The hormone relaxin is produced during pregnancy. What is the relaxin hormone? Hormonal background: what changes in the body of the expectant mother

Pregnancy Hormone.

placental hormone.

Relaxin.

Estrogen.

Hormone "pigmentation".

During pregnancy, the body produces more hormones than at any other time in your life.

At the end of pregnancy, 60 times more progesterone and 30 times more estrogen are released than when you are not pregnant.

There are also hormones that are formed only when you are expecting a baby.

I am interested in what hormones are produced in the body of a pregnant woman and what they affect. Will I feel their impact, and if so, how?

1. "Pregnancy hormone" (chorionic gonadotropin).

This hormone is formed in the chorion from the very beginning. It stimulates an increase in the formation of progesterone and thereby suppresses menstruation. The formation of this hormone reaches its maximum by about the 70th day of pregnancy, and then decreases, since its function to support pregnancy at this time is largely taken over by the hormone of the placenta.

Changes under the influence of the hormone: this hormone is believed to be one of the causes of nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy. The presence of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine is the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy.

2. Hormone of the placenta.

This hormone is responsible for preparing the mother's body to provide milk to the baby by stimulating breast growth. If labor does not start by the expected date, regular monitoring of the placental hormone levels can be used to find out if the placenta is working well and, therefore, if the fetus is adequately supplied with food.

Changes under the influence of the hormone: breast growth and the formation of colostrum.

3. Relaxin.

This hormone is also formed in the placenta and is responsible for “softening” the ligaments, pelvis and cervix of the uterus.

Changes under the influence of the hormone: the tendons and joints in the pelvis at the end of pregnancy become softer and more flexible.

4. Estrogen.

This hormone is produced in non-pregnant women in the ovaries. During pregnancy, the ovaries "hibernate" and estrogen is produced in large quantities in the placenta.

Changes under the influence of the hormone: high estrogen levels are reflected throughout the body - this is an increased accumulation of water in the tissues, the formation of a large amount of blood, breast growth, intestinal sluggishness, skin and hair changes. Another change is that usually the body temperature rises slightly during ovulation, and drops before menstruation, and during pregnancy it remains slightly elevated.

5. Hormone "pigmentation".

This hormone is produced constantly and in other periods of life, but during pregnancy, its amount increases.

Changes under the influence of the hormone: the nipples on the chest turn dark, a dark stripe appears on the abdomen, spots on the face may appear. Don't worry, all changes in pigmentation disappear on their own after childbirth.

More on the topic Feeling the "violence" of hormones:

1. PART II WHAT THERE ARE HORMONES WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HORMONES AND WEIGHT LOSS

TSH or thyrotropin, thyroid stimulating hormone is a product of the anterior pituitary gland that regulates thyroid function. The latter contains its receptors, with the help of which high thyrotropin stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and activate its hormones.

The essence of the problem

The thyroid gland completely determines all types of metabolism in the body, the work of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and reproduction. Thyrotropin and thyroid hormones have an inverse relationship (swing). From the moment of pregnancy, the work of the whole organism changes in a woman, and the endocrine glands are no exception. The values ​​of hormonal indicators begin to jump, which is the norm.

In terms of TSH, the doctor has the whole picture of the course of gestation. When registering with the LCD, the gynecologist will refer the woman to TSH during pregnancy, and if there have already been problems with the thyroid gland in past births, it is necessary to take the test even when planning pregnancy and keep control for the first 10 weeks of the term.

Such women, before becoming pregnant, need to undergo a complete examination. The fact is that when pregnancy occurs, it is the thyroid-stimulating hormone that reflects the state of the thyroid gland. TSH is disturbed in pathologies of the liver and kidneys, mental disorders, constant lack of sleep.

How does thyroid-stimulating hormone behave during gestation?

During the gestation period, the fetus does not have a thyroid gland until the 10th week and does not need the TSH hormone; mother's gland therefore works for two. There is a special table of immunological studies for the thyroid group, which is available from any endocrinologist. The upper norm of the TSH hormone fluctuates around 2-2.5 μIU / l. Moreover, this should be both during planning and at the onset of conception.

The lower limit of TSH should be at least 0.5 μIU / L - this is normal. The numbers below this are already pathological. There is no need to determine TSH by weeks, it is enough to determine by trimesters.

• 1 trimester - 0.1-0.4 mU / l or mIU / l;
• 2nd trimester - 0.3-2.8 mU / l;
• 3rd trimester - 0.4-3.5 mU / l.

TSH during pregnancy is normal: during pregnancy, it ranges from 0.2 to 3.5 mIU / l. These standards vary from country to country.

