Hormonal imbalance, dizziness. Hormonal imbalance in women - causes, signs, treatment

Good day to all readers of this block and special wishes to the fair half of humanity. I would like to offer you a serious topic for discussion: how to identify signs of hormonal imbalance in women and girls? This is understandable at 45 years old, no longer a young person, but it’s scary to see this in girls at 19 years old.

Physiological factor

If the breasts increase in size, but no gynecological disease is detected, this may be the physiological norm of the woman. This process is associated with excessively active production of ovarian hormones. The main causes of chest pain include:

1. Non-pathological postmenstrual symptoms.
2. Benign dysplasia.
3. Mastopathy.
4. Taking hormonal drugs.

Women especially carefully need to select a hormonal drug. Only after consulting a gynecologist, taking into account all the doctor’s recommendations, should you take medications.

When the absence of critical days is the norm

First, let's look at what can cause a delay in menstruation in women in good physical health. It is considered normal that if menstruation is delayed, their absence can only occur during certain periods of the life of the fair sex:

• during puberty;
• during pregnancy;
• after childbirth;
• with the decline of reproductive function.

Now let's look at why periods don't come, and this is the norm, in more detail.

Puberty

Starting from 8-10 years of age, girls begin puberty, during which the reproductive system of a young lady is formed. Usually, by the age of 12-13 years, the first menstruation or so-called menarche appears. Due to the fact that the reproductive system and hormonal background have not yet fully formed, during this period it is quite natural to have disruptions in the menstrual cycle.

During puberty, delays may appear for 1-2 years after the first menstruation, but if two years have passed and the cycle has not become regular, you should definitely consult a doctor and be examined for diseases. Also, medical care is needed in cases where the girl is already 15 years old, but menarche has not occurred. You should definitely find out why there are no periods if, in addition to the delay, the girl has problems with excess weight, excess hair growth on the face and body, and a change in voice. All this may be a sign of hormonal disorders that require medical correction.

In adolescents, by the age of 15, the menstrual cycle is usually normalized, and then a cyclical change in the level of hormones in the body occurs every month, which causes new regulations.

Pregnancy

To understand why critical days are delayed during pregnancy, we will describe the main processes that take place in a woman’s body during the menstrual cycle.

In the first half of the cycle, the ovaries begin to intensively produce estrogens, which promote the maturation of a new egg, which until it is fully ready is located in a special vesicle, a follicle. When the reproductive cell has matured, the follicle bursts and it exits into the uterine cavity. Thus, ovulation occurs, accompanied by slight mucous discharge from the genital tract and mild pain on the right or left side of the abdomen.

At the site of the ruptured follicle, the corpus luteum begins to rapidly develop, which synthesizes progesterone. Under the influence of this hormone, the inner mucous layer of the uterus begins to grow, increasing in size, and thus prepares to receive a fertilized egg in the event of conception. If fertilization does not occur, less progesterone is produced, and the endometrium, as unnecessary, begins to exfoliate and be removed from the uterus. This is how menstruation begins.

If the egg is fertilized, then the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum does not stop, but increases. Under the influence of this hormone, the zygote is implanted into the endometrium, the placenta begins to form and pregnancy develops. In this case, degradation and rejection of the endometrium does not occur, and progesterone suppresses the maturation of new eggs and the onset of subsequent ovulations. As a result, new periods do not occur. Thus, pregnancy is the main cause of delay for women who are sexually active and have no health problems.

Childbirth

Childbirth affects a woman’s body differently, so the restoration of menstrual function occurs individually for each mother. The type of feeding of the newborn most influences the duration of the recovery period.

If a child immediately begins to eat artificial formula after birth, then the maximum delay in menstruation should not exceed 1 month. With combined feeding, critical days may be absent for 3-4 months. Regulae are delayed the longest for nursing mothers, since milk is produced under the influence of prolactin, which simultaneously inhibits the synthesis of progesterone and the onset of ovulation. Thus, prolactin prevents the maturation of the egg and the development of the endometrium, which means there is no germ cell for fertilization and a place for implantation of the zygote.

