Women’s Health

Hormones play a critical role in women's health. Estrogen and progesterone hormones have huge effects on menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and other functions. Estrogen hormone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells, and it plays a crucial role in reproductive and sexual development. Progesterone hormone is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta, it stabilises menstrual cycles and prepares the body for pregnancy.

A low progesterone level can lead to irregular periods, inability to conceive, and a higher risk of complications during pregnancy. Women also have smaller amounts of testosterone hormone as compared to men. Testosterone in women controls fertility, menstruation, sexual desire, red blood cell production, and tissue and bone mass.

 
 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder in which a woman produces excess amounts of male hormones. The hormone imbalance results in missed menstrual periods and the inability to get pregnant. Polycystic ovaries condition is likely due to insulin resistance, an excess supply of insulin can cause the ovaries to produce more male hormones.

Other probable causes are inflammation from excess weight gain and hereditary factors. The common PCOS symptoms are irregular menstrual periods, heavy bleeding from the uterus, hair growth, acne, weight gain, baldness, and darkening of the skin. Medication and surgery are treatment options.

 
 

Period Problems

Common menstrual problems are Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), heavy periods (menorrhagia), absent periods (amenorrhea), and painful periods (dysmenorrhea). PMS usually occurs one or two weeks before a menstrual period, and it is characterized by bloating, headaches, acne, stress, anxiety, stomach cramps, etc. The symptoms and severity may vary every month, and they go away after the period begins.

Heavy periods refers to abnormal menstrual bleeding. The period may also last longer than the average of five to seven days. The causes are hormone levels imbalances, diet changes, vaginal infection, hypothyroidism, and inflammation of the cervix. There are two types of amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea, a condition where the first period is not seen by age 16.

The causes could be a delay in puberty, an issue with the pituitary gland, a hereditary defect of the female reproductive system. Secondary amenorrhea occurs when menstrual periods stop for six months or a more extended period. The common causes are pregnancy, ovarian cysts, sudden weight gain or loss, stopping birth control, and hyperthyroidism.

Dysmenorrhea or painful periods can be caused by pelvic inflammatory diseases, fibroids, and endometriosis, abnormal tissue growth outside of the uterus. Physical exams, blood and urine tests, and scans are some of the methods for diagnosing menstrual period problems. The treatment will depend on the causes.

 
 

Menopause

Menopause occurs when a woman has not menstruated in 12 consecutive months and can no longer become pregnant naturally. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but can start before or after this age range. Menopause occurs because the ovaries are beginning to age, and less reproductive hormones are produced.

In some cases, menopause is induced by surgical removal of the ovaries, pelvic radiation, and severe pelvic injuries. Some symptoms of menopause are weight gain, hot flashes, insomnia, dryness of the vagina, anxiety, dry skin, sore or tender breasts, and hair loss. If the symptoms of menopause are severe, medications may be required for treatment.

 
 

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is a condition of excessive or unwanted hair growth on the face and body of a woman. The condition usually produces coarse and dark hair on the face, arms, back, and chest. Most women with this condition have characteristics associated with male hormones. Higher-than-normal androgens and testosterone levels are responsible for this condition.

They may be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal gland disorders, and medications that stimulate hair growth. A detailed medical history, blood tests, and scans are required for proper diagnosis. Treatment options include hormone management, antiandrogen medications, combination birth control pills, creams, and hair removal procedures.

 
 

Hair Loss

Any of several factors may be responsible for hair loss in women. The factors could be hormonal, medical, or related to stress. It's not always easy to trace the root cause of this condition. The common symptoms are overall thinning, bald spots, pulling off while washing or combing, and full loss following chemotherapy treatments.

Some of the causes of hair loss in women are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hodgkin's disease, hypopituitarism, Hashimoto’s disease, ringworm, stress, menopause, lack of B vitamins, and hormone imbalance. Hair loss treatment includes lifestyle changes if they are stress-related and hormonal changes, medication, estrogen therapy, and surgery.

 
 

Hormonal Acne 

Hormonal acne is acne that is associated to fluctuations in hormones. It is frequent during puberty but can also affect adult women at any age. The condition is mostly triggered by influx of hormones from menstruation, polycystic ovarian syndrome, increased androgen levels, and menopause.

As hormone levels fluctuate, they cause overall skin inflammation, clogged skin cells in hair follicles, oil production in the pores, and production of acne-causing bacteria. Acne treatment options include over-the-counter medication, oral medication, oral contraceptives, and creams.

 
 

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