In the CIS, the norms of TSH during pregnancy by trimesters are as follows: an indicator of 0.4-2.5 mIU / l in the 1st trimester and 0.4-4.0 mIU / l in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters is adopted. Some experts indicate that the maximum rate may be 3 mIU / l. In other regions for pregnant women, the norms are different. For example, in America they are lower.

Symptomatic manifestations of thyrotropin deficiency

Below normal means close to 0. T4 rises. Symptoms:

• tachycardia appears with increased cardiac output;
• AG above 160 mm Hg;
• sharp cephalalgia;
• the temperature becomes constantly subfebrile;
• appetite increases and there is a feeling of constant hunger against the background of reduced weight.

The pregnant woman's emotional background changes: the woman becomes irritable, unbalanced, she may experience convulsions, tremors of the limbs.

Causes of a decrease in thyrotropin

Decreased TSH during pregnancy can occur:

• with starvation and strict diets;
• stress;
• Sheehan's syndrome (atrophy of pituitary cells after childbirth);
• self-treatment for hyperthyroidism;
• insufficient work of the pituitary gland;
• formations and nodes of the thyroid gland, affecting the production of hormones;
• with iodine deficiency.

If the condition does not respond to conservative therapy with thyreostatics, they even resort to thyroid resection in women during pregnancy.

thyrotropin and conception

The work of the thyroid gland during pregnancy planning should dominate. Its failure may prevent conception and bearing the fetus. The influence of TSH in a girl on conception is such that when a doctor sees anovulation on an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, and the luteal body is underdeveloped, he will always refer you to an analysis of TSH.

In general, elevated TSH can adversely affect the ovaries - it inhibits the development of the corpus luteum. If the indicated elevated TSH did not have time to act on ovulation, conception occurs.

How does TSH affect conception? TSH in general in itself has little effect on fertilization, conception is affected by diseases that cause infertility. These include overt hypothyroidism (the TSH must be high, and T4 is low); a state of hyperprolactinemia - an increased amount of prolactin. If TSH is elevated during pregnancy, but thyroid hormones remain in N, the pregnancy proceeds normally.

The behavior of TSH during pregnancy

1 trimester - when a zygote appears in the body, hCG is produced - human chorionic gonadotropin. It spurs the work of the thyroid gland, under its influence it works already stronger than its usual norm and increases by 50%. A lot of thyroxine accumulates in the blood. Her hormones skyrocket and TSH drops in the first trimester of pregnancy.

From the 10th week, hCG begins to gradually decrease and by the beginning of the 2nd trimester it drops significantly. This leads to an increase in TSH and free T4, but within the normal range. Estrogens begin to rise, free hormones become less and less.

From the beginning of the 2nd trimester and until the very birth, elevated TSH during pregnancy in the presence of associated hormones increases, but not more than normal. Therefore, it is not considered a pathology.

If at the end of the 1st trimester the TSH value is low and has not increased, this is already a sign of thyrotoxicosis. A decrease can lead to placental abruption. Even with the onset of childbirth, later defects and anomalies can be detected in him.

First trimester

Thyroid-stimulating hormone in early pregnancy: in a healthy potential mother in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it is always lowered. Ideally, the TSH norm is not higher than 2.4-2.5 μIU / ml - the numbers should be average: 1.5 - 1.8 μIU / ml.

TSH does not pass through the placenta, but its thyroid hormones do. With the indicated figures, TSH - T4 free during pregnancy will be just in the range that will allow the fetus to develop normally.

With multiple pregnancy, TSH is below normal, close to 0. 10-12 weeks - has the lowest TSH. It is suppressed by hCG. Then it can rise.

2nd and 3rd trimester

Norm of TSH in the second trimester of pregnancy: during pregnancy, the 2nd trimester already has a normal gradual increase in thyrotropin. From the 18th week of pregnancy, the fetus already has its own working thyroid gland, and in the second trimester it begins to produce TSH from the 15th week of gestation. Now the function of protecting the fetus from intoxication by the mother's hormones is activated: the corpus luteum is completely reduced and only the placenta functions.

Second trimester of pregnancy: estrogens rise, they increase the synthesis of transporter proteins that bind free T3 and T4 and reduce their amount. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the 3rd trimester in pregnant women approaches the normal thyroid rate, since a decrease in hCG also helps to transfer the thyroid gland to a normal rhythm. All this leads to an increase now in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Values ​​will fluctuate, but within normal limits. The endocrinologist controls this process.

A high level of TSH during pregnancy can lead to hypothyroidism and complications: miscarriages, detachment of the child's place, deformities in the fetus.