Against the background of breastfeeding with the gradual introduction of complementary foods (usually supplementing the baby’s diet with foods begins at six months of age), restoration of menstrual function occurs after 8-12 months. At the same time, for 2-3 months the cycle may be irregular, and it is quite possible that delays may occur; if critical days do not appear after this period, a pregnancy test should be taken.

Menopause

The number of eggs that mature in a woman’s body throughout her life is strictly limited, therefore, starting from the age of 40-45, reproductive function gradually fades away and menstruation becomes irregular. Their duration and nature also change. At this time, ovulation periodically occurs, so pregnancy should not be ruled out as a possible cause of delay. During menopause with an irregular cycle, it is better to use contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal medications will help alleviate the symptoms of menopause and additionally protect against unwanted conception.

Gynecologist's opinion

If your general health has deteriorated significantly and the pain cannot be tolerated, then you should urgently consult a gynecologist. You should immediately consult a doctor if any of the signs of the disease are present. Causes for concern are:

1. Pain in only one breast.
2. Lump in the mammary gland.
3. The presence of itching and other dermatological symptoms.

In this case, it is important to immediately undergo a full medical examination and take a hormone test.

How to recognize the “riot” of hormones?

It is easier to analyze the consequences of diseases than to look for their original source. However, in our situation we cannot do without such a study. Symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance are as follows:

• menstrual irregularities for six months;
• sudden mood swings from laughter to tears;
• peeling skin and hair loss;
• weight loss/gain with a normal diet;
• rapid fatigue during any activity;
• the desire to isolate oneself from everyone;
• frequent change of sexual partner to another;
• significant increase in goiter (extreme case!).

During the period of growing up and preparing to become a mother, such symptoms should not exist. Their presence can become a cause of infertility in the future.

Again, you say, why do we need all these dry medical statistics?

And you will be right, because it is easier for a person to understand things that are more understandable to him. Let's look at everything again using the example of my friend.

Endocrine system riot

She “lost” the regularity of the menstrual cycle due to problems with the thyroid gland after 30 years. And at the same time he has three healthy children without the slightest “baggage” in the form of abortions. Having been diagnosed with dysfunction of both ovaries, she gave birth to a late child at the age of 40. It's more about luck than pattern.

How to understand that there are dangers associated with hormonal imbalance?

In the 80-90s of the last century, this issue was not given much importance. And, by the way, in vain! Mood swings were often attributed to the unstable psyche of adolescents. However, such imbalance could not become a green light for disruptions at the endocrine level. In the absence of a goiter, few people turned to a specialist for help. To this day, an endocrinologist is visited as a last resort.

Loss of external attractiveness

Hair loss and peeling skin can be signs of active parasite activity. Excessive fat content of the epidermis and consumption of undercooked meat products become a calling card for the development of other diseases. She begins treating her skin with antibacterial lotions and eating only processed foods. In the end, the problem is not solved, because in this case the failure associated with hormones cannot be avoided.

Uncontrolled weight gain

Modern youth believe that oral medications will save them from hormonal diseases. There is some truth in such conclusions, but few people like to talk about side symptoms. Taking a remedy advertised by friends is considered the norm. It's just more expensive to play with hormones. And immediately then the question arises, how to lose weight. I would like to answer that such drugs cannot be taken without consulting a doctor.

Significant changes in neck contours

A significant increase in goiter cannot be missed at all. Initially, those who like to wear turtlenecks with a high neck will begin to experience unpleasant sensations. There will be something in this area that gets in the way and squeezes. Believe me, we are talking about the first stage of thyroid disease. Further, its dysfunction will be visually visible. In this case, it is possible to hide the goiter behind massive beads. Think about it, is this comfortable for the young beauty?

Maybe it's time to turn to a specialist?

Underdevelopment of the mammary glands

This is not about the volume of the bra, but about more pressing issues.

