance occurs against a background of nervous and physical exhaustion, and is accompanied by symptoms of bradycardia, hypotension, and anemia.

Amenorrhea can also be one of the manifestations of Itsenko-Cushing syndrome. In such cases, hormonal imbalance leads to severe damage to many organs and systems. Patients have very specific appearance: Cushingoid obesity (moon-shaped purplish-red face, fat deposits on the neck and upper body with atrophy of the muscles of the limbs), male-pattern hair growth, purple stretch marks on the body. In addition, arterial hypertension and osteoporosis are characteristic, and glucose tolerance is reduced.

Itsenko-Cushing syndrome indicates overproduction of adrenal hormones, so its cause may be neoplasms that secrete these hormones, or pituitary tumors that stimulate the synthesis of steroids in the adrenal glands.

However, the so-called functional hypercortisolism (pseudo-Cushing syndrome) occurs quite often, when the cause of hormonal imbalance is functional disorders of the neuroendocrine system associated with obesity, alcoholism, and neuropsychiatric diseases.

Most common cause ovarian amenorrhea is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can occur under the influence of stress factors such as the onset of sexual activity, abortion, childbirth, etc. In addition to amenorrhea, the leading symptom of hormonal imbalance in PCOS is obesity, reaching the second or third degree, as well as male-pattern hair growth (on the upper lip, chin, and inner thighs). Very characteristic signs are also dystrophy of the skin and its appendages (striae on the skin of the abdomen, chest and thighs; brittle nails, hair loss). Subsequently, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders develop - there is a tendency to develop atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

In this case, the normal periodicity of the menstrual cycle is disrupted, and a predisposition to malignant neoplasms of the endometrium arises. The ability to conceive and carry a child normally is reduced in women with DUB.

This kind of hormonal imbalance most often occurs after 30 years, but it can also develop in young girls. The causes of PMS are not fully understood. Hereditary predisposition is of great importance (the family nature of the pathology is often traced). Provoking factors are often abortions, severe nervous shock, and infectious diseases.

Risk factors for the development of PMS are exposure to stress and physical inactivity (living in big cities, intellectual work, sedentary lifestyle), as well as unhealthy diet, chronic gynecological diseases and damage to the central nervous system (trauma, neuroinfections).

PMS gets its name from the time of occurrence: symptoms appear a few days before the onset of menstruation, reach a maximum on the first day of menstrual bleeding, and completely disappear with the end. However, in severe cases, progression of PMS is observed - its duration increases, and the light intervals decrease.

Conventionally, all symptoms of PMS can be divided into several groups:
1. Neurosis-like disorders: irritability, tendency to depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance (drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night).
2. Migraine-like syndrome: severe headache, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
3. Signs of metabolic disorders (swelling of the face and limbs).
4. Symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia (lability of pulse and blood pressure, flatulence).

In severe cases, vegetative-vascular disorders occur as sympathoadrenal crises (unmotivated attacks of fear of death, accompanied by increased blood pressure and increased heart rate, ending with copious urination). Such crises indicate involvement of the adrenal medulla in the process.

Most women complain of increased sensitivity to odors and painful engorgement of the mammary glands. Often there are disorders of various organs and systems (heart pain, slight increase in body temperature, itchy skin, allergic manifestations).

Today, the list of symptoms of hormonal imbalance during PMS has exceeded 200 items, but psycho-emotional disorders are the most common. At the same time, depression is more typical for young women, and irritability is more typical for mature women.

Hormonal imbalance in women after abortion

General rule: with abortions in first-time mothers, the likelihood of complications is much higher, regardless of the method of terminating the pregnancy. Of course, the earlier the intervention was performed, the lower the risk.

But if we are talking about medical abortion, then in this case hormonal disruption occurs during the intervention itself. That is why, after a medical abortion, a course of hormonal therapy is required to restore the cycle.

Normally, the menstrual cycle should resume one month after the abortion. If this does not happen, you should immediately consult a doctor.

In addition, symptoms of hormonal imbalance after an abortion are:

• weight gain;
• the appearance of stretch marks on the skin;
• symptoms from the nervous system (irritability, headache, fatigue, depression);
• instability of blood pressure and pulse, sweating.

Hormonal imbalance in women after childbirth

Weight gain after childbirth during lactation is physiological - it is a side effect of hormones that stimulate milk production. Therefore, lactating women can only be advised to move more, and also to exclude easily digestible high-calorie foods (sweets, baked goods, etc.). During lactation, diets are contraindicated.

As a rule, after a period of feeding, weight gradually decreases as hormonal levels return to normal.

If during the post-lactation period, despite dietary restrictions and normal physical activity, your weight does not return to normal, you can suspect the presence of a hormonal imbalance.

Thus, you should consult a doctor in cases where the following symptoms are observed after childbirth and the end of the lactation period:

• unmotivated weight gain;
• signs of virilization (male pattern hair growth);
• irregular menstrual cycle, spotting bleeding between periods;
• symptoms of neurosis (headaches, irritability, drowsiness, etc.).

Such a hormonal imbalance after childbirth can be triggered by various unfavorable factors: stress, acute infectious diseases, exacerbation of chronic somatic ailments, gynecological pathology, overwork.