The effect of TSH on the fetus and pregnancy is such that the development of congenital hypothyroidism, cretinism is not excluded. But this is not guaranteed in theory. This will manifest itself only with transcendental thyroid-stimulating hormone.

TSH should be more than 7. Then treatment is required. The most common causes of an increase in TSH:

• is a pituitary adenoma;
• adrenal dysfunction;
• preeclampsia;
• severe somatics;
• cholecystectomy;
• taking neuroleptics;
• iodine deficiency;
• excess doses of iodine preparations; kidney pathology;
• hemodialysis;
• hypothyroidism;
• lead poisoning.

Treatment becomes necessary if the TSH rate in pregnant women is above 7 units - Euthyrox or L-thyroxine is prescribed.

Symptoms of high TSH

If TSH levels are 2.5 times higher than normal, this is especially dangerous in the first 12 weeks.

Manifestations and symptoms:

• slow reactions;
• lethargy;
• distraction;
• irritability;
• neck deformities;
• decreased appetite up to its complete absence;
• symptoms of constant nausea are combined with steady weight gain;
• persistent constipation;
• temperature is less than normal;
• there are also symptoms of skin changes: it is dry and pale;
• hair fall out;
• brittle nails;
• on the body and face, a tendency to edema;
• the appearance in the morning of fatigue and weakness;
• daytime sleepiness and insomnia at night.

Many signs may resemble early toxicosis, so it is better to find out the causes of the condition from a doctor. But more often the symptoms do not attract attention, because the Chernobyl accident is still coming around in the CIS and chronic iodine deficiency is noted.

High TSH - should not cause panic, because it is easy to fix in a conservative way. But high TSH indicates the onset of goiter or thyroiditis. The decision on the tests is made by the doctor. If the thyroidectomy was performed before conception, hormones are taken throughout the pregnancy.

What conditions can be in the thyroid gland?

1. Euteriosis - the work of the gland is normal.
2. Thyrotoxicosis - there is not only a decrease in TSH, but also an excess of thyroid hormones and poisoning with them. This is Graves' disease.
3. Hyperthyroidism is an excess of hormones without intoxication.
4. Hypothyroidism is a lack of T3 and T4 during pregnancy.

Testing

It must be done with some preparation. To identify the work of the thyroid gland, blood for TSH in women: TSH during pregnancy is determined for several days in a row, at the same time.

Alcohol and smoking are excluded for 2-3 days. During pregnancy, how to take the test correctly: it is given at 6-8 weeks of the term. Avoid taking any drugs, especially hormones. Any loads are also excluded.

An analysis for TSH (test) during pregnancy is taken on an empty stomach, in the morning, preferably before 9 o'clock. Often, a doctor can send you for testing even if you don't have symptoms.

Principles of treatment

Without a clinic, HRT is not prescribed. If the TSH rate during pregnancy is increased only to 4 mU / l, and free T4 is normal, therapy is not needed. It is prescribed only with a decrease in T4. Treatment is with thyroxine. Conservative treatment well corrects the status of hormones.

It should be noted that during the postpartum period, Thyroxin can never be canceled on its own. But it makes sense to discuss the dosage of thyroxin with HS if TSH has increased after childbirth.

According to the normalization of the hormonal background, it is possible to completely cancel the treatment with Euthyrox if the TSH was high after delivery before the measurement. Sometimes it is enough to correct iodides without hormones. An overdose of iodine can increase thyrotropin. Treatment should be prescribed not by a gynecologist, but by an endocrinologist.

What course, dosage and treatment regimen is always only individual. You cannot self-medicate. TSH norms during pregnancy can be supported by proper nutrition: increase proteins, reduce fats and simple carbohydrates, salt. This is always useful. More red vegetables, greens, apples, persimmons, cereals, seaweed, ie. such a diet to reduce iodine deficiency. You also need good sleep, fresh air and moderate physical activity.

What is the hormone thyroxine and why is it needed

The thyroid gland produces several types of hormones, the most important of which are the hormone thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Thyroxine is made up of tyrosine protein atoms and four iodine atoms.

It can be synthesized not only naturally, but also synthetically.

Where does thyroxine synthesis occur?

In the cells of the thyroid gland, called thyrocytes, there is an active capture of molecules by microelements that enter the bloodstream from food and the production of thyroglobulin occurs.

Thyroid hormones will then be synthesized from it. This protein is saturated with special gland cells - follicles, and as soon as the body receives a signal to produce thyroxine, thyroid hormone and T3, the protein is released and converted.

