TESTOSTERONE
The bulk of testosterone (male sex hormone) is produced by the testes; a smaller amount is produced by cells of the reticular layer of the adrenal cortex and during transformation from precursors in peripheral tissues. In women, testosterone is formed during the process of peripheral transformation, as well as during synthesis in the cells of the inner lining of the ovarian follicle and the reticular layer of the adrenal cortex. Testosterone ensures in men the formation of the reproductive system according to the male type, the development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty, is responsible for maintaining sexual function (libido and potency), sperm maturation, development of the skeleton and muscle mass, stimulates the bone marrow, the activity of the sebaceous glands, modulates synthesis of b-endorphins (“hormones of joy”), insulin. In women, it is involved in the mechanism of follicle regression in the ovaries and in the regulation of the level of gonadotropic hormones of the pituitary gland. Only free testosterone dissolved in plasma is biologically active, which in the human body plays the role of a protein anabolic, that is, it stimulates protein synthesis. It is for this reason that men tend to be larger and more muscular than women. In many structures localized (located) in the skin, testosterone supplied with the blood determines the male type of hair (beard growth, etc.) and excess sebaceous secretions (seborrhea). Testosterone levels in men increase during puberty and remain high until the age of 60 on average. During the day, the concentration of the hormone in the blood plasma fluctuates (max. - in the morning, min. - in the evening). In women, the maximum concentration of testosterone is determined in the luteal phase and during ovulation. In pregnant women, it increases by the third trimester, exceeding almost 3 times the concentration in non-pregnant women. Indications for the analysis: In both sexes: infertility, baldness, acne, oily seborrhea, adrenal tumors. In women: hirsutism, anovulation, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, miscarriage, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, breast neoplasms, hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the uterus and mammary glands. In men: impaired potency, decreased libido, male menopause, primary and secondary hypogonadism, chronic prostatitis, osteoporosis. An increase in testosterone levels in the blood may indicate premature puberty (in boys), adrenal hyperplasia, or tumors that produce sex hormones. Testosterone levels are usually reduced in Down syndrome, renal, liver failure, and gonadal failure. Preparation for the study: on the eve of the study, it is necessary to exclude physical activity (sports training) and smoking.
In women, the analysis is performed on days 6-7 of the menstrual cycle, unless other dates are indicated by the attending physician.
Endorphin: why men fall asleep after sex
What makes endorphin different from other neurotransmitters released during sex is that it is like a drug. This is clear from its name, which means nothing less than “endogenous morphine.” Morphine, as you know, is an extremely powerful painkiller.
So endorphin reduces pain and thereby improves sleep. Our body produces it in huge quantities when we laugh, eat something tasty or actively engage in sports - and, of course, during sexual intercourse. Therefore, after sex, men often fall asleep peacefully.
SHBG (SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN)
Most of the testosterone entering the blood binds to a specific transport protein - SHBG. A decrease in SHBG synthesis leads to disruption of the delivery of hormones to target organs and the performance of their physiological functions. In men, SHBG secretion increases with age. This can lead to a decrease in active testosterone and an increase in the effects of estrogen, which is manifested by gynecomastia (enlargement of the mammary glands in men) and redistribution of fatty tissue according to the female type. In women, the SHBG content is almost twice as high as in men, since estrogens increase the level of SHBG synthesis in the liver, and androgens, on the contrary, reduce its production. Indications for the analysis: In both sexes: clinical signs of an increase or decrease in androgen levels with normal testosterone levels, baldness, acne, oily seborrhea. In women: hirsutism, anovulation, amenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome, prediction of the development of preeclampsia (SHBG is reduced). In men: male menopause, chronic prostatitis, impaired potency, decreased libido. An increase in SHBG levels can be observed with thyrotoxicosis, liver cirrhosis, taking estrogens and oral contraceptives. A decrease in SHBG levels can occur with hypothyroidism, obesity, acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, and after taking androgens. Preparation for the study: on an empty stomach.