Small breasts are better, but healthy!

There is no need to chase size when the conversation turns to aesthetics, health and the ability to feed the baby in the future. At the age of 20, if there is a hormonal imbalance in the functioning of the body, it can be considered an SOS signal. Especially if you want to have a breastfed baby.

Ways to feel better

There are several recommendations from doctors that can help reduce chest pain. These include:

1. Dieting. You should exclude fatty and junk foods, eat more vegetables and fruits.
2. Drink enough water. It is important to know that drinking too much often provokes strong and painful sensations in the chest.
3. Eat less salt.
4. You should not drink caffeinated drinks if your breasts swell after your period. Liquid is often released through the nipples - this is a sign of hormonal imbalance, in which it is especially important to monitor nutrition.
5. Wear comfortable and comfortable underwear. It is better to replace a tightening bra made of artificial fabric with a loose and comfortable one.
6. Exercise.
7. Lead a healthy lifestyle and do not smoke tobacco products.

These recommendations will help improve your overall health even during sudden hormonal changes.

Diagnostics

Since any imbalance of hormones has some consequences, this condition becomes the basis for quite severe consequences, such a condition always needs medical correction.

But still, first of all, it is necessary to determine the root cause of the hormonal disorder.

For such purposes, consultation with an endocrinologist is required, and in addition, an analysis of the biomaterial for hormonal status is required.

It is necessary to mention that this kind of analysis is carried out before and after critical days. Further, if, after performing a laboratory test, a shift in the level of any hormone is determined, auxiliary studies must be carried out to clarify the cause of the disorder.

Age-related changes: cause of chest pain

The breasts become fuller, enlarged and swollen after menstruation in those women who are about to experience menopause. Women are more vulnerable to any age-related hormonal changes in the body, so this physiological condition must be treated with medications prescribed by a doctor.

When reproductive function fades, breast tissue becomes deformed and turns into connective and fatty tissue. If one of the symptoms of the disease appears, it is important to consult a doctor promptly, since pathology often develops during a hormonal surge. Even if there are no complaints, experts recommend visiting a mammologist every six months. Especially if the mammary glands are enlarged and hurt, it is better not to postpone a visit to a specialist.

The main reasons for delayed periods

The most common reason for missed periods is conception and the beginning of fetal formation. In addition to pregnancy, cycle failure is provoked by stress factors and illnesses.

If for a week

There may be a delay of up to a week due to:

• nutrition - strict diet, lack of vitamin E, transition to a vegan style;
• stress – psychological overstrain, heavy sports loads, session, night rhythm of work, frequent business trips, change of activity;
• moving to another climatic zone, returning after a sea holiday, increased sunbathing;
• rapid loss of body weight or gain due to overeating;
• smoking;
• viral infections - influenza, herpes, cytomegalovirus;
• exacerbation of chronic inflammation in the stomach, intestines, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas;
• diabetes mellitus

For a month

The reasons for a month delay are:

• delayed puberty (outside of diseases, periodic loss of the cycle is acceptable only in the first year of menstruation);
• period before menopause (3-5 years before the last menstruation);
• abortion, diagnostic uterine curettage;
• operations in gynecology;
• severe postpartum bleeding leading to hormonal deficiency of the pituitary gland (Sheehan syndrome);
• polycystic ovary syndrome (accompanied by obesity, increased hair growth on the face and body, acne);

Polycystic ovary syndrome

• hypothyroidism – low activity of the thyroid gland (chillness, swelling, lethargy);
• severe infection or diseases of internal organs;
• general exhaustion of the body;
• the use of contraceptives with a large dose of hormones (emergency contraception with Postinor) or for a long time, after their cancellation there may be a delay of 1-2 cycles;
• inflammation of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, tumor processes.

