Dr Sarthak Sidapara

Gynecological Endocrine Disorders

What is Gynecological Endocrine Disorders?

Hormones act as the chemical messenger in your body, which is responsible for the overall development of your body. These are produced in the endocrine glands and are quite powerful as it travels around the bloodstream, and instructs as well as tissues to perform different functions. The endocrine system provides regulation of the body’s different hormones. Suffering from hormonal imbalance can lead to various problems. Although there can be various reasons behind the hormonal imbalance; however, it is important to keep in mind that causes depend on the hormones as well as the affected glands.

Causes of hormonal disorders in women

Although there can be various reasons behind the hormonal imbalance; however, it is important to keep in mind that causes depend on the hormones as well as the affected glands. While some studies claim that the imbalance in one or more hormones leads to imbalance, while others are of the view that improper working of a few glands is responsible. Endocrine glands have special cells that store, produce, and even release hormones in your blood.

The human body consists of different endocrine glands that control hormone levels. Some of the glands responsible for hormonal balance are adrenal glands, gonads, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid and parathyroid, pineal gland, etc. Many medical conditions are reported every year due to hormonal imbalance. At times, lifestyle habits and environmental factors are responsible for imbalance too.

Common reasons behind hormonal imbalance include extreme stress, type one and two diabetes, hypoglycemia, overactive thyroid, obesity, poor diet, birth control medications, etc. Apart from all these, too much exposure to toxins, pollutants, etc. can lead to hormonal imbalance. Women are naturally susceptible to hormonal imbalances throughout, especially during puberty, menstruation, breastfeeding, pregnancy, menopause, etc.

Since women have different endocrine glands’ as a result, they have to face hormonal disorder issues. Some medical conditions that lead to hormonal imbalance in them include PCOS, early menopause, POI or primary ovarian insufficiency, etc.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women

Since hormones play a significant role in a woman’s body, it is quite obvious that imbalance will give rise to uncountable signs or symptoms. However, the signs or the symptoms will vary depending on the gland, which is not responding properly. Unexplained weight gain or weight loss, a hump of fat between shoulders, muscle weakness, muscle tenderness, excessive sweating, depression, less sex drive, etc. It is important to understand that symptoms vary depending on various factors. From foods to lifestyle habits, everything can be responsible for hormonal imbalances. During puberty, if your glands do not produce enough hormones, you will face hormonal imbalance. From irregular menstruation, poor development in breast tissues as well as poor growth rate. You can suffer everything.

Hormonal imbalance and pregnancy

Pregnancy is something that women long for throughout their life. However, if you have a hormonal imbalance, it will be quite difficult for you to get pregnant. Struggling with infertility is no doubt heartbreaking. However, there are various solutions, if you are struggling, then the solutions can be even simpler in other cases. It is important to understand that hormonal imbalance can lead to pregnancy issues.

Even if you feel that you have hormonal issues, you can test them at home. You can take things in your hand. Many experts can give you a better idea of the hormonal imbalance. Tons of hormones are there that courses through your body. But, there are a few that play a significant role when it tries to conceive. FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone is necessary for pregnancy. Besides, FSH is responsible for maintaining a regular cycle as well as for producing healthy.

LH or luteinizing hormone is quite a common name that you might have heard. Using ovulation prediction kits; your hormone is measured. Luteinizing hormone instructs your body for releasing an egg for fertilizing. AHM or anti-Mullerian hormone helps in maintaining immature eggs in your body. Most doctors recommend taking hormone test that helps in measuring ovarian reserve.

Complications of hormonal disorders in women

As already mentioned hormonal imbalance comes with some unwanted complications. After all, nobody wants to become the slaves of hormonal imbalance since it brings many complications. Hormonal imbalance can be blamed for a lot of symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, or even itchy skin. It is important to understand that hormonal fluctuations happen at different stages of life. During puberty, women face extreme hormonal imbalance. Some of the common complications that you can face due to hormonal disorders include irregular menses, unwanted weight gain, infertility, etc.

Even if you plan for pregnancy, you will not be able to conceive due to infertility issues. Due to this reason, it is best if you consult gynecologists since they can help you with removing infertility issues. At times, not treating hormonal disorders will cause irreversible damage to your fertility system. With time, you will develop uterus cancer or even ovarian cancer.

Tests and diagnosis-

It is important to understand that the endocrine contains various glands as well as hormones. Your body has one or two systems, which help in coordinating various functions of your body. The entire endocrine system is responsible for maintaining hormone levels. With time, in different situations, it is necessary to maintain hormonal balance for your survival. However, with many hormonal testing, it has been found that with age the hormone levels decrease. With hormone replacement therapies, you can keep maintaining youthful vigor.

Apart from the endocrine system, the nervous system is also responsible for regulating the functions of your body. The nervous system, as well as the endocrine system, works collaboratively to regulate various functions in your body. For example, the growth and development of your body, metabolism, and sex drive, etc. Doctors these days have come up with various hormonal tests that help in determining the hormone levels. Other complications that you can face due to hormonal imbalance include diabetes, heart disease, obesity, sleep apnea, etc. Apart from that, if any hormones in your body are either less or more, the tests can help in identifying. When it comes to diagnosis, some common symptoms are necessary to consider. For example, hirsutism, infertility, depression, etc. Thus, you can understand that testing and diagnosing hormonal imbalance is quite easy.

Treatment for hormonal imbalances

When it comes to hormonal imbalance treatments, you will come across many options. Gynecologists these days suggest taking various treatments for fixing hormonal imbalance. Listed below are a few of them.

  • Estrogen therapy– In case you experience hot flushes, uncomfortable menopause symptoms, chances are there your doctor might recommend taking estrogen therapy. Besides, you must also discuss the risks as well as benefits related to hormone replacement therapy.
  • Vaginal estrogen– Vaginal dryness is a common problem, which women suffer these days. Apart from that, pain during sex is a common problem as well. At times, applying estrogen cream or taking tablets can help in reducing this problem too.
  • Hormonal birth control– If you want to keep things simple, you can opt for the hormonal birth control pills, as it is effective in regulating the menstrual cycle. Some common hormonal birth control pills include birth control pills, patches, shots, IUD, and vaginal ring. These pills are effective in reducing acne as well as hirsutism.
  • Anti-androgen medicines– Androgen is a male sex hormone and is present in both men and women. However, women having high levels of androgen levels experience hair loss, facial hair growth, acne, etc. Taking anti-androgen medications will help in reversing the problems.
  • Testosterone therapy– Low testosterone in men can result in improper growth. However, testosterone supplements reduce symptoms of low testosterone levels. Adolescents facing delayed puberty can take testosterone therapy as it regulates puberty levels. The therapies are available in form of injections, gel, and patches.
  • Metformin– Metformin is an effective medication for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Apart from that, women facing PCOS symptoms can also take this medicine for treating PCOS. Although FDA did not approve using metformin for PCOS; however, it helps in lowering androgen levels and supports ovulation.