PROLACTIN
Prolactin is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland; a small amount is synthesized in peripheral tissues, and during pregnancy it is also produced in the endometrium. This hormone plays an extremely important role in many processes occurring in the body, in particular, in ensuring the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Prolactin also contributes to the formation of sexual behavior. It regulates water-salt metabolism, delaying the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys, stimulates calcium absorption, and has a modulating effect on the immune system. In general, prolactin activates anabolic processes in the body. The daily secretion of prolactin has a pulsating character. During sleep, its level increases. After waking up, the concentration of prolactin decreases sharply, reaching a minimum in the late morning hours. After noon, the hormone level increases. In the absence of stress, daily fluctuations in levels are within normal values. During the menstrual cycle, prolactin levels are higher in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase. From the 8th week of pregnancy, prolactin levels increase, reaching a peak at 20-25 weeks, then decrease immediately before childbirth and increase again during lactation. During pregnancy, prolactin supports the existence of the corpus luteum and the production of progesterone, stimulates the growth and development of the mammary glands and milk formation. An increase in prolactin levels is one of the common causes of infertility. Indications for the analysis: galactorrhea, cyclical pain in the mammary gland, mastopathy, anovulation, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, infertility, diagnosis of sexual infantilism, chronic inflammation of the internal genital organs, severe menopause, obesity, decreased libido and potency (men) , gynecomastia (men), osteoporosis. The analysis shows an increase in prolactin levels in diseases of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, primary hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis of the liver, adrenal insufficiency and congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex; tumors that produce estrogen and other conditions. The level of prolactin in the blood is usually reduced in case of pituitary insufficiency, true post-term pregnancy. Preparation for the study: Avoid sexual intercourse and heat exposure (sauna) 1 day before, smoking 1 hour before. Since prolactin levels are greatly influenced by stressful situations, it is advisable to exclude factors that influence the research results: physical stress (running, climbing stairs), emotional arousal. Therefore, before the procedure you should rest for 10-15 minutes and calm down.
Serotonin: happiness and immunity
Serotonin is essentially a happiness hormone: it takes care of our relaxation and feelings of contentment. It also stimulates the immune system and therefore strengthens the body's defenses. Under the influence of serotonin, we are calm and see the world through rose-colored glasses.
This is used in the treatment of depression, which is often caused by a lack of serotonin. Such patients are prescribed serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which prevent the body from quickly destroying serotonin that has already been produced.
It also plays a significant role in the feeling of sexual pleasure. It also promotes wound healing by constricting small blood vessels and thereby reducing bleeding. So being happy is not only wonderful, but also good for your health.
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
FSH is a pituitary hormone that regulates the functioning of the gonads. In men, it is secreted constantly evenly, in women - cyclically, increasing in the first phase of the menstrual cycle. FSH promotes the formation and maturation of germ cells: eggs and sperm. The egg in the ovary grows as part of a follicle consisting of follicular cells. These cells, during the growth of the follicle, under the influence of FSH, synthesize female sex hormones - estrogens, which, in turn, suppress the release of FSH (negative feedback principle). Indications for the analysis: decreased libido and potency, infertility, anovulation, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, miscarriage, premature sexual development or delay, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, growth retardation, chronic inflammation syndrome of the internal genital organs. An increase in FSH levels may indicate insufficient function of the gonads, a pituitary tumor, primary hypogonadism (in men), ovarian wasting syndrome (in women), renal failure, dysfunctional uterine bleeding and other conditions. The analysis will show a decrease in FSH levels with hypofunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, pregnancy, secondary amenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperprolactinemia. Preparation for the study: The analysis is done on the 6-7th day of the menstrual cycle, unless other dates are indicated by the attending physician. 3 days before taking blood, you must avoid sports training. 1 hour before blood collection - smoking. Immediately before taking blood, you need to calm down. Blood is taken from a vein on an empty stomach, lying down.
LH (luteotropic hormone)
In women, luteotropic hormone stimulates the synthesis of estrogen; regulates the secretion of progesterone and the formation of the corpus luteum. In men, by stimulating the formation of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), it increases the permeability of the seminiferous tubules to testosterone. This increases the concentration of testosterone in the blood plasma, which promotes sperm maturation. In turn, testosterone re-inhibits the release of LH. The release of the hormone is pulsating in nature and depends in women on the phase of the ovulation cycle. During puberty, LH levels increase, approaching values typical for adults. In the menstrual cycle in women, the peak concentration of LH occurs at ovulation, after which the level of the hormone drops and remains throughout the luteal phase at lower values than in the follicular phase. During pregnancy the concentration decreases. During the postmenopausal period, the concentration of LH increases, as does FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). In women, the concentration of LH in the blood is maximum in the period from 12 to 24 hours before ovulation and is maintained throughout the day, reaching a concentration 10 times higher compared to the non-ovulatory period. In men, LH levels increase by 60-65 years. Indications for the analysis: hirsutism, decreased libido and potency, anovulation, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, miscarriage, premature sexual development or delay, sexual infantilism, endometriosis, monitoring the effectiveness of hormone therapy. An increase in LH levels is observed with insufficient function of the gonads, polycystic ovary syndrome, pituitary tumors, renal failure, and gonadal atrophy in men after testicular inflammation. A decrease in LH levels occurs with secondary amenorrhea; hypofunction of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, genetic syndromes, anorexia nervosa, polycystic ovary syndrome, luteal phase deficiency, surgical interventions. Preparation for the study: 3 days before taking blood, you must avoid sports training. 1 hour before blood collection - smoking. Immediately before taking blood, you need to calm down. Blood is drawn on an empty stomach, lying down. The analysis is done on days 6-7 of the menstrual cycle, unless other dates are indicated by the attending physician.
