Fertilidad
28 junio 2019| By Minifiv
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Los problemas hormonales para quedar embarazada son una realidad para muchas mujeres, y por ello es importante conocer qué hormonas son las más importantes en el transcurso de un embarazo saludable.
Las hormonas son sustancias químicas elaboradas por las glándulas de nuestro cuerpo. Circulan por la sangre y controlan las funciones de otros órganos. Son una especie de mensajeros que comunican a las células de nuestro cuerpo qué deben hacer en determinados momentos, según las necesidades del organismo.
En el embarazo las hormonas juegan un papel muy importante. Desde el ciclo menstrual hasta la lactancia, pasando por la gestación y el parto, hay hormonas trabajando para que tu cuerpo esté en las mejores condiciones y pueda llevar a cabo su propósito. Si te preguntas cuáles son exactamente las que intervienen y con qué funciones, especialmente antes de la gestación, aquí tienes un listado de las más importantes:
No menos importantes son hormonas como la FSH (hormona estimuladora del folículo) y la luteinizante (LH). La primera regula los estrógenos y controla muchos procesos reproductivos: la producción de ovocitos en mujeres y la maduración de espermatozoides en los hombres. La luteinizante, por su parte, trabaja en la regulación del ciclo menstrual, produce andrógenos y es la encargada de desencadenar la ovulación. Estas dos hormonas forman parte del grupo de las gonadotropinas.
Muchas mujeres se preguntan: ¿si tengo problemas hormonales puedo quedar embarazada? Hay desequilibrios en el funcionamiento habitual de las hormonas que desencadenan problemas de fertilidad, y es importante consultar a tu ginecólogo si crees que puedes estar sufriendo algún tipo de irregularidad que impida tu gestación.
Los ciclos de ovulación suelen sufrir alteraciones debido a cambios hormonales, y la consecuencia más clara es la anovulación, es decir, la no producción de óvulos. Cuando en un ciclo menstrual no se consigue madurar un ovocito es imposible llegar a la fecundación; esto puede ocurrir a la mayoría de mujeres en algún momento puntual de sus vidas, especialmente al inicio y al final de la edad fértil.
El síndrome de ovarios poliquísticos (SHO) es otro de los problemas derivados de desajustes hormonales. Aparecen folículos que no se desarrollan como es debido y no hay ovulación; además de la infertilidad, el aumento de peso y el vello abundante son síntomas del SHO.
En Minifiv te atenderemos si crees que puedes estar sufriendo alguna de estas alteraciones. Nuestro equipo humano y nuestras instalaciones están perfectamente preparadas para identificar y proponer las mejores soluciones a los problemas de infertilidad de nuestras pacientes. No te des por vencido y busca una solución, ¡te esperamos!
Muchas mujeres, una vez embarazadas, sufren de problemas hormonales, por eso hemos pensado que es vital conocer, de las hormonas que intervienen en el embarazo, cuáles son las más importantes en el transcurso para que este sea saludable.
¿Qué son las hormonas? Se tratan de sustancias químicas que son producidas por las glándulas de nuestro cuerpo. Estas hormonas circulan por la sangre y controlan las funciones de otros órganos. Hacen el papel de mensajeros que comunican a las células de nuestro cuerpo qué deben hacer en determinados momentos, según las necesidades del organismo.
Todas estas hormonas juegan un rol de vital importancia durante el embarazo, ya que cada una trabaja para que el cuerpo esté en óptimas condiciones y llevar acabo determinados propósitos. Estas hormonas intervienen desde el ciclo menstrual hasta la lactancia, pasando por la gestación y el parto.
¿Quieres saber cuáles son las hormonas que intervienen en el embarazo y que funciones tienen? Atentos/as al listado que os hemos preparado:
Gonadotropina coriónica humana (HCG). Se trata de una hormona reproducida únicamente durante el embarazo, por eso es conocida como “hormona del embarazo”.
Esta hormona suprime la menstruación, evita la desintegración del cuerpo lúteo del ovario y produce progesterona. La gonadotropina podemos encontrarla en la sangre y en la orina. Dato curioso: Esta hormona es la que identifica que el resultado de un test de embarazo sea positivo.
Estrógeno. Se trata de un grupo de hormonas que tienen la responsabilidad de desarrollar las características del sexo femenino. Favorecen el crecimiento de folículos y la maduración de los ovocitos.
Progesterona. Esta se encarga de ayudar a que la implantación embrionaria sea un éxito ya que acondiciona el endometrio.
Testosterona. Sin duda la más conocida de todas, y la que más mencionada en nuestro día a día. Esta hormona se encarga de regula la libido y el deseo sexual; en los días previos a la ovulación, los niveles de esta hormona se elevan.