Signs of hormonal imbalance in women during menopause

However, physiological decline of reproductive function today is less common than the so-called menopausal syndrome - a symptom complex caused by hormonal imbalance.

According to the time of onset, all symptoms of pathological menopause are divided into the following groups:
1. Early - appear two to three years before menopause (complete cessation of menstruation).
2. Delayed - develops over two to three years after menopause.
3. Late - occur five or more years after menopause.

Early signs include the most characteristic symptom of hormonal imbalance during menopausal syndrome - the so-called hot flashes, which are attacks of heat, especially strongly felt in the face.

Other early symptoms pathological menopause is in many ways similar to the signs of hormonal imbalance during premenstrual syndrome: psychoemotional disorders (irritability, depression, increased fatigue), vegetative-vascular pathology (palpitations, lability of blood pressure, pain in the heart), possible attacks of headaches reminiscent of migraines.

Delayed symptoms associated with deficiency female hormones– estrogens. Estrogen deficiency causes dystrophic lesions of the skin and its appendages.

These processes, as a rule, are most pronounced in relation to the mucous membranes of the female genital organs, and lead to the development of a complex of urogenital disorders (vaginal dryness, drooping of its walls, pain during sexual intercourse, discomfort during urination, urinary incontinence), in severe cases they occur inflammatory processes (cystitis, vulvovaginitis).

In addition, increased dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss are often observed.

Late symptoms of hormonal imbalance during pathological menopause are signs of a gross disorder metabolic processes. The most typical are systemic osteoporosis, disorders of lipid metabolism (vascular atherosclerosis) and carbohydrate metabolism (decreased glucose tolerance, development of type 2 diabetes mellitus).

The causes of hormonal imbalances during pathological menopause are not fully understood. However, the importance of hereditary predisposition has been proven. As provoking factors, stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, bad habits(smoking, frequent alcohol abuse).

The risk group for the development of pathological menopause includes women with the following pathologies:
1. Neuroendocrine disorders: premenstrual syndrome, toxicosis of pregnancy and dysfunctional uterine bleeding in the anamnesis.
2. Diseases of the central nervous system: neuroinfections, neuroses, mental illnesses.
3. Gynecological pathologies: chronic inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, endometriosis.
4. Complicated obstetric history: abortions, miscarriages, difficult births.

Causes of hormonal imbalance in men

Interestingly, for the normal functioning of the male body, female sex hormones (estrogens) are also needed, so the blood of a healthy man contains more estrogens than the blood of a woman during menopause.

Clinical studies have proven that it is estrogens that ensure normal libido (sexual desire decreases with both an excess and a lack of female sex hormones in men). In addition, estrogens are responsible for normal sperm maturation and cognitive abilities, and also influence lipid metabolism. Another important function of estrogens is to ensure normal calcium metabolism in the bones.

Most of the estrogens in the male body are formed as a result of the transformation of testosterone in the liver and adipose tissue. Only a small percentage is synthesized directly in the gonads.

In men, as well as in women, the regulation of the activity of the gonads is coordinated with the help of a complex hypothalamic-pituitary system.

Thus, hormonal imbalances in men can occur as a result of direct damage to the testicles (congenital anomalies, trauma, infectious and inflammatory processes, etc.) and when the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system is disrupted. Accordingly, primary and secondary hypogonadism are distinguished (primary and secondary insufficiency of production of male sex hormones).

Secondary hypogonadism (hormonal deficiency of central origin) in men occurs for the same reasons as in women (tumors of the hypothalamic-pituitary zone, trauma, neuroinfections, congenital malformations).

In addition, hormonal imbalance in men may be associated with an increase in the formation of estrogen from testosterone. This often happens during chronic intoxication, when the metabolism of androgens in the liver is disrupted and their transformation into estrogens increases (chronic alcoholism, drug use, professional contact with certain poisons, exposure to radiation).

Less commonly, deficiency of male hormones can be caused by endocrine pathologies (hyperthyroidism), hormone-active tumors, severe damage to the liver and kidneys, occurring with intoxication (uremia, liver failure).

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance in men

Puberty

Precocious sexual development (PPD) in boys is usually associated with neoplasms of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Constitutional early sexual development also occurs. With PPD, secondary sexual characteristics in boys appear before the age of 7-8 years, increased growth is observed, which suddenly stops in adolescence due to premature ossification of bone growth zones.

There are also false PPR associated with pathology of the adrenal cortex. In such cases, it is combined with obesity and other signs of metabolic disorders. A similar clinical picture develops when eating foods containing large amounts of hormones (milk and meat from animals that have been stimulated with steroid drugs).

Delayed sexual development (DPD) in boys is said to occur when development is delayed by more than two years compared to the average period. Hormonal imbalance in such cases is most often associated with damage to the central nervous system (trauma, infection, intoxication, etc.), endocrine pathology (obesity, thyroid pathology) or severe chronic diseases that lead to general exhaustion of the body.

When making a diagnosis of mental retardation, differential diagnosis should be made with hypogonadism (primary or secondary), and also take into account the possibility of constitutional mental retardation (hereditary developmental features in healthy children).