Watch this video about the reasons for delayed periods:

If for a year

The following can cause the cessation of menstruation for a year:

• Hypothalamic syndrome - it is provoked by viruses, microbes, stress, surgery, exhaustion or obesity. The cyclic formation of hormones that stimulate the ovaries is disrupted. Often combined with vegetative-vascular dystonia, stretch marks on the skin, acne.
• Increased pituitary prolactin due to a benign tumor, prolonged breastfeeding, stress, hormone use, iodine deficiency and low thyroid function.
• Diseases of the adrenal glands - congenital hyperplasia (overgrowth) of the cortex, tumors, increased formation of cortisol in Itsenko-Cushing syndrome.

Symptoms of Itsenko-Cushing syndrome

• Ovarian damage - premature exhaustion syndrome (early menopause), polycystic disease, neoplasm, inflammation, surgery, trauma.
• Administration of medications for the treatment of fibroids, endometriosis, causing artificial menopause.
• Destruction of the inner layer of the uterus during inflammation, abortion, diagnostic curettage.
• Severe stress - living in a zone of military conflict, disaster, loss of loved ones.

We recommend reading about the reasons for missed periods due to endometriosis. From the article you will learn about whether and why there can be a delay in menstruation with endometriosis, indications for seeing a doctor.

And here is more information about how many days a period can be delayed in normal conditions and in cases of pathology.

Development of pathologies

If a woman has severe breast pain after her period, it is important to undergo the necessary tests, since this often indicates the presence of pathology. Swelling can occur with the development of many diseases. Most often, breasts become full after menstruation due to mastopathy.

Mastopathy develops due to hormonal imbalance. It is important to treat the disease in a timely manner, since the disease can provoke the development of malignant tumors. With this disease, in addition to pain in the chest, a peculiar discharge from the nipples is also observed. Most often, mastopathy occurs in women from 18 to 40 years old.

Why do the ovaries hurt when your period is late?

Many women face this problem, when there are no periods and the ovaries hurt. It is worth considering the most common reasons for such changes.

Elevated prostaglandin levels

Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that perform several important functions. They provoke the onset of menstrual periods and cause vasospasm in the pelvic area. They are also called pain mediators.

The higher the concentration of prostaglandins, the more pronounced the pain syndrome. It has been noted that the amount of such elements increases when the body is polluted with toxins. Therefore, to eliminate symptoms, therapy is prescribed aimed at eliminating the root cause.

Presence of an ovarian cyst

Delayed menstruation and pain in the right or left ovary often signal the presence of a cystic formation. A cyst can grow for a long time without showing itself in any way. Pain and cycle disruption are observed only when it reaches a large size.

Inflammation of the uterine appendages

Pain in the ovaries can be caused by inflammatory processes caused by the development of the following diseases:

• oophoritis;
• salpingitis;
• adnexitis.

With these pathologies, inflammation of the appendages is noted. As a rule, pain occurs periodically, but sometimes occurs on an ongoing basis. Among the accompanying symptoms are:

• sleep disturbance;
• general malaise;
• increased irritability;
• psycho-emotional stress.

The onset of the inflammatory process is provoked by infections, disruptions in the immune system, and hypothermia.

Apoplexy

If the ovary ruptures, there is no period. There is an intense outflow of blood into the peritoneum. The pain syndrome is localized in the lower abdomen and lower back. In addition, the following negative changes are possible:

• frequent vomiting;
• nausea;
• decreased blood pressure;
• rise in temperature;
• paleness of the skin;
• increased heart rate;
• dizziness.

There are many reasons for a breakup. Apoplexy occurs with abdominal injuries, excessive physical exertion, vascular diseases and rough intimacy.

It is strictly forbidden to ignore such a condition. If measures are not taken promptly, there is a risk of death.

Late ovulation

The reason for the lack of regulation on time and the appearance of pain may be late ovulation. When the egg is fully formed, the follicle ruptures and the corpus luteum, responsible for the synthesis of progesterone, begins to form. This hormone is needed for the timely onset of menstruation.

If a malfunction occurs in the body, the corpus luteum does not begin producing progesterone in time and the ovulation process is disrupted. The result is pain in the appendage area and cycle failure.

