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Hormonal Problems in Women

Most of the health problems women experience entail some kind of hormonal abnormality, according to the website Compleatmother.com. Fortunately, advances in medicine have been made, and now many of these health issues can be treated. It's important for women to recognize the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance and to know what treatments are available.

  1. Hormones: A Brief Description

    • Hormones are basically bodily messengers, according to Wisegeek.com. They carry messages from the body's glands to cells, in an effort to maintain the chemistry of the bloodstream. Hormones play an important role in the various developmental stages of life. When there is a problem with hormones, it interferes with the homeostasis--the equilibrium--of the organism, causing various health and behavioral problems.

    Estrogen

    • There are two kinds of sex hormones: androgens and estrogens. In women, estrogen plays a dominant role, as noted in Health.discovery.com's article "Estrogen and Testosterone Hormones." Estrogen stimulates sexual development and regulates menstruation. Hormonal problems that deal with estrogen levels are usually a normal part of a woman's development. As a young girl moves into puberty, changing estrogen levels may cause behavioral problems, such as mood swings or even depression. Likewise, as women enter menopause, the decrease in estrogen may result in problems such as painful intercourse or lack of sexual interest.

    Progesterone and Estrogen

    • Another factor involved in hormonal problems for women in particular is the ratio of progesterone and estrogen. An Ezinearticles.com article, "Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Women," notes that an imbalance between these to hormones can lead to various health problems. Some common ailments that are related to these hormones include PMS, depression, anxiety, headaches, allergy symptoms, low sex drive, fibrocystic breasts and bloating.

    Effects on Physical Development

    • Hormonal imbalances can lead to other physical problems, such as hair loss, facial hair growth or breast abnormalities. Hormones also can cause weight gain. Of course, hormones also are responsible for positive developments as young women mature, including breast growth, an increase in height and weight, and larger hips to prepare for childbirth.

    Serious Complications

    • Hormonal imbalance can lead to more serious complications, such as chronic urinary tract infections, endometriosis, osteoporosis and uterine fibroids. Other problems can include thyroid disfunction, abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, cystic ovaries, accelerated aging and low immune functionality. Fertility is also affected by hormones, and most cases of infertility have some relation to hormonal problems.

    Available Treatment

    • Fortunately, many advances have been made in the treatment of hormonal problems. For reproductive, menstrual or sexual issues, many doctors prescribe birth control pills or, in extreme cases, perform surgery (the most common type being hysterectomy). Many advocates of natural remedies suggest natural hormone replacements, and there are several on the market. Of course, a healthy and active lifestyle helps.

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