Symptoms of hormonal imbalances in men of reproductive age

• gynecomastia (enlarged mammary glands);
• obesity;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• decreased libido, sexual and reproductive disorders.

Signs of hormonal imbalance during menopause in men

With pathological menopause in men, as well as in women, symptoms of disorders of higher nervous activity come first:

• irritability;
• fast fatiguability;
• mood lability with a tendency to depression;
• tearfulness;
• low self-esteem;
• feeling of uselessness;
• panic attacks;
• decreased cognitive and creative abilities.

Hormonal imbalance is manifested by symptoms characteristic of relative hyperestrogenemia: mammary glands enlarge, rapid weight gain occurs with fat deposits female type(on the abdomen, hips, chest), often the type of pubic hair growth resembles that of a woman, hair growth on the face and body stops or weakens.

Dystrophic changes in the musculoskeletal system are rapidly increasing: osteoporosis, sagging and muscle weakness develop, patients complain of pain in the joints and bones.

Disorders of the cardiovascular system are very typical: pain in the heart area, palpitations, hypertension and atherosclerosis develop.

The skin becomes dry and atrophic, nails become brittle, and hair falls out.

Disorders of the vegetative-vascular system resemble the symptoms of female menopause: hot flashes and increased sweating are common.

The development of pathological menopause in men is facilitated by diseases of the central nervous system (traumatic brain injury, neuroinfections, intoxication), pathologies of the endocrine system (obesity, thyroid disease), liver disease, unhealthy lifestyle (physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, alcohol abuse, smoking) .

Hormonal imbalance can be triggered by severe prolonged nervous tension or severe somatic illness. There is evidence of a hereditary predisposition to hormonal imbalances. In addition, men who have a history of hormonal imbalances (delayed sexual development, sexual dysfunction during the reproductive period) are at risk for the development of pathological menopause.

Diagnostics

In addition, it is necessary to exclude severe organic pathologies, which often cause hormonal imbalance (hormone-producing tumors, severe damage to the central nervous system, liver cirrhosis with gynecomastia, etc.).

Of course, differential diagnosis must be carried out between various neuroendocrine disorders (primary or secondary hypogonadism, hormonal deficiency or Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, etc.).

Treatment of hormonal imbalance

If the cause cannot be eliminated (menopausal syndrome, primary hypogonadism), hormone replacement therapy is prescribed according to indications.

Hormonal imbalances in women and men during the reproductive period can often be corrected by a course of hormonal medications, in cases where they are not caused by serious organic pathology.

A healthy lifestyle is of great importance in the treatment and prevention of hormonal imbalances in women and men:

• correct mode day;
• healthy eating;
• dosed physical activity;
• getting rid of bad addictions (smoking, alcoholism, drug use);
• prevention of stress reactions.

16 symptoms of hormonal imbalance that everyone should know in order to take action in time - Video

How a child turns into a boy or girl

Puberty is a very important and exciting time in the life of yesterday's child. Remember how you felt at that age? For example, I constantly asked myself questions: “Is everything okay with me?”, “Why is this happening to my body?”, “This happens to everyone, but they are silent? Or am I special?

Svetlana Anatolyevna FEKLISTOVA

An endocrinologist answered the questions of the “Health Expert” Svetlana Anatolyevna FEKLISTOVA. This article is a hint for parents who, by observing their children of adolescence, can understand where the norm is and where a referral to a specialist is required. In the first part of the material, the specialist spoke in detail about puberty and hormonal changes, the result of which is the transformation of a child into a boy or girl.

–Svetlana Anatolyevna, at what age do children today enter puberty? When is there cause for concern?

– First, let's define puberty. Puberty is an age period characterized by changes in the body, physiological, hormonal and psychological changes. The period ends with the onset of puberty and the body's readiness for reproduction. Puberty in girls begins around the age of 10–11 years, but a shift of 1–2 years is considered normal. Puberty in boys begins a little later than in girls: at about 12–13 years old, sometimes later.

In some cases it may occur earlier or later due date. If girls begin puberty before age 8 and boys before age 9, the condition is called premature sexual development. If puberty does not occur in girls later than 15–16 years, and in boys later than 16–17 years, then this condition is called delayed puberty. Both conditions require mandatory consultation with an endocrinologist, since there is a hormonal imbalance that did not initiate puberty in time. The doctor will evaluate the child's puberty or lack thereof and prescribe certain tests and diagnostic procedures.

– What tests will the doctor prescribe?

– As a rule, an endocrinologist will definitely refer you for a hormonal blood test to determine the level of sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and thyroid hormones. You may need an ultrasound of the endocrine organs. The doctor will prescribe the necessary types of diagnostics after examining the patient. A lot depends on the expected diagnosis and monitoring of the teenager’s condition.

–What happens to a child’s body during puberty?