There are several ways to accurately determine that the cause of such changes was delayed ovulation:

• a special test that is sold in a pharmacy;
• ultrasonography;
• analysis to determine hormone levels.

Such disorders are provoked by stressful situations, infectious pathologies, and hormonal fluctuations.

Pregnancy

Pain occurs when the egg meets the sperm. This is due to intensive synthesis of progesterone. In addition, the uterus begins to enlarge. The pelvic muscles soften. Therefore, such symptoms in the first weeks of pregnancy are considered normal.

Ovarian dysfunction

This concept includes a whole range of reproductive dysfunctions. As a rule, they are determined by a delay that lasts more than five days. After this, long critical days are observed. Pathology is also indicated by frequent menstruation, observed with an interval of a maximum of 21 days.

Signs of dysfunction also include:

• severe PMS;
• amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for more than 6 months);
• impossibility of conception.

Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal fluctuations can affect the menstrual cycle. For example, a delay occurs when the concentration of progesterone is insufficient. Tests should be performed to identify hormonal imbalances. Depending on the phase of the cycle, hormone levels change. Therefore, laboratory tests are carried out on strictly defined days.

Psychological reasons

The appearance of pain and delay can be observed for the following reasons:

• psycho-emotional stress;
• depression;
• hysteria;
• hypochondria.

Development of tumors

The development of benign and malignant tumors in women often provokes the appearance of severe and unbearable pain in the chest. With the development of cancer, a woman’s breasts swell and hurt, and lumps or nodes may appear, which the doctor diagnoses during palpation. The nipple becomes deformed and retracts inward.

How to find out the cause of pain?

It is impossible to determine on your own at home the factor that provoked the swelling of the mammary glands after menstruation. Only a mammologist, after a thorough examination of the woman, is able to make an accurate diagnosis. To assess the overall clinical picture, it is important to carry out laboratory and instrumental studies of the patient. Diagnostics includes:

• mammography;
• MRI of the mammary glands;
• Ultrasound;
• general blood analysis;
• analysis of sex hormones.

Based on the diagnostic indicators obtained, the doctor prescribes individual and comprehensive treatment. The dosage and duration of the course are determined strictly by the patient’s attending physician.

Diagnosis of hormonal imbalance in women

If alarming symptoms are detected, you need to contact an endocrinologist, mammologist and gynecologist.

After examination by specialists, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, which will include a general blood test, a biochemical blood test, and tests for hormone levels.

Then an ultrasound of the internal organs is performed to determine the extent of their damage due to hormonal dysfunction.

Note!

Hormonal imbalance in women, symptoms, signs must be treated by a doctor. He studies the results of examinations and tests, determines which hormones are produced incorrectly and what needs to be done to normalize their levels.

Treatment process

If your breasts are swollen after menstruation, self-medication is prohibited. Only after a complete examination of the patient and based on the test results obtained, the doctor prescribes treatment. At an early stage of the disease, therapy is carried out using medication. If the disease is too advanced, the problem is eliminated surgically.

Treatment of mastopathy is carried out with the help of hormonal drugs. To eliminate pain, the doctor recommends following a diet. It is important to eat foods that contain many useful substances (vegetables, fruits, white meat, kefir, etc.). Conservative or surgical methods are used to treat tumors. If breast swelling is caused by physiological changes in the body, then doctors do not prescribe medications.

Disease Prevention

The best prevention is regular visits to the mammologist. Even in the absence of chest pain, you should undergo a routine examination with a doctor. In addition, it is important to eat right, lead a healthy lifestyle, do not abuse alcohol, do not smoke tobacco products, and avoid stress. Experts have concluded that systematic nervous tension often provokes hormonal imbalance, which, in turn, is a common cause of breast swelling after menstruation.