Thyroid hormones – support for health and beauty or a threat to fertility?
Thyroid hormones, including mainly triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and calcitonin (CT), are equally important for health, including fertility and beauty.
All three are produced by the thyroid gland and perform different functions in the female body. Their beneficial effects can be felt first of all:
- in the proper functioning of calcium-phosphate metabolism, that is, bone metabolism, for which calcitonin is responsible;
- in accelerating metabolism, which promotes increased calorie burning - in this case, triiodothyronine is in the lead;
- in maintaining the proper condition of the skin and hair, which is facilitated by thyroxine.
However, endocrine disorders, including abnormal levels of thyroid hormones, can lead to irregular menstruation, anovulation and hence infertility. Moreover, even when the opportunity to become pregnant arises, problems may arise in maintaining it. Manifested by miscarriage or premature birth.
Premature birth
Thyroid hormone levels:
- T3: 2-10 mU/l,
- T4: 5-12 mcg/dl,
- CT: 8.3-22.0 pmol/l (30-80 pg/ml),
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland): 0.27-4.0 mU/l.
Depending on abnormalities in thyroid hormone levels, there may be an overactive or underactive thyroid gland.
ESTRADIOL
In women, estradiol is produced in the ovaries, placenta and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex under the influence of FSH, LH and prolactin. Estradiol is formed in small quantities during the peripheral conversion of testosterone. In men, estradiol is formed in the testes, in the adrenal cortex, but most of it is formed in peripheral tissues due to the conversion of testosterone. Estradiol ensures in women the formation of the reproductive system according to the female type, the development of female secondary sexual characteristics during puberty, the formation and regulation of menstrual function, the development of the egg, the growth and development of the uterus during pregnancy. It is also responsible for the psychophysiological characteristics of sexual behavior and ensures the formation of subcutaneous fatty tissue according to the female type. A necessary condition for the effects of estradiol to occur is the correct relationship with testosterone levels. Estradiol has an anabolic effect, enhances bone turnover and accelerates the maturation of skeletal bones; promotes sodium and water retention in the body, reduces cholesterol levels and increases blood clotting activity. Daily fluctuations in the concentration of estradiol in the serum are associated with the rhythm of LH (luteinizing hormone) secretion: the maximum occurs between 15 and 18 hours, and the minimum between 24 and 2 hours. In women of childbearing age, the level of estradiol in the blood serum and plasma depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. cycle. The highest levels of estradiol are observed in the late follicular phase. During pregnancy, the concentration of estradiol in serum and plasma increases at the time of delivery, and after delivery it returns to normal on the 4th day. With age, women experience a decrease in estradiol concentrations. During postmenopause, the concentration of estradiol decreases to the level observed in men. Indications for the purpose of the analysis: diagnosis of disorders of the menstrual cycle and fertility (ability to produce offspring) of women, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, anovulation, hypogonadism, disorders of puberty, osteoporosis (in women), hirsutism, infertility, premenstrual syndrome, signs of feminization in men. An increase in estradiol levels is observed with hyperestrogenism; endometrioid ovarian cysts; tumors of the ovaries, testicles, liver cirrhosis, pregnancy, taking hormonal drugs. Estradiol levels are reduced during intense physical activity in untrained women, with significant weight loss, a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet, in vegetarians, and in early pregnant women who smoke; for chronic inflammation of the internal genital organs, chronic prostatitis, insufficiency of the gonads and other conditions. Preparation for the study: on the eve of the study, avoid physical activity (sports training) and smoking. In women, the analysis is performed on days 6-7 of the menstrual cycle, unless other dates are indicated by the attending physician.
Plateau
The plateau phase is what happens between arousal and orgasm. If there is no orgasm, resolution occurs after a plateau. In another way, the plateau phase can be called the highest degree of excitation. During this stage, the pulse and breathing continue to increase, muscle pressure and tension increase, the clitoris becomes more sensitive, and the Bartholin glands in the vagina secrete more lubrication.
The activity of different areas of the brain increases. One of them is the amygdala. It is responsible for the perception of visual images and emotions. During the plateau phase, activity in the area of the brain where memories are stored decreases. This probably happens because at this moment we don’t care at all about memories and the emotions associated with them.