– This is a unique process, the result of which will be the transformation of a child into a young man or girl. In simple terms, we have a certain hierarchy in the hormonal system, where the main ones are the hormonal structures of the brain - the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. They secrete hormones - GnRH, LH, FSH. In a child’s body, these hormones are secreted in negligibly small quantities, and from the age of 10–12 years, their enhanced pulse secretion begins, first at night, then during the day. These hormones affect the ovaries/testicles and stimulate the production of sex hormones - estrogens in girls, testosterone in boys. Those, in turn, begin to influence target organs - the musculoskeletal system, hair, skin, etc.

From girl to girl

–What's going on in the girl's body?

– Many phenotypic changes occur in the female body - secondary sexual characteristics appear in a certain sequence.

First stage - thelarche: growth of mammary glands. Usually begins around 10–11 years of age. Thelarche occurs due to an increase in the level of circulating estrogens in the blood, which stimulates the glandular tissue of the mammary gland. Simultaneously with thelarche, estrogenization of the vaginal mucosa and development of the vagina and uterus occur. Further development of the mammary glands occurs during puberty and adolescence.

Second stage - pubarche: the beginning of axillary growth, and then pubic hair. Usually follows thelarche, around 11–12 years of age, but the simultaneous development of thelarche and pubarche is also normal. The development of pubic and axillary hair occurs due to an increase in the concentration of circulating androgens, namely adrenal ones (male sex hormones - DHEA, DHEA sulfate, which should also be present in the female body).

The third stage is the pubertal growth spurt.. An increase in estrogen stimulates the production of growth hormone, which in turn stimulates an increase in somatic growth. The pubertal growth spurt begins at 9–10 years of age and reaches its maximum rate between 12–13 years of age. However, excessive estrogen levels lead to inhibition of growth hormone secretion. Subsequently, the rapid jump may be followed by a cessation of growth. Estrogens also help to close the growth zones of long bones. So, patients with precocious puberty have an early onset of growth, but ultimately have short stature due to premature closure of the epiphyseal growth plates if treatment is not carried out in a timely manner.

Stage four - menarche: the appearance of menstruation. Average age The first menstruation ranges between 12–13 years, usually 2 years after breast development. The menstrual cycle in adolescents is usually irregular during the first 6 to 12 months after menarche. The establishment of regular ovulatory cycles occurs approximately 2 years after the start of menstruation. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries and uterus are components of the female reproductive system that take part in the establishment and regulation of the menstrual cycle.

The monthly cycle is divided into two 14-day phases: 1 - follicular and 2 - luteal, characterized by changes in the ovaries during the cycle. In the first phase of the cycle, FSH is released, which causes the development of primary ovarian follicles, which in turn produce estrogens, which stimulate endometrial growth. Under the influence of FSH, usually only one of these follicles (dominant) reaches maximum development - the mature follicle stage, while the others stop developing at different stages. By day 14, estrogen levels reach their maximum, at which point LH secretion from the pituitary gland peaks. This LH peak stimulates ovulation - the rupture of the wall of a mature follicle and the release of an egg, which almost immediately enters the lumen of the fallopian tube.

After ovulation, the second phase of the menstrual cycle begins, the luteal phase. The dominant follicle in which ovulation took place accumulates luteal pigment and develops into the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which promotes secretory changes in the endometrium to ensure implantation of a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates and progesterone (and estrogen) levels decrease. With a sharp decrease in the level of progesterone and estrogen in the endometrium, ischemia and detachment of the epithelium of the functional layer develop - menstruation occurs.

Menstruation ends puberty. That is, with the onset of menstruation, the body of a teenage girl has achieved all hormonal changes and reached an adult state.

–What happens to the girl's weight and skin? How is the sweating process regulated?

– During puberty, with poor nutrition and lack of physical activity, there can be a sharp increase in body weight. This is associated with the development of physiological insulin resistance, when insulin allows glucose to circulate in the blood for a long period, which leads to the activation of gluconeogenesis and the accumulation of fat reserves.

If we talk about sweating, hormones have an active influence on this process, since the sweat and sebaceous glands are under the control of hormones such as DHEA sulfate, testosterone, TSH, DHT and 5-alpha reductase. All of these hormones have a stimulating effect on the sweat glands, which were previously inactive and begin to function. As a result, teenagers begin to sweat a lot, and the sweat may develop an unpleasant odor. This is a temporary phenomenon that goes away on its own in a healthy body; hygiene must be observed more carefully during this period. As a rule, sweating with an unpleasant odor can last for about a year, then it goes away on its own. With severe sweating and

(1 ratings, average: 2,00 out of 5)

Hormones are biologically active compounds that regulate basic human functions from birth. There are more than 60 types of hormones; they are produced by endocrine glands.

A normal amount of hormones is necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, reproductive organs and the natural course of the metabolic process.

A woman's hormonal background changes throughout her life. Sometimes, under the influence of unfavorable factors, hormonal imbalance occurs.

Hormonal imbalance is a condition in which the amount of hormones produced by the body deviates from the norm.

Hormone levels can be high, low, and sometimes there is an imbalance where some hormones are high and others are low.

Hormonal imbalance usually begins unnoticed, but gradually the degree of hormone fluctuations increases and the first warning signs appear.

How does hormonal imbalance manifest itself in women: symptoms, signs of disturbances

To understand that there is a hormonal imbalance in your body, you do not need to wait for any frightening signs. Pay attention to the first signals.