Hormonas tiroideas. Estas trabajan con la progesterona y los estrógenos para que los ovarios funcionen con normalidad y así los óvulos maduren a su debido tiempo.
En el caso de sufrir un desequilibrio en las hormonas tiroideas, se pueden originar problemas de fertilidad como el hipertiroidismo o el hipotiroidismo, dependiendo de si se trata de un exceso o una falta de esta hormona.
Hay otras también importantes, como la FSH (hormona estimuladora del folículo) y la luteinizante (LH). La que mencionamos primero ayuda a la regulación de estrógenos y tiene control sobre varios procesos reproductivos. La segunda trabaja en la regulación del ciclo menstrual, produce andrógenos y es la encarga de desencadenar la ovulación. Ambas hormonas forman parte de un grupo denominado las gonadotropinas.
02/27/2012
Nona Hovsepyan, Consultant Physician, Independent Laboratory INVITRO
Why is it necessary to control the level of hormones?
Hormones are amazing biologically active substances that affect not only the state of health, but also the inner world of a person.
Nature provides that in the female body immediately after conception, special pregnancy hormones are activated, which not only help the baby to fully develop, but also set up the expectant mother for the desired motherhood, teach them to love the baby growing inside and get used to taking care of him.
During the period of expectation of a baby, serious changes occur in the whole body of a woman, especially her hormonal levels. Changes occur throughout the endocrine system. The body of the future mother, completely rebuilding, creates the conditions for the bearing and normal development of the baby, and from the first days of pregnancy begins to prepare for childbirth.
All hormonal indicators of the future mother’s body play a huge role – namely, they are the most important indicators of fetal development. Therefore, the level of hormones is necessarily monitored by the attending physician with the help of special examinations – prenatal screenings, which a woman needs to undergo at least 2 times: in the first trimester (11-12 weeks) and in the second trimester (16-19weeks).
Let’s figure out what indicators are included in this mandatory examination, what the increase or decrease in the level of a particular hormone indicates, and what their role is.
Hormones that the body of the unborn baby “produces”
HCG. This is human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that is actively produced by the cells of the chorion (fetal membrane) immediately after it attaches to the wall of the uterus. The “production” of this hormone is vital for the preservation and maintenance of pregnancy! It is hCG that controls the production of the main pregnancy hormones – estrogen and progesterone. With a serious lack of hCG, the fertilized egg is detached from the uterus, and menstruation occurs again – in other words, a spontaneous miscarriage occurs. Normally, the concentration of hCG in the blood of the expectant mother is constantly growing, reaching a maximum by the 10-11th week of pregnancy, then the concentration of hCG gradually decreases to remain unchanged until the very birth.
Testing for hCG during pregnancy plays a huge role.
Firstly, an analysis of the level of hCG in the blood can confirm that you will become a mother already 5-6 days after conception. This is much earlier and, most importantly, much more reliable than using conventional rapid tests.
Secondly, the test is needed to determine the exact gestational age. Very often, the expectant mother cannot give the exact date of conception, or she calls it, but incorrectly. At the same time, certain indicators of growth and development correspond to each period, deviations from the norm may indicate the occurrence of complications.
Thirdly, the level of hCG in the blood can quite accurately “tell” whether your baby is developing correctly.
An unplanned increase in the level of hCG usually occurs with multiple pregnancy, preeclampsia, taking synthetic gestagens, diabetes in the expectant mother, and may also indicate some hereditary diseases in the baby (for example, Down’s syndrome) and multiple malformations.
An abnormally low level of hCG can be a sign of an ectopic and non-developing pregnancy, fetal growth retardation, the threat of spontaneous abortion, and chronic placental insufficiency.
However, do not rush to sound the alarm: increased or decreased values may also indicate that the gestational age was initially set incorrectly. Your doctor will help you interpret the test results correctly.
Placental lactogen and free estriol. Controlling the level of these hormones is extremely important for assessing the risk of developing hereditary chromosomal abnormalities in an unborn baby (these are Down, Edwards, Turner, Patau syndromes, neural tube defects, etc.)
Free estriol is “produced” by the placenta. This hormone improves blood flow through the vessels of the uterus, and also contributes to the development of the ducts of the mammary glands, preparing the body of the expectant mother to feed the baby. The level of free estriol changes in any pathological conditions:
Placental lactogen (PL) is also “produced” by the placenta and can be detected in the blood of the expectant mother as early as 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. It reaches its maximum value by 37-38 weeks, then the hormone level gradually decreases. However, the level of PL must be monitored throughout the entire period of pregnancy – first of all, this is necessary to assess the condition of the placenta and timely diagnosis of placental insufficiency. A sharp decrease in the level of PL by more than 2 times (compared to the average level in accordance with the gestational age) may indicate a delay in fetal development. In this case, it is necessary to take emergency measures to prevent a decrease in the level of PL by 80 percent or more – this can lead to the death of the baby.
