In the body of each woman, both female and male sex hormones (androgens) are produced. Each of these biological substances controls reproductive functions, the work of internal systems. The increase or decrease in the concentration of these substances affects the health and general well-being of women.
Androgens - what are the hormones in women?
Male hormones in the female body are produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. They play an important role in the proper passage of metabolic processes in the body. Among the main functions of these compounds are:
- the formation of genital organs;
- development of the bone system;
- the formation of secondary sexual characteristics;
- management of sexual behavior.
Violation of the concentration of hormones in the female body is a violation. When androgens in women exceed the norm several times, doctors talk about hyperandrogenism, with a decrease in their number - about hypoandrogenism. For each form of pathology is characterized by its own symptomatology and clinical picture, therefore it is possible for the woman herself to suspect a deviation from the norm, by a sharp change in her appearance.
Male hormones in the female body - names
Studies conducted by physiologists have established that in the body of each of the fair sex there are several kinds of androgens at once. In this case, the main male hormone testosterone in women in the bloodstream is contained in a greater concentration compared to other biological compounds of this group. In the blood of every girl there are:
- androsterone;
- androstenedione;
- androstenediol;
- dihydrotestosterone.
Androgens - the norm in women
In order to identify possible violations of the hormonal system, doctors prescribe an analysis for male sex hormones in women. Suspicion of such fall off with a sharp change in appearance, the acquisition of a woman's masculine traits. When the study is conducted, the free androgen index is established, which is defined as a percentage. Oscillations of this indicator can be observed at different stages of the cycle. Androgens in women in the body change the concentration in the stages of the cycle:
- the follicular phase is 0.8-9.3%;
- ovulatory phase 1,3-17;
- luteal phase ;
- the menopause period - up to 6.6%.
Separately, the concentration of free testosterone in women can be established. With age, this indicator changes its values, but should not exceed the following norms:
- up to 9 years - 0,06-1,7 picogram / ml;
- 9-13 years old - 1.7;
- 13-18 - 4.1.
How do male hormones affect a woman?
The influence that male hormones exert on a woman can be divided into a visual (apparently without research) and hidden. When the male hormones in women in the body are contained in excess, this can easily be determined by changing the appearance. However, the impact on internal organs and processes occurring in them is not so obvious. Under the action of androgens in the female body occurs:
- increase in the level of glycolytic enzymes;
- enhancing protein synthesis;
- decrease in the volume of cholesterol deposits;
- burning of subcutaneous fat;
- increased sex drive.
Excess androgen in women
The predominance of male hormones in women is easy to determine by appearance, physique. Such patients have broad shoulders, a man's gait, a low voice timbre. Hands, breasts, covered with hair, some women begin to grow mustaches and beards. The change in the concentration of androgens in women can be due to two factors:
- Increased synthesis of hormones in the body - excessive production of their adrenal glands, a decrease in the level of proteins that bind androgens.
- Qualitative disorders - hormones are synthesized in normal volume, but receptors show excessive sensitivity to them.
Excess of male hormones in women - symptoms
The first suspicions of an increase in the concentration in the blood of androgens should appear with changes in the functioning of internal organ systems. Such women notice:
- violation and malfunctions of the menstrual cycle , frequent diseases of the reproductive system;
- increased insulin in the blood;
- absence of ovulatory phase of the cycle.
However, in most cases, the excess of androgens in women whose symptoms are the following can already be determined from external changes in the body:
- cosmetic defects - acne, facial peeling, increased volume of hair;
- a sharp increase in body weight;
- increased production of sebum;
- change the voice's timbre color.
How to reduce male hormones in the female body?
Before reducing androgens in women, doctors establish the cause that caused an increase in their concentration. In this case, the conclusion is made comprehensively, based on the conclusions of several specialists at once (gynecologist, endocrinologist, therapist, dermatologist). The course of therapy is selected individually, and the process itself should have a comprehensive focus. The appointment of drugs, their dosage, frequency and duration of use makes the doctor. Among the used to reduce androgens in women are used:
- Metformin;
- Dexamethasone;
- Janine;
- Diane-35.
Lack of androgens in women
When the male sex hormones in women are not in sufficient numbers, the fairer sex can not notice the external changes. Indirectly, this disorder is indicated by a gradual increase in the blood level of cholesterol, which is established by the analysis of blood. For a long time, the disorder may not manifest itself, so it is often found in a comprehensive examination of the hormonal status.
Deficiency of androgens adversely affects women's health and overall well-being. Among the diseases associated with a lack of male hormones:
- anemia;
- osteoporosis;
- atherosclerosis.
Androgens in women are lowered - symptoms
When androgens decrease in women, the symptoms characteristic of this disorder do not keep you waiting. Girls notice a sharp decrease in sexual desire, rare sex does not bring the former pleasure. At the same time, a feeling of absent-mindedness, a constant irritability. Among other signs indicating that androgens in women are lowered:
- chronic feeling of fatigue;
- frequent changes of mood;
- fragility of bones.
How to increase the level of male hormones in women?
To normalize the concentration, increase or decrease male hormones in women, doctors treat the treatment individually. In this case, it is necessary to take into account:
- severity of the disorder;
- stage of pathological process;
- presence of concomitant diseases.
Initially, for self-normalization of androgen concentration, doctors recommend patients:
- Change the way of life.
- Observe the regime of the day (rest at night not less than 8 hours).
- Diversify your diet.
- To refuse from bad habits.
If the measures taken have not brought about changes, hormone therapy is prescribed. It is based on the use of testosterone preparations. For treatment, the following drugs may be used - androgens in women:
- Omnadren;
- Parity;
- Testosterone propionate.