For the secretion of hormones, the pituitary hormone TSH is also needed, with its help, the level of thyroid hormones is regulated.
The difference between T3 and T4 is as follows:

1. In the number of iodine atoms: 3 atoms in triiodothyronine and 4 in thyroxine.
2. In the amount of hormones in the bloodstream: T4 is 60 times more than T3.
3. As hormones work: T3 is considered an active hormone, while T4 represents a store of iodine-containing hormones. When needed, it releases 1 atom of iodine and becomes triiodothyronine.

Thyroxine circulates in the bloodstream in both free and bound form.

In order to penetrate into the cell of the body, T4 combines with special transport proteins. When diagnosing, both the amount of free T4 and total are calculated.

Thyroxine functions

Thyroxine is a hormone that performs the following functions:

1. Enhances metabolism.
2. Improves the supply of body tissues with oxygen.
3. Participates in the work of the central nervous system.
4. Improves the work of the heart.
5. Affects the functioning of the cells of internal organs.
6. Regulates the operation of the thermodynamic system.
7. Affects the thickening of the mucous membrane of the female genital organs.

The main function of thyroxin is catabolism, that is, with its help, energy resources are released from fats and glycogen.

An increase in the hormone thyroxine in the bloodstream increases the speed of all processes in the body and a person can begin to lose weight, change psychologically.

The norm of thyroxine provides the body with the following positive dynamics:

• maintaining an optimal fat layer;
• normalization of blood composition;
• balance of skeletal development;
• maintenance of cholesterol levels.

Under certain conditions, an excess of thyroxine in the bloodstream can become the norm.
These are, first of all, the following states:

• the onset of pregnancy;
• treatment with certain medical means;
• diseases of the liver tissue.

Diagnosis of the thyroid gland must be carried out taking into account these conditions.

Free thyroxine

The most indicative in clinical terms is the thyroid hormone thyroxin, which is presented in a free state.
This hormone does not affect only the following human organs:

• male gonads;
• gray matter cells
• spleen.

Available T4 is not so much, only less than 1 percent of the total amount of thyroxine in the bloodstream. But its indicators are of great importance for the diagnosis of pathologies in the thyroid gland.

It is free T4 that is involved in the oxidation of body tissues, and when it decreases, the supply of oxygen begins to decrease.

Hormone deficiency and causes of deficiency

Factors affecting the decrease in thyroid hormone levels may be the following pathologies:

1. Lack of iodine in the diet.
2. Damage to the pituitary or hypothalamus.
3. Lack of protein food.
4. Work in the chemical industry.
5. Regular violation of the regime of work and rest.
6. Taking medications, hormones.
7. Alcoholism or drug addiction.

Such reasons can cause a lack of thyroxine, as well as provoke an increase in the thyroid gland, which will affect not only the patient's well-being, but also his appearance.

deficiency symptoms

Symptoms of a reduced level of thyroid hormones will be in the following manifestations:

• sluggish apathetic state;
• deterioration of intellectual abilities;
• dry skin, brittle nails;
• weight gain;
• decrease in body temperature;
• swelling and poor bowel function;
• failure of the heart.

Prolonged ignoring of these symptoms can adversely affect the functioning of the body as a whole: a regular insufficient amount of T4 causes a hypothyroid coma, which can be provoked by an infectious or viral disease.

The severe course of this pathology can cause death.

Hypofunction in children

A great danger is the decrease in the amount of thyroxine in the blood of a newborn or young child.
This is fraught with the following disorders:

• violation of the development of the skeleton;
• violation of intellectual development;
• mental retardation;
• changes in appearance;
• swollen enlarged tongue;
• disorder of all reactions of the body.

It is important to realize that such thyroid disorders in young children are irreversible and forever change their development, leading to lifelong disability.

It is important to correctly recognize the signs of low T4 in children, as well as periodically check the hormone with a blood test.

Excess hormone and causes of hypersecretion

The causes of an overabundance of thyroid hormones can be the following ailments:

1. Violations in the work of the genitourinary system.
2. Failure in the functioning of the liver.
3. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
4. Autoimmune failures.
5. Non-compliance with nutritional standards, the use of a large amount of iodine-containing products in food.
6. Treatment with heparin.

Hypothyroidism is most often of an autoimmune nature, but it can also be caused by drugs with a high content of iodine (uncontrolled intake of El thyroxine is an example of this).

Oversupply Symptoms

If the hormone thyroxine is produced in large quantities, then the following symptoms may appear:

• increase in the work of sweat glands;
• the occurrence of a private change of mood;
• arrhythmia and tachycardia;
• weight loss;
• diarrhea;
• tremor of the limbs.

Complications of this disorder in the functioning of the thyroid gland can be osteoporosis, as well as severe disorders in the work of the heart.