Pregnancy hormones
Estradiol and progesterone. Hormonal studies necessarily include tests for the level of progesterone and estradiol.
It is they who take care of your unborn baby, maintaining the normal course of pregnancy, which is why they are called the main hormones of gestation (pregnancy).
Estradiol is produced by the ovaries and during pregnancy also by the placenta. During pregnancy, the level of the hormone rises sharply, and it is not surprising – estradiol is “responsible” for the normal course of pregnancy. In the early stages, the concentration of this hormone evaluates the functioning of the placenta. A decrease in the level of estradiol indicates a serious threat of abortion.
By the way, it is under the influence of this hormone that a woman feels a natural desire to “build a nest”, arrange everything and prepare for the birth of a baby. Before childbirth, the concentration of the hormone in the body of the expectant mother reaches its “peak”, which is also due to natural causes – estradiol, acting as the strongest natural pain reliever, helps to make the process of giving birth to a baby less painful.
Progesterone is also the main “pregnancy hormone”, the main task of which is to maintain pregnancy and create the necessary conditions for the development of the fetus. A normal level of progesterone is necessary for conception to occur. Together with estrogens, the hormone promotes the attachment of a fertilized egg to the endometrium and carefully reduces the increased tone of the uterus, preventing miscarriage. During the bearing of the baby, progesterone stimulates the growth and maturation of the mammary glands, “preparing” the body of the expectant mother for breastfeeding, and psychologically, it calms her down and morally supports her. Unfortunately, this hormone also has “side” effects that are familiar to every pregnant woman – this is increased drowsiness, nausea, frequent urination, soreness and swelling of the breast.
With a lack of progesterone, pregnancy can occur with serious complications. Hormone deficiency must be urgently replenished, otherwise the risk of non-developing pregnancy and miscarriage increases.
Important! Testing for estradiol and progesterone levels is carried out both during pregnancy and in preparation for the birth of a child, this is especially necessary in cases where a woman has already had a miscarriage.
Thyroid hormones
The normal functioning of the thyroid gland of the expectant mother plays an important role in the development of the baby. The corresponding hormones (TSH, T3 and T4) can also “tell” about the presence of hypo- or hyperfunction of the gland.
Maternity hormones
Pituitary hormones (an endocrine gland located in the hypothalamic part of the brain) also play an indispensable role while waiting for a baby. During childbirth, the pituitary gland releases the hormone oxytacin into the blood, which stimulates uterine contractions. And after childbirth, an active synthesis of the hormone prolactin begins, which is “responsible” for lactation. With a lack of prolactin, a woman simply would not be able to fully feed her baby with breast milk.
In addition, prolactin and oxytacin are also called “maternity hormones”, because thanks to them, the mother’s heart is filled with tenderness, she feels the pleasure of feeding and communicating with the child, which binds her to the baby even more. These hormones, in fact, provide a magical “transformation” of a woman into a mother – under their influence, priorities change dramatically, study, work, career and personal success fade into the background, and the main place in a woman’s heart is occupied by a small native creature. It is believed that the more a woman has these same “maternity hormones”, the stronger her desire to constantly be with the baby, feel his warmth, take care of him. However, one should not expect that this “transformation” will happen as if by magic: normally, the level of hormones in a woman’s body changes gradually, so that her psyche has time to prepare for the changes without stress. The main thing during pregnancy is to make every effort to endure a strong and healthy baby.
It should be noted that exclusively female (as well as exclusively male) hormones do not exist. The main female hormones include estradiol, prolactin, testosterone, progesterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). But men also have these hormones. The difference is in their concentration in the blood and the point of application. Estrogens, testosterone, progesterone are synthesized from cholesterol by chemical transformations. At the same time, estrogens, which are responsible for the formation of female sexual characteristics, are synthesized from male sex hormones – androgens.
For women, all these hormones are equally important. At different ages, these hormones determine important changes in the body, take part in maintaining beauty, youth and health.
Sex hormones, LH and FSH become more active with the onset of adolescence (prepuberty), before puberty they are not so active.
It is they that stimulate an increase in growth and changes in appearance characteristic of girls (together with growth hormone and thyroid hormones). The main hormone here is estradiol. During this period, the mammary glands increase, hair