Unstable and irregular menstruation

The discharge is too abundant or, conversely, too scanty. The duration of the cycle is constantly changing. Menstruation is absent for several months.

Intermenstrual bleeding

This is bleeding that occurs between 2 periods. Light pink or light brown mucous discharge is considered normal.

If bleeding are abundant, occur regularly, are accompanied by pain - this is a deviation from the norm.

Excessive growth of body hair in places where there was none before

Coarse, thick hair begins to grow in the wrong places. Usually these are areas that are sensitive to the manifestation of the male hormone - the back, stomach, area above the upper lip, chin, arms.

Malfunction of the central nervous system

Irritability appears for trivial reasons. Tearfulness and sentimentality for no particular reason.

Frequent mood swings, poor sleep, deterioration of attentiveness and ability to concentrate. Sometimes it leads to depression and decreased intellectual abilities.

Chronic fatigue

Fatigue that does not go away after proper sleep and rest is called chronic.

Characterized by a feeling of extreme exhaustion at the end of a working day. A person wakes up lethargic and overwhelmed.

Sharp increase in body weight, swelling

Significant weight gain with normal diet. It is not possible to lose weight even on a strict diet and actively playing sports.

Swelling of the face, fingers, ankles and feet.

Decreased or absent sex drive

The desire to have sex decreases or disappears completely. May occur along with severe headaches.

Apathy towards the partner arises, caresses that were liked before are now annoying. Little vaginal lubrication is produced, so During sexual intercourse, a woman experiences discomfort and even pain.

The condition of nails and hair worsens

Hair becomes dull, brittle, and falls out in large quantities.

Nails become thinner, break and turn yellow.

Skin rashes in different parts of the body, acne. Itching of the skin, especially in the armpits and perineum

Acne appears on the back, chest, and shoulders. There is acne on the face. Such rashes are difficult to treat.

The skin in the armpits and groin is itchy, but there are no fungal or other infections.

Excessive sweating

Excessive sweating is associated with disruption of the endocrine system.

If increased sweating is not caused by an increase in room temperature, anxiety or stress, this signals a malfunction in the body.

Sleep disturbance and increased fatigue

Women find it difficult to fall asleep; they have light, restless sleep, with frequent awakenings. Frequent insomnia.

By the middle of the day, fatigue and drowsiness appear.

Reproductive function disorders. Problems conceiving a child

It is not possible to conceive a child after prolonged attempts. If pregnancy does occur, its course can be difficult, and the risk of miscarriage is high.

Constant supervision by specialists is required.

Secretion of milk from the mammary glands in the absence of breastfeeding

A white fluid is released from the mammary glands, and the woman is not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequent mood swings, tearfulness, irritability

The mood constantly changes for no apparent reason. All sorts of little things irritate me. I want to shed tears for any reason.

The woman becomes touchy and vulnerable.

Frequent excruciating headaches

A woman suffers from headaches and migraines. Their appearance is not associated with overwork, weather changes, or heavy mental stress.

The attack begins in the morning, does not always go away after sleep, and is difficult to relieve with strong medications.

Decreased visual acuity

It happens that due to headaches, vision decreases. This indicates problems in the functioning of the endocrine system.

Be careful! During puberty, during pregnancy or after childbirth, as well as over the age of 40, when ovarian function begins to fade, hormonal changes occur in the body, and the risk of failure increases sharply.

For every age of woman, the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance will be different.

Signs of hormonal imbalance in girls during puberty

Puberty is a difficult time for teenagers and their parents. In particular, this applies to girls, because their hormones are at their peak at this stage of growing up.

Delayed puberty

Experts consider the normal start of puberty to be 7–8 years old, and it should end by about 18.

At this time, the body is actively developing, growing, secondary sexual characteristics appear and the female reproductive system is formed.

If everything goes correctly, then after 18 years the girl is ready for sexual activity and is able to conceive and bear a healthy child.

There are two types of abnormalities that indicate hormonal imbalance:

1. Early puberty. In girls with this type of deviation, secondary sexual characteristics are formed before the age of 7, menstruation begins long before the due date, and they also experience sharp growth spurts;
2. Delayed puberty. In such girls, breasts begin to grow after 16 years, at which time other sexual characteristics are formed. The first menstruation occurs closer to 17–18 years.

Sexual development with erased virilization

With this type of sexual development, both female and male sexual characteristics appear. Hair grows in places where it should not be, and a male-type skeleton is formed.

Such signs may be accompanied by obesity, acne and stretch marks. This occurs due to abnormalities in the functioning of the adrenal cortex and ovaries, which are transmitted through genes.

Heavy bleeding that is not related to the menstrual cycle is called dysfunctional uterine bleeding. If they occur in girls during puberty, then these are juvenile uterine bleeding.

They usually appear after 2 weeks or several months of delay. They can be very abundant or scanty, but then their duration reaches up to 2 weeks.

A common gynecological problem for girls of this age. The reason lies in increased mental and physical activity teenagers, therefore, this pathology is often found in girls who play sports and study in specialized schools and lyceums.

Signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women of reproductive age

Women, having stepped through the transition period, enter reproductive age. At this stage, the woman can already become pregnant and give birth. But even during such periods, hormonal imbalance can take you by surprise.

A prolonged absence of menstrual bleeding in women of reproductive age, unrelated to pregnancy and breastfeeding, is called amenorrhea. But it has its own types with individual characteristics.

Hypothalamic-pituitary amenorrhea

Signs of occurrence are:

• infectious diseases suffered in childhood;
• heavy physical activity;
• severe and prolonged stress;
• starvation.

As for the symptoms of this type of amenorrhea, they are as follows:

Amenorrhea caused by a malfunction of the adrenal cortex

Causes include:

• Itsenko-Cushing's symptom,
• a pathology characterized by a malfunction of the adrenal cortex, leading to the synthesis of an excess amount of its hormones. Tumors that secrete these hormones may be the culprits.

Symptoms include:

Amenorrhea due to ovarian pathology

One common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome.

Amenorrhea manifests itself in the following:

• obesity types 1 and 2;
• the appearance of hair above the upper lip, on the inner thighs, on the chin;
• stretch marks;
• brittle hair and nails.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

These are pathological changes in the menstrual cycle caused by disturbances in the level of sex hormones. They manifest themselves in the form of an increase in the volume of blood released or the duration of menstruation.

It is possible to alternate periods of amenorrhea with subsequent bleeding of varying intensity. The result of these deviations is anemia.

Premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome is a complex of symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the cycle, approximately 2–10 days before the start of menstruation.

It can occur in women of any age, but most often occurs after 30 years.

Among the reasons are:

• heredity;
• stress;
• previous gynecological or viral diseases.

Usually starts a week before menstruation, the peak occurs on the first day, then subsides.

There are about 150 symptoms, the most common of which are:

• headache;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• weakness;
• irritability;
• nervousness;
• tearfulness;
• pressure surges;
• slow pulse;
• pain and engorgement in the chest;
• sensitivity to odors.

Hormonal problems after abortion

Gynecologists warn that abortion has the greatest impact on the body of nulliparous women. It can lead to complete disruption of reproductive function, leading to infertility.

Signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women after an abortion:

Imbalance of hormones after abortion leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle, problems with reproductive function.

Bleeding, inflammation of the female organs, disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands may occur. The mammary glands are also susceptible to consequences, from the first day of pregnancy changes occur in them, and after a sharp intervention there is a risk of the formation of nodules and tumors.

Problems after childbirth and recovery period

During pregnancy and after childbirth, a woman’s hormonal background changes significantly, so the body is especially vulnerable at this time.

Under the influence of stress and other unfavorable factors, disturbances in the production of hormones may occur. Normally, the female body recovers within 3-4 months after childbirth.

If breastfeeding is established, then the hormonal background changes again, the emphasis is on the production of prolactin and oxytocin, hormones involved in milk production and regulation of the entire breastfeeding process.

A few months after breastfeeding ends, hormonal levels return to normal.

If a woman has symptoms and signs of hormonal imbalance, she should immediately see a doctor.

Menopause and decline in reproductive function

After 45 years, the number of eggs in a woman’s ovaries decreases, and after this the level of progesterone and estrogen decreases. The pauses between menstruation become longer, and the menstrual cycle gets confused.

If there is no pain and heavy bleeding, then everything is happening correctly, physiologically.

Sometimes women experience menopausal syndrome.

Climate syndrome includes the following symptoms:

• hot flashes - one of the most common signs, is a sudden rush of blood, which is especially felt in the facial area;
• irritation over trifles;
• fatigue;
• headache;
• vaginal dryness;
• discomfort during sex;
• urinary incontinence;
• nails break;
• hair comes out;
• insomnia;
• pressure changes;
• dyspnea;
• heaviness in the heart area.

All of these symptoms are associated with a lack of estrogen.

What does hormonal imbalance mean for a woman’s health?

When diagnosed with hormonal imbalance in women, symptoms signs can lead to the following serious consequences:

Diagnosis of hormonal imbalance in women

If alarming symptoms are detected, you need to contact an endocrinologist, mammologist and gynecologist.

After examination by specialists, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, which will include general analysis blood, biochemical blood test, as well as tests for hormone levels.

Then an ultrasound of the internal organs is performed to determine the extent of their damage due to hormonal dysfunction.

Note! Hormonal imbalance in women, symptoms, signs must be treated by a doctor. He studies the results of examinations and tests, determines which hormones are produced incorrectly and what needs to be done to normalize their levels.

How to treat hormonal imbalance in women

To correct the balance of hormones, doctors use A complex approach and act in several directions.

Therapeutics

If symptoms and signs of hormonal imbalance are detected in women, medications containing artificial and natural hormones may be prescribed.

Usually prescribed:

1. "Mastodinon", restoring the menstrual cycle;
2. “Klimadinon” or “Klimaktoplan”, which alleviate the symptoms of menopause;
3. "Cyclodinone", regulating the menstrual cycle.

Antipsychotics, homeopathic remedies and calcium supplements can also help.