Hormone T4 during pregnancy

An increase in the concentration of T4 in the blood of a pregnant woman may be a variant of the norm. For complete confidence in the normal course of pregnancy, it is necessary to conduct tests for all thyroid-stimulating hormones in the complex, including TSH.

It is necessary to monitor the sufficient level of the hormone thyroxin, since it is this maternal hormone that affects the intrauterine development of the nervous system of the embryo. With its help, the future work of the entire central nervous system of the child is laid.

T4 in the free state most accurately characterizes the work of the thyroid gland of a pregnant woman. It is he who has clinical significance.

Determination of the norm of thyrohormones

The result of the normal thyroid hormones depends on the reagents with which the laboratory works.

Most often, if thyroxine in the free state is measured in pmol / l, its norm is approximately 9-19 units of measurement.

Do not forget about the necessary rules for the analysis:

1. Strictly on an empty stomach and no later than 9 am.
2. A few days before the analysis, stop taking certain drugs.
3. Do not drink alcohol for a few days before the test.
4. Reduce the effect of stress on the body.

All withdrawals of drugs (1 Thyroxine or a whole group of drugs) must be agreed with the attending physician, as a rule, this is an endocrinologist or therapist.

What influences the result?

Medications that affect the test result upwards:

• amiodarone;
• Levothyroxine;
• Propylthiouracil;
• Aspirin;
• Danazol;
• Furosemide;
• Tamoxifen.

The following agents lower the amount of T4 in the blood:

• Anabolic steroid;
• Phenytoin;
• Carbamazepine;
• Thyreostatics;
• Clofibrate.

Taking these medications, you can not count on the correct result of the analysis.

It is necessary to temporarily stop taking them without causing harm to health.

When is the study scheduled?

A study on thyroxine, as well as on other hormones of thyroid function, is prescribed for suspected of the following diseases:

1. Hyperfunction of the gland.
2. Hypofunction of the gland.
3. Prevention of thyroid diseases in endemic areas.
4. With the prescribed treatment of any thyroid disease.
5. With infertility.
6. After the onset of pregnancy.
7. In a newborn for 2-4 days.

If the patient is taking hypothyroid medications such as El thyroxine, then a T4 test will show the effectiveness of this therapy.

Hormone deficiency treatment

Hypothyroidism is treated with hormone replacement therapy, as well as the appointment of iodine preparations. The medicinal analogue of the natural hormone thyroxine is L thyroxine.

It is effectively absorbed by the human body and has no side effects.

El thyroxine is used once a day at the same time. Its dose is calculated by doctors after the tests. Control analyzes in the first year are carried out every 3 months.

Levothyroxine affects the following processes in the human body:

• development of bone tissue;
• the work of the heart muscle;
• the work of the kidneys and liver;
• oxygen uptake by the body.

The drug L thyroxine, as well as a natural hormone, can cause hyperthyroidism if the dose is exceeded.

Treatment of overabundance

Hyperthyroidism is treated in the following ways:

1. The use of drugs that depress thyroid function.
2. Radioactive iodine.
3. Surgical method.
4. Hydrotherapy.
5. Diet.

Of course, for people suffering from an excess of thyroxin in the blood, it is worth reducing the consumption of seafood, as well as iodized salt.

The norm of TSH in children depends on the age of the child, while it is practically not affected by gender. In newborns, this indicator has high values, then the hormone level decreases, and by adolescence it increases again. In the human body, the hormone thyrotropin is responsible for growth and mental development. Deviations from the normative values ​​may indicate the development of any endocrine diseases.

Normal TSH in children

The highest levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone are diagnosed in newborn babies. At the age of about 5 years, thyroid-stimulating hormone in children decreases, and with the onset of the development of the reproductive system, it increases again. At the age of 14-15 years, the thyrotropin rate will be different for a teenage girl and a young man. This is due to the redistribution of the functions of the thyrotropin hormone in the organisms of young people.

TSH norm table by age

There are norms for the content of thyrotropin in the blood of children. The concentration of the hormone in children under 15 years of age is directly dependent on their age.

In young men over 14 years of age, the normal TSH value should not exceed 4.0 μIU / ml. In young girls, thyrotropin levels are slightly elevated.

What do deviations from TSH norms mean?

Endocrinologists note the growth of diseases of the endocrine system, not only among the adult population, but also among children. It is possible to suspect a hormonal failure in a child by receiving tests for the determination of thyrotropin, the indicators of which are increased or below the required values.

Both a low level of TSH and its overestimated values ​​indicate pathologies in the child's body. Deviation of thyrotropin from the normative values ​​can serve as a symptom of dysfunction of the thyroid gland and other organs of the child. This situation serves as a reason for contacting a specialist to clarify the causes of the discrepancy and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Can a child's TSH change every day?