PROGESTERONE
Progesterone is a female sex hormone produced in the corpus luteum of the ovaries and adrenal glands. Outside of pregnancy, progesterone secretion begins to increase in the preovulatory period, reaching a maximum in the middle of the luteal phase, returning to its original level at the end of the cycle. The content of progesterone in the blood of a pregnant woman increases, doubling by 7-8 weeks, and then gradually increasing until 37-38 weeks. After ovulation - the release of an egg from the follicle - a corpus luteum is formed in its place in the ovary - a gland that secretes progesterone. It exists and secretes this hormone during 12-16 weeks of pregnancy until the moment when the placenta is fully formed and takes over the function of hormone synthesis. If conception does not occur, the corpus luteum dies after 12-14 days, and menstruation begins. Progesterone is determined to assess ovulation and the viability of the corpus luteum. With a regular cycle - a week before menstruation, when measuring rectal temperature - on the 5-7th day of its rise; with an irregular cycle - several times. A sign of ovulation and the formation of a full-fledged corpus luteum is a tenfold increase in progesterone levels. Indications for the analysis : identifying the causes of menstrual irregularities, infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, assessing the condition of the placenta in the second half of pregnancy, differential diagnosis of true post-term pregnancy. An increase in progesterone levels is observed with adrenal hyperplasia, corpus luteum cyst, pregnancy, and delayed maturation of the placenta. The analysis will show a decrease in progesterone levels in the absence of ovulation, insufficiency of the corpus luteum, true postmaturity, placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth restriction, or threatened abortion. Preparation for the study: the analysis is carried out on the 22-23rd day of the menstrual cycle, unless other dates are indicated by the attending physician. Blood is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, that is, when 8-12 hours pass between the last meal and blood collection. You can drink water.
Libido lives in the head
Not all scientists adhere to the chemical concept of love. British biologists Andreas Bartels and Semir Zeki believe that love is a specific activity of the human brain.
Today, scientists know that libido (sexual desire) arises in the head and from there spreads throughout the body with the help of neurotransmitters - substances that carry signals. In the hypothalamus, a small gland deep in the brain, neuroscientists have discovered as many as seven centers associated with sexual desire. When they are activated, a person experiences strong sexual arousal. So EVERYTHING starts in the head, not where you thought.
Love each other and be healthy!
DEA-SO4 (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)
DEA-SO4 is produced in the adrenal cortex. Its level is an adequate indicator of androgen-synthetic activity of the adrenal glands. The hormone has only a weak androgenic effect, but during its metabolism testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are formed in peripheral tissues. During pregnancy, DHEA-SO4 is produced by the adrenal cortex of the mother and fetus and serves as a precursor for the synthesis of placental estrogens. By puberty, the level of this hormone increases, and then gradually decreases as a person reaches reproductive age. The level of DHEA-SO4 also decreases during pregnancy. Indications for the analysis: adrenogenital syndrome, tumors of the adrenal cortex, ectopic ACTH-producing tumors, recurrent miscarriage, fetal hypotrophy, diagnosis of the state of the feto-placental complex from 12-15 weeks of pregnancy. Increased levels of DHEA-SO4 are observed in adrenogenital syndrome; tumors of the adrenal cortex; ectopic ACTH-producing tumors; Cushing's disease; feto-placental insufficiency; hirsutism in women; threat of intrauterine fetal death. The level of DHEA-SO4 is reduced in case of fetal adrenal hypoplasia (concentration in the blood of a pregnant woman); intrauterine infection; when taking gestagens.
17-OH-PROGESTERONE
17-OH-progesterone is a hormone responsible for human reproductive function. Produced in the adrenal glands, gonads and placenta. Indications for the analysis: diagnosis and monitoring of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hirsutism, cycle disorders and infertility in women; adrenal tumors. Most often, an increase in the level of 17-OH-progesterone is observed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, tumors of the adrenal glands or ovaries. The level of 17-OH-progesterone is usually reduced in Addison's disease, pseudohermaphroditism in men. Preparation for the study: according to the instructions of the attending physician (in women, blood is usually taken for testing on the 3-5th day of the cycle), on an empty stomach. Our dictionary Galactorrhea is the discharge of milk, colostrum or milk-like fluid from the mammary glands. Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation for 6 months or more. Oligomenorrhea is a menstrual disorder characterized by a short period of menstruation. Hypogonadism is a pathological condition characterized by underdevelopment of the internal and external genital organs and unclear expression of secondary sexual characteristics. Addison's disease is characterized by insufficient secretion of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal glands. Symptoms of the disease: weakness, lethargy, hypotension, dark spots on the skin. Hirsutism is increased male pattern hair growth in women along the midline of the abdomen, face, chest and inner thighs. Adrenogenital syndrome (pseudogermaphroditism) is characterized by hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex and increased levels of androgens in the body. Anovulation is a change in the menstrual cycle characterized by the absence of an egg from the ovary. The luteal phase is the second phase of the menstrual cycle, beginning with the moment of ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum. Duration – 12-16 days. Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy in which the function of vital organs, especially the vascular system and blood flow, is disrupted. Cushing's syndrome . The term is used to describe a complex of symptoms (a round, moon-shaped face that becomes reddish in color, fat deposits on the neck).