Use of vitamin complexes

To normalize hormonal balance, experts recommend taking vitamins A, C, E, as well as B vitamins, especially folic acid.

These vitamins perform the following functions:

There are a large number of vitamin complexes on the shelves of pharmacies to maintain women’s health during this difficult period.

The complexes include:

• popular remedy “Qi-Klim”;
• “Complivit” vitamins for women;
• means for normalizing the menstrual cycle “Estrovel” and “Remens”.

Before use, you should consult your doctor regarding the choice of a specific product.

Special diet

When a woman is diagnosed with hormonal imbalance based on signs and symptoms, doctors prescribe a special diet.

You need to include dishes from vegetables, berries, mushrooms in your menu, eat fruits and herbs, as these products contain phytoestrogens. Sprouted wheat, legumes, onions, and chicken eggs are also rich in them.

In order for the body to produce its own hormones, It is useful to eat foods that contain selenium and zinc. These include greens, nuts, lean beef and pumpkin seeds.

Experts strongly recommend that you exclude from the diet:

• pork;
• condensed milk;
• baking;
• chocolate;
• canned food;
• sausages;
• sausages.

If due to a malfunction the weight has increased significantly, a special hormonal diet is suggested. It is aimed at the production of fat-burning hormones, and also suppresses the synthesis of hormones that cause fat deposition - insulin and estrogens.

The first two weeks, fat is burned actively, then little by little, and then the weight is simply maintained at the same level.

Correction of hormonal imbalance using oral contraceptives

To normalize hormone levels, your doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives, for example, “Yarina” or “Diana 35”. In these preparations, hormone analogues are distributed according to the days of the cycle.

However, such unpleasant side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, and after stopping taking the drugs, the symptoms may intensify.

Correction of hormonal imbalance using an individual selection of hormonal drugs

It is not easy to create an individual treatment plan. The main problem is to choose drugs so as not to disrupt the production of hormones which are now normal.

To increase progesterone levels, Utrozhestan and Duphaston are prescribed.

Reduce testosterone levels with Metipred and Dexamethasone.

Excess estrogen is treated with Clomiphene and Tamoxifen, and deficiency is treated with Divigel and Proginova.

A good endocrinologist can competently draw up an individual plan.

Treatment of hormonal imbalance with traditional methods

To alleviate symptoms and signs of hormonal imbalance in women, they also use folk remedies, but this is rather an addition to the main treatment.

Black cumin oil is used to correct hormone levels, it has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and increases stress resistance.

Flaxseed oil is rich in phytoestrogens, which have a positive effect on the female body.

For estrogen deficiency, sage is used, it contains phytohormones with estrogen-like effects.

Important to remember! Only an endocrinologist can conduct a thorough diagnosis and then, based on the clinical picture, select an individual treatment plan. Hormonal imbalances in women, symptoms, signs may differ, and accordingly the treatment will be different.

From this video you will learn about hormonal imbalance in women, its symptoms and signs, as well as ways to restore the body.

Naturally, after all this our relationship cooled. Intimacy is gone. And the worst thing is that when I took the pills, the cycle was regular, but as soon as I tried
get off them - everything came back. During this time I changed quite a lot of doctors, but there was no result until my friend recommended me to a person who helped her with her problem.
She also had health problems, but in a different way. On her advice, I turned to this man (his name is Denis and he is an experienced palmist who practices chirocorrection for people with health problems).
So, after its correction, I forgot about what hormonal imbalance is and its terrible consequences. The cycle has been restored and there have never been any failures.
Unfortunately, I don’t have his data at hand right now, but I remember that if you write “Palmist Denis” in a search engine, the search engine immediately returns his website and VK page.

IN adolescence the child requires increased parental attention. Do not rush to scold him if you notice sudden changes in mood, irritability, decreased interest in studying, or constant fatigue. If these phenomena do not go away quickly, it makes sense to pay attention to them - they may be the result of a disruption of the endocrine system.

The human endocrine system consists of glands that produce hormones that control chemical processes in cells. It is under the influence of hormones that a child grows and develops. There are many features of the teenage endocrine system. Therefore, only a specialist can diagnose deviations from the norm. Diabetes mellitus, obesity or underweight, growth disorders, and sexual development are the main endocrinological problems of adolescents.

If your child complains of discomfort or pain in the front of the neck, goes to the toilet frequently, especially at night, drinks a lot, sexual characteristics appear earlier or later than normal, dry skin, swelling, contact immediately. One of the main factors that disrupts the endocrine system in adolescence is constant stress. It is caused by a break in childhood stereotypes, a discrepancy between the pace of physical and social development, the formation of life attitudes, goals, preferences and passions, spiritual and moral values. Therefore, do not leave your children alone with their problems, do not rush to scold, it is better to help with advice, share your thoughts, do not be afraid to be frank - your child will remember such moments for the rest of his life and will also remain healthy.

You can often hear that adolescence is full of difficulties. At this time, parents are surprised, worried, irritated and even baffled by the child’s behavior. What worries doctors? What diseases should be treated and what diseases can debut in adolescence?

There are several starting points for puberty. Statistically it’s 14-17 years old, but physiologically it’s a little different. Adolescence begins for girls and boys at the age of 10-11, and ends individually for each child. It can end at 14-15 years old, and at 18-19 years old.