In healthy children, the TSH level is stable and does not change over a long period. The only age when the concentration of thyrotropin can vary even within 1 day is the newborn period. Therefore, neonatologists take blood for hormones immediately after the birth of the baby, and then after 4-5 days to assess the dynamics of concentrations.

Severe emotional stress or psychological trauma can affect the level of TSH in the blood of a child during the day. In such cases, the concentration of the hormone can have dramatically different values.

Causes

• the occurrence of goiter;
• pathology of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus;
• thyrotoxicosis, when the concentrations of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are too high.

A deviation in the level of TSH from the norm in a child can occur as a result of severe emotional stress, unbalanced nutrition, and exhaustion of the body.

With a high level of TSH, insufficient production of active thyroid substances occurs, which provokes hypothyroidism. In the body of a child, pathologies of the kidneys, liver and gallbladder can develop. The growth of the hormone is also possible with heavy metal poisoning. Sometimes the increased content of thyrotropin in the blood of a child is caused by the intake of certain medicinal and iodine-containing drugs.

Causes and risk factors for the development of hypothyroidism in newborns, in which the concentration of thyrotropin is increased, doctors note:

• lack of iodine in the body of the expectant mother during pregnancy;
• infectious diseases in a woman;
• taking certain medications.

Pathology of thyrotropin synthesis can also be caused by birth injuries, anomalies in the development of the brain, etc. Doctors note that hormone synthesis is impaired in children with autism. A congenital disorder in the production of a thyroid-stimulating substance in a child manifests itself before the age of 7 years.

Often children with thyroid disease are born with a cleft palate (cleft palate) or upper lip (cleft lip). At the same time, it was noticed that high levels of TSH in girls are more common than in boys.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of hormonal dysfunction are the child's rapid fatigue, poor health, tearfulness and emotional instability.

An elevated TSH level manifests itself in the form of:

• poor growth;
• increased dryness of the skin;
• anemia;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract, including frequent constipation;
• failure of the menstrual cycle (in adolescent girls);
• weak sucking reflex (in newborns).

Symptoms of elevated thyrotropin in girls under 8 years of age are early signs of puberty. In boys, this condition is noted before reaching the age of 9.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, in which TSH is low, are:

• memory impairment;
• increased appetite;
• arrhythmia or tachycardia;
• tremor of the limbs;
• frequent diarrhea;
• violation of gait and coordination of movement;
• increased sweating.

Often, signs of thyrotropin imbalance in the body of children do not manifest themselves for a long time. In children under 10-11 years old, the symptoms of thyroid pathology are almost invisible. Only an attentive adult can detect the problem.

How to restore the level of TSH in a child

Recovery of hormone levels depends on the type of disease that causes the imbalance.

To increase the concentration of thyrotropin in the blood of a child, doctors prescribe hormone replacement therapy. Such synthetic hormones are taken throughout life.

An elevated thyroid-stimulating substance is normalized by antithyroid drugs. In the treatment of hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine is often used, which destroys thyroid tissue.

In addition to drug treatment, a child with a pathology of thyrotropin synthesis must follow a diet and daily routine.

We have discussed male sex hormones, and now it is logical to talk about female ones. Estrogen and progesterone not only guide puberty and reproductive functions - they are associated with brain function and are involved in the regulation of the immune and cardiovascular systems.

Estrogens

Female sex hormones, like male sex hormones, are steroids - substances that dissolve not in water, but in fat. In the female body, they are synthesized by the ovarian follicles, and in the male body - by the testicles (in a much lower concentration). In both sexes, estrogens are produced in the adrenal cortex and, according to studies, directly in the brain. Estrogens are synthesized both from androgens (testosterone and androstenedione) and directly from cholesterol.

In women, estrogens begin to be produced even in the prenatal period, when the ovaries form in the embryo at about the 10th week of pregnancy. With the onset of menstruation, the level of estrogen changes during the cycle - it starts to rise from the first day, reaches a peak before ovulation, then decreases, and drops sharply 1-2 days before the onset of menstruation. After the onset of menopause, the level of estrogen in a woman decreases and remains steadily low.

Estrogens are responsible for the feminization of the body, are involved in puberty, maintain the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for pregnancy. Estrogens suppress lactation (and lactation, in turn, suppresses estrogen activity). In addition, estrogens are involved in the fermentation of fats, increase the level of "good" cholesterol (HDL) and reduce the level of "bad" (LDL), protect blood vessels from the formation of cholesterol plaques.

