Hormones are biologically active substances that are produced by the organs of the endocrine system. Each type of hormones is responsible for a specific function, and their insufficient or excessive production causes a hormonal imbalance, which, first of all, affects the nervous system and the psychological state of a person, as well as the state of internal organs and the appearance of a person.
Hormones affect all functions and processes of the body. Their signals regulate our mood, energy levels, temperatures, weight and other aspects of health. If there are malfunctions in the functioning of hormones, a person has many health problems.
The following are the most common symptoms of insufficient levels of one or another hormone. If you find yourself with several symptoms, you should consult a doctor who will refer you to the necessary tests and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Types of hormones and their symptoms
Insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates carbohydrate metabolism, maintains blood sugar levels and is involved in the metabolism of fats. Insulin deficiency leads to an increase in blood sugar and energy starvation of cells, which negatively affects internal processes and causes various endocrine disorders.
Symptoms:
- Increased appetite;
- Craving for sweets;
- Tiredness after eating;
- Dependence on coffee;
- Increased thirst;
- Tension, resentment and nervousness;
- Bad memory;
Cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and cortisol imbalance negatively affects the adrenal glands. Often because of this, the adrenal glands are mistakenly treated, but the problem is precisely in the hormone that sends the wrong signals to this organ from the brain. To eliminate the violation requires less worry and nervousness.
Symptoms:
- Dizziness when getting up quickly;
- Insomnia;
- mood swings;
- Headaches during the day;
- Cravings for salty or sweet foods
- Problems with blood sugar;
- Weak nails;
- Weight gain;
- Low libido.
Progesterone. Men and women need a healthy balance of progesterone. This hormone helps to counteract the effects of excess estrogen, which gets out of control without optimal progesterone.
Symptoms:
- Unhealthy skin;
- Insomnia;
- Anxiety;
- Soreness of the mammary glands;
- PMS;
- Weight gain regardless of diet;
- Cyclic headaches;
- Infertility.
Estrogen. Estrogen is a female hormone. A woman with a normal amount of estrogen looks healthier and more feminine. And an excess of estrogen has an extremely negative effect on the state of the body as a whole.
The ratio of the three forms of estrogen (estrone - E1, estradiol - E2, estriol - E3) is also crucial for both sexes. In addition to problems with reproductive health and metabolism, estrogen imbalances have been linked to heart disease, as well as the progression of certain types of cancer.
Symptoms:
- Rapid weight gain;
- Bloating and increased gas formation;
- Engorgement and soreness of the mammary glands;
- Violation of the menstrual cycle in women;
- Anxiety and mood swings;
- Weakness;
- Headaches;
- Insomnia;
- Problems with the gallbladder;
- Problems with memory and concentration.
Thyroid hormones. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland (thyroxin T4 and triiodothyronine T3) are important for the whole organism. Even with minor violations of the functioning of the thyroid gland, pathologies can occur even with normal hormone readings on the tests. The reasons for this may be in poor ecology, food containing carcinogens, but primarily in iodine deficiency in our food and water.
Symptoms:
- Depression and tearfulness;
- Frequent fatigue and increased need for sleep;
- Headaches in the morning;
- Hair loss and thinning;
- Dry skin, brittle nails;
- Mental slowness;
- Sensation of coldness in the limbs;
- Weight gain and the difficulty of losing weight;
Testosterone. Low testosterone levels are very common in both men and women. Low testosterone is associated with many factors, both external and internal, for example, an increase in the level of magnesium and zinc in the body, low physical activity, stress, taking certain drugs, malnutrition, heredity, dysfunction of the pituitary and adrenal glands. Low testosterone is associated with low sex drive and increased mortality in men, as well as breast cancer and heart disease in women.
Symptoms in women:
- Skin rash, acne;
- Excessive hairiness on the face and hands;
- Unstable blood sugar levels;
- Thinning hair and nails;
- infertility;
- Ovarian cysts;
- Pain in the lower abdomen in the middle of the cycle.
Symptoms in men:
- Weight gain;
- Fatigue;
- Low libido.
Leptin. Fat cells play an important role in the hormonal system by producing leptin. It is called the hunger hormone. This hormone controls fat production for energy metabolism and body weight regulation. In addition, it has an effect on fertility, brain function, and immunity. With genetic deficiencies of the hormone leptin, the development of obesity is noted. It also happens vice versa when leptin levels are elevated in obesity. This is due to an increase in the mass of adipose tissue and the development of resistance in fat cells to the effects of leptin.
Symptoms:
- Overweight and difficulty in losing weight;
- Constant craving for food;
- Chronic fatigue and laziness.
If suddenly you feel that during the day your health has worsened, then you should consult an endocrinologist. He will prescribe a full examination and help fix the problem.
Since hormones regulate sexual function, form mental health, influence the growth, development of a person, his emotional behavior, the list of complaints that need to be addressed to an endocrinologist affects the work of many organs and systems.
How to take tests correctly?
Blood for analysis is taken from a vein. The doctor identifies a group of hormones that need to be checked, depending on the symptoms. Preliminary for 12 hours, completely limit physical and psycho-emotional stress, do not drink alcohol, medications and food containing iodine.
Particular attention is required to prepare for the delivery of blood samples for women - it must be carried out at a certain interval of the menstrual cycle, which is indicated by the doctor. The delivery procedure itself, as a rule, is prescribed in the morning, on an empty stomach.
An endocrinologist specializes in diagnosing and treating dysfunctions of the endocrine glands (endocrine glands) that produce hormones. Hormones, in turn, entering the human blood, ensure the regulation and control of the vital functions of the body, the coherence and efficiency of all organs and systems, maintain internal balance, normal growth and development of a person.
An excess or deficiency of a particular hormone leads to disruption of the entire body and the development of severe hormonal diseases.
This is not a complete list of hormones. There are still unexplored ones. The list of hormones is constantly updated.