During this period, they begin to be actively developed. More active stimulation of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland begins. During this period, all endocrine glands begin to work more actively and may fail. For example, diabetes most often occurs at this time. In addition, problems with both excess body weight and underweight may appear. Because it is at this age that adipose tissue, which is also endocrine tissue, begins to increase its mass. This excess weight can be fixed for life and will cause many other problems not only of an endocrine nature. This is why it is very important for children to support normal weight in adolescence.

First of all, this is possible due to a rational daily routine with periods of rest and work. The child should not be exhausted. The child should get enough rest. He must go to bed on time. And sleep at least 8 hours a day. There must be sufficient physical activity. And a child must eat to grow. Therefore, dietary restriction is not a priority; sufficient physical activity is the priority.

Sometimes teenagers experience high blood pressure. You need to understand that if, for example, for an adult a blood pressure of 120/60 is normal, then for a child such indicators are a deviation from the norm.

But in general high blood pressure It is provoked, first of all, by excess body weight or may be a manifestation of adrenal gland pathology. That is why cardiologists, when a child has high blood pressure, refer him to.

As a rule, an examination by an endocrinologist is aimed at studying the functions of the thyroid gland, which also undergoes certain changes during puberty. Previously, this condition was called “adolescent”. Why is the thyroid gland examined? Because in adolescence it increases due to the fact that the child needs more hormones. Iodine is needed for the normal amount of hormones produced. In adolescence, iodine is released more actively than in younger or older children, especially girls. And therefore, when the thyroid gland experiences iodine starvation, it begins to increase in volume in order to provide more of the necessary hormones due to the volume. This is why adolescence is a risk group for thyroid pathology and requires mandatory intake of iodine supplements. We also must not forget that the body needs the microelement selenium to absorb iodine. Therefore, experts recommend taking supplements containing both microelements - iodine and selenium. The drug is available in pharmacies "YoSen ®". 1 tablet of the drug contains 150 mcg of iodine and 75 mcg of selenium. The drug should be taken 1 tablet 1 time per day during or after meals with water.

Unfortunately, today endocrinologists quite often have to deal with patients with delayed sexual development or premature puberty. This mainly applies to girls. Because there are a number of endocrine genetic diseases that appear and manifest themselves in adolescence. Among such diseases, the most famous is the so-called Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome. This genetic disease has several variants of manifestation depending on the chromosomal abnormality. Typically, such girls have low body weight at birth. In the future they grow slowly, their height does not exceed 140 cm. But at the beginning of puberty, the main symptom of this disease appears - a girl’s delay in the onset of menstruation or irregular menstrual cycles. That is why even before adolescence, parents should pay attention to the child’s growth retardation. It is necessary to carefully examine the child to determine whether this is her physiological condition, or whether it is a pathological situation that requires immediate intervention and adequate correction.

In boys, pathology of sexual development is very often discovered during a medical examination at the military registration and enlistment office. And only then is it determined that the problem has existed since the child’s early childhood, but the parents did not pay attention to it.

Pubertal development in boys begins at approximately 11-12 years of age, in girls - a year earlier.

The first signs of sexual development in boys are voice mutation and intensive growth. Over the course of a year, a child can grow by 9-10 cm. But when a child begins to grow very rapidly at the age of 6-7 years, this is not a good sign and you should definitely consult a doctor. There is no need to be happy that the child is growing actively and very well. This is not always a good sign. The same is true when the child’s growth rate remains at 2-4 cm per year. This also requires a mandatory consultation with a doctor to determine the cause of such growth retardation.

Hormones in teenage girls during puberty, they primarily stimulate the enlargement of the mammary glands. Then hair appears under the arms and on the pubic area. Next comes a growth spurt. If these signs occur in girls under 6-7 years of age, this is a sign of premature physiological sexual development. But if sexual development in girls begins not with enlargement of the mammary glands, but with hair growth, this may be a sign of not entirely normal functioning of the adrenal glands. You definitely need to pay attention to this and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

What is the function of the adrenal glands and how can changes in the function of these glands affect the health and future life of children?

In short, the adrenal glands produce certain types of hormones, including sex hormones and glucocorticoids. When there are too many of them, protein breakdown accelerates, fat is redistributed - the body stores excess fat in the buttocks, thighs, and axillary folds. Pink-violet striae appear there - areas with disturbed pigmentation. These burgundy stripes are 2-4 cm long and about 1 cm wide and are hard to miss. But this, unfortunately, is not all. Obesity contributes to long-term high blood pressure. Therefore, the teenager becomes a direct candidate for the risk group. About a third of these children remain overweight.

To prevent disorders of the endocrine system, it is necessary to ensure that the child maintains a normal daily routine, and also receives normal, adequate, timely nutrition without excess carbohydrates and fats. Under any conditions, the child must rest, because his endocrine system is very dependent on overwork and stress, which is why many diseases arise during puberty. Regarding thyroid disorders, every family needs to replace regular salt with iodized salt in their daily diet. This will provide the daily iodine requirement for a child of any age.