Estrogens have a dual action - "fast" and "slow". "Slow" reactions are associated with an effect on gene activity. Like other steroids, estrogens can enter the cell, bind to intranuclear receptors, and activate or repress the expression of certain genes. This takes a lot of time - the body's reaction to a change in estrogen levels can occur only after an hour. The "quick" response to the actions of estrogens occurs due to their interference with other cascade reactions and the work of brain neurons. It takes a few minutes to generate an answer. To carry out such reactions, estrogens are synthesized directly in the central nervous system: the aromatase enzyme processes them from testosterone.

In the brain, estrogens behave almost like neurotransmitters. They affect the receptors for acetylcholine, glutamate and serotonin. Therefore, estrogens are involved in learning and memory processes, regulate mood, appetite and sleep. They interact with opioid receptors - and thus affect the sensitivity to pain. Estrogens support signaling in the CNS and help form new neural connections, which improves the plasticity and regeneration of nervous tissue. All these processes occur in both women and men.

Estrogens include three substances - estradiol, estriol and estrol. Of these, estradiol has the strongest effect (it is formed from testosterone). The concentration of estriol begins to predominate over estradiol after menopause and during pregnancy.

A decrease in estrogen levels - for example, before the onset of menstruation or after menopause - can cause mood swings, memory impairment, insomnia and migraines.

Progesterone

Estrogens play an active role in a woman's life before pregnancy, and then pass the baton to progestins (gestagens). This is the second group of steroid female hormones that are synthesized in the corpus luteum, placenta and adrenal cortex. The corpus luteum is a gland that is formed by the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the second phase of the cycle. It is formed after ovulation and is responsible for preparing the body for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum turns off its activity, after which the level of progesterone production decreases - and after a while menstruation comes.

To extend the "service life" of the corpus luteum can chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone begins to be produced in the female body from the first days of pregnancy (it is used for home pregnancy tests). By the way, if you heard that men normally have hCG, and that their pregnancy tests will always be positive - do not believe it: hCG is absent in non-pregnant people, and if the analysis determines it, then this may signal the development of oncological diseases.

Thanks to the activity of hCG, the corpus luteum persists for another 10-11 weeks - until the moment when the placenta begins to independently produce progesterone and estrogens. Progesterone levels will rise throughout pregnancy and drop sharply a few days before delivery. High levels of progesterone, together with prolactin, inhibit the activity of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), without which follicles do not form and ovulation does not occur.

Progesterone reduces contractions of the uterus and fallopian tubes (pregnant women do not need such activity) and helps the body prepare for lactation. It stimulates the renewal of breast cells, so too high levels of this hormone increase the risk of breast cancer after menopause.

In the central nervous system, progesterone reduces sensitivity to serotonin and histamine, an inflammatory neurotransmitter. Progesterone affects appetite and can lead to weight gain - in both men and women. In the male body, progesterone is involved in sperm formation.

Relaxin

It is a nonsteroidal hormone associated with pregnancy in women. Relaxin is similar in structure to insulin. In the female body, it accompanies progesterones - it is secreted by the corpus luteum after ovulation; When pregnancy occurs, relaxin begins to be produced by the placenta. Relaxin levels peak at 14 weeks and then at the time of delivery. In men, relaxin affects sperm motility.

oral contraception

The interaction of estrogen and progesterone can be used to prevent pregnancy. According to this principle, female hormonal contraception is built, which suppresses ovulation. These can be both combined oral contraceptives (COCs), which include estrogens and progestogens, and single-component (the only component is progesterone). All of them suppress ovulation and increase the secretion of mucus in the cervix so that the spermatozoa cannot overcome this barrier.

Each drug has its own characteristics and side effects. A synthetic estradiol molecule, ethinyl estradiol, was developed in the 1940s; it is its features that cause the main side effects in hormonal therapy. If the patient has a predisposition, then ethinyl-estradiol increases the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. Now bioequivalent drugs are gaining popularity, the action of which is as close as possible to the “native”, endogenous estradiol and does not cause side effects.

Postmenopause

If in men, andropause occurs imperceptibly, then in women this process is more obvious. Gradually, at the age of 45-55, the frequency and duration of menstruation decreases in a woman, and over time they completely disappear. The level of estrogen during menopause decreases significantly, not estradiol, but estriol, the lightest hormone of estrogen, comes to the fore.

The transition period can be accompanied by increased sweating, sleep disturbances, headaches, decreased attention, and even depression - a bad mood and loss of interest in life. During the postmenopausal period, the risk of breast cancer increases, and at an older age - dementia.

