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Hormones play a very important role in our body. Our health, appearance and well-being depend on them, which can affect the quality of our lives. What should we know about them to keep it for many years?
What role do hormones play?
Hormones are chemical compounds secreted by the endocrine glands or tissues of the endocrine system and are used to transmit information between various organs of the body. The right level of individual hormones ensures the body’s internal balance and its proper functioning.
The endocrine system is made up of the endocrine glands (endocrine glands) and includes the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries and testes.
The hypothalamus, by secreting releasing hormones called liberers, gives a signal to the pituitary gland, which in turn releases tropic hormones that signal individual endocrine glands to secrete other hormones. When the level of a given hormone is too high, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to stop secreting it.
There are many different hormones in the body that fulfill specific tasks. Hormones are responsible for the proper growth, maturation, reproduction and aging of the body, they take care of our circadian rhythm, regulate body temperature or cause hunger and thirst; they are responsible for the transformation of sugars and fats, they also determine our appearance and mood.
What is the importance of female sex hormones?
Among all hormones, we distinguish typical female hormones that regulate, among others, reproductive processes or affect the condition of the skin. It is thanks to them that in adolescence, secondary sexual characteristics are enhanced, the body maintains the pregnancy, and lactation occurs after delivery. Women’s health, mood and, indirectly, their appearance depend on them.
The most important female hormones are estrogens. They are responsible for the maturation and the appearance of menses. They also shape the female figure, make the breasts grow, hips widen and the waist slender. Thanks to estrogens, calcium is deposited in the bones, increases blood clotting, raises the level of good cholesterol, inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis. It is estrogens that keep the skin hydrated and supple. They are also responsible for the female libido.
Another important female hormone is progesterone, responsible, inter alia, for the implantation of the egg in the uterine wall; and prolactin, responsible, inter alia, for lactation. Both the excess and the deficiency of these hormones adversely affect the health and well-being of a woman.
What is DHEA?
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), also known as the youth hormone, is one of the hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. Few people know that DHEA is a precursor of sex hormones (male testosterone and female estrogens), which means that it is converted into sex hormones in the body.
Unfortunately, the amount of DHEA hormone secreted decreases with age. The conducted research shows that in older people, the level of DHEA is much lower than in younger people. The decrease in DHEA concentration was observed especially in the elderly with some comorbid diseases, including arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis and depression. The characteristic profile of DHEA secretion throughout life, especially the age-related gradual decline in its level, has resulted in it being called a biomarker of aging.
What changes take place in the endocrine economy and in the body of a woman over 40?
With age, the function of the ovaries decreases, which causes the level of oestrogens in the blood to gradually decline. At the same time, the level of LH (luteinizing) and FSH (follicle-stimulating) hormones increases. At around age 40, the pre-menopause period may begin, leading to menopause.
Hormonal changes deteriorate the functioning of many systems and the overall condition of the body. There are disorders of the menstrual cycle, the condition of the body decreases, problems with concentration and memory, problems with sleep or a decrease in libido appear. Hormonal changes and a decrease in collagen concentration make the skin lose its firmness and elasticity, the first wrinkles begin to appear, and the condition of hair and nails deteriorates.
The decrease in estrogen concentration also reduces the blood supply and elasticity of the intimate areas, causing vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. All these factors adversely affect the mental state of a woman. We feel less attractive, we become irritable, our quality of life begins to deteriorate significantly.
How to maintain a good quality of life after the age of 40?
Changes taking place in the body caused by hormonal changes, both those typically physical and mental, can significantly change our lives, and unfortunately for the worse. We have less strength, but also less willingness and enthusiasm to enjoy life and make the most of it. More and more often we give up activities and activities that previously gave us pleasure and satisfaction. We are starting to withdraw from social and social life.
Fortunately, we don’t have to accept it. There are many products on the market that alleviate the effects of hormonal changes and may delay the aging process. One of them is Novostella, which replenishes the deficiency of the DHEA hormone (prasterone) in the body, which may delay the aging process. Novestella * helps to keep the skin looking good, control the correct weight, but also helps to improve concentration and mood, and thus can improve the quality of life.
* Novostella is indicated for the treatment of dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone, DHEA) deficiencies in women with laboratory confirmed dehydroepiandrosterone deficiency. The supporting action of DHEA has been shown in other disorders, including excessive pigmentation of the skin, reduction of the thickness of the epidermis, obesity, decreased mental performance, deteriorated mood.
The analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentration in elderly age women depending on coexisting disease states. K Kędziora-Kornatowska, R Beszczyńska-Oleś, T Kornatowski, L Szadujkis-Szadurski 2007
Endocrinology of the Menopause. Janet E. Hall, M.D. 2015