Doctor's conclusion

Chest pain after menstruation often indicates that a malfunction has occurred in a woman’s body. If your breasts are swollen after menstruation, it is possible to temporarily eliminate the pain with the help of the drug “No-spa” (it helps some, not others, but it certainly won’t make you any worse). There is no need to mask the disease, wait for it to go away on its own, or try to recover without medical help, with the help of herbs and miracle remedies, as this in some situations can lead to a very sad outcome.

What can cause your period to be late?

There can be many reasons for the delay.
Of course, one of the main ones is pregnancy, but we will not consider this case. We list other possible factors that may affect the irregularity of the cycle: Gynecological diseases and problems. It is clear that if something is wrong in the functioning of the reproductive system, then the cycle will not be normal. This can happen, for example, with polycystic ovary syndrome, with inflammation, endometritis, uterine fibroids and other diseases. In addition, sexually transmitted diseases can also have an impact. One way or another, along with the delay, in case of health problems, other symptoms will also arise (discharge in the middle of the cycle, pain). Miscarriages and abortions. All this is a strong shock to the body. In particular, hormonal levels are especially affected. And hormones are known to influence the menstrual cycle. So after an abortion, your period may come 1-4 weeks later. But this is not normal, in this case you must consult a doctor. Taking oral contraceptives. They act on the ovaries, suppressing their function. Because of this, the egg may take too long to mature, which affects the length of the cycle. Emergency contraception (Postinor, Escapelle) containing shock doses of hormones has a particularly strong effect on the cycle. If you are taking contraceptives and notice frequent delays, tell your gynecologist. He will prescribe another drug.

Dramatic weight loss. Scientists have long proven that adipose tissue (and everyone should normally have it) is important for many important processes. In particular, the fat layer is involved in the formation of the hormone estrogen.

And if there is practically no fat, then the body will perceive this as an extreme situation and consider that pregnancy is now inappropriate. And because of this, the eggs will simply stop maturing, which will lead to amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). A weight of 40-47 kilograms (depending on height) is considered critical. By the way, if you are overweight, cycle disruptions can also occur. Stress. Many people have heard that “all diseases come from nerves.” And this is actually true. Stress is a huge burden on the body

And even if you look calm on the outside, internal changes may remain unnoticeable until a certain point. So don’t be surprised if, after an important interview, session, or some kind of grief, you don’t get your period on time. Surprisingly, many women during the war lost their periods completely and were absent for years, and then after all the shocks and experiences everything was restored. By the way, lack of sleep and constant fatigue can also be called stress. Taking certain medications

There are those that affect hormonal levels or the functioning of the reproductive system. So if you are taking any medication, carefully read the instructions and consult your doctor. Non-gynecological diseases. Even a simple cold (and even more so the flu) can affect the functioning of the reproductive system and cause a delay. But there are other diseases that, under some circumstances, also affect the cycle. For example, disorders may occur with gastritis, ulcers, diabetes mellitus, or decreased kidney or thyroid function. Exacerbations of chronic diseases are also influencing factors. Intoxication, poisoning. We are not just talking about food poisoning, although they, of course, have a strong effect on the body. But if a girl or woman drinks alcohol in large quantities, drugs or smokes, then you should not be surprised at failures and delays in this case. Physical exercise. Athletes often suffer from delays and glitches. The fact is that in this case, the body literally directs all its forces to ensuring normal muscle function, sometimes forgetting about other systems. So if you suddenly decide to become a sports girl and start intensively doing fitness or, for example, running, then increase the load gradually, otherwise delays cannot be avoided. After childbirth, the menstrual cycle does not return to normal immediately. In addition, if a woman is breastfeeding a child, then menstruation may be absent altogether. On average, complete recovery takes about 3-6 months. Abrupt climate change. Dramatic changes in climatic conditions are a burden for the body. So if you went on vacation to hot countries, then don’t be surprised if your period comes a week or two later. The body needs time to get into a normal rhythm and adjust to its usual mood. Climax. If a woman is over 45-50 years old, then it is probably time for menopause. And at this stage, delays and other problems are quite possible.