To ease menopausal symptoms, a woman can take hormone replacement therapy. If you start treatment immediately during menopause (up to 59 years), it will help to maintain healthy blood vessels and good memory longer and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Side effects depend on the patient's medical condition, medical history, genetic background, and the drug chosen. Combination drugs containing estrogen and progesterone increase the risk of breast cancer. At the same time, hormonal agents consisting only of estrogen and bioequivalent agents do not affect the risk of cancer in people who are not predisposed to them.

Hormone therapy, whether contraception or postmenopausal support, offers many options: different combinations and dosages of drugs, bioidentical formulas of molecules, alternative methods of administration (patches and gels). To choose a safe drug, it is necessary to consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist and discuss personal risks of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, medical history, genetic factors. Giktimes readers and their families get a 15% discount on the initial gynecological appointment

Relaxin is a hormone that is inherent in humans and mammals. It relaxes the function of weakening the ligaments of the small pelvis and pelvic bone. In another way, relaxin is called the hormone of pregnancy, because during pregnancy it performs a very large number of functions. For example, the growth of the uterus and its expansion.

During menopause, a woman's levels of relaxin and estrogen drop dramatically. But in addition to an important function during pregnancy, it is able to form and promote the growth of blood vessels.

There are receptors that are associated with this hormone in the heart, kidneys, brain and many other internal organs that are not at all related to reproduction. Therefore, this hormone is of great importance in terms of reproduction, and in the work of the brain and heart.

Hormone functions in the body

Relaxin is produced in the corpus luteum, ovaries, and it can also occur in the placenta and uterine tissues throughout pregnancy. It has a chemical structure very similar to insulin.

The role of relaxin in the body:

• formation of the birth canal and preparation of the female body for childbirth;
• before childbirth, it expands the bones of the pelvis, relaxing its ligaments, in connection with which the pelvis expands, and childbirth is normal;
• opens the cervix during childbirth;
• reduces uterine tone and removes its arbitrary contractions.

With the increase in the duration of pregnancy, relaxin in the blood increases, from the tenth week until the very birth, while just before the birth it reaches its highest amount. The content of the hormone relaxin in the blood returns to its normal state 1–3 months after childbirth.

But the excess of this hormone can be detected both in women who are not pregnant and in men. It is treated with progesterone and estradiol.

How does the hormone help with illness?

Preparations containing relaxin also help against diseases.

A professor from Italy, Marco Metra, conducted an experiment that showed that a drug containing the substance relaxin helps against the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

How did he pass? Elderly volunteers who volunteered, who suffered from problems with pressure, and also had frequent shortness of breath, were given a hormonal drug. At the same time, half of the subjects were given a pacifier. By the end of the experiment, the condition of pensioners who took hormones improved, and in 18% of all volunteers who got into the part that drank hormones, shortness of breath decreased. For pensioners who took only a dummy, nothing has changed.

And also this amazing hormone is good in curing polycystic kidney disease. Just one month of taking the pills, and thanks to the properties of vasodilation, the hormone improves blood flow, and the condition of the kidneys returns to normal. These hormonal preparations perfectly lower the level of collagen. This means that not only new scars do not appear, but old ones also split.

How does the drug work?

There is a dietary supplement sold in pharmacies, and they are called the same as the hormone itself. This supplement includes:

• valerian roots;
• motherwort herb;
• nettle leaves;
• red rowan fruits;
• glauconite;
• glucose;
• calcium stearate.

This dietary supplement is drunk to saturate the body with microelements, such as manganese, iron, carotenoids, chromium and flavonoids. It has a mild sedative effect. It has a calming effect, relieves neurotic conditions, suppresses irritability. It is often drunk:

• with minor sleep disturbances;
• with excessive excitability;
• with frequent unexplained anxiety;
• with changes in blood pressure;
• with rapid heartbeats;
• with vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Contraindications of the drug

It should always be remembered that the relaxin hormone is essentially a pregnancy hormone, but the drug itself in the form of a dietary supplement is strictly prohibited for use throughout the entire period of pregnancy and the entire period of breastfeeding.

Children under 18 years of age are also unacceptable to take this drug, as well as people with individual intolerance to the components of this dietary supplement.

It should also not be taken by people with severe myasthenia gravis, breathing problems, sleep apnea, and severe liver failure.

Overdose

Overdose causes CNS depression, from severe drowsiness to coma. In this case, the stomach is urgently washed and symptomatic treatment is carried out and vital functions are checked.

Side effects

Rarely, but there are:

• nausea, bitterness and dry mouth;
• headache, dizziness, slight morning sleepiness;
• irritability, aggressiveness, depression, nightmares, hallucinations, extremely rarely amnesia;
• rashes, itching, extremely rarely anaphylactic shock;
• increased alkaline phosphatase and liver transaminases.

And also rarely, but there is a withdrawal syndrome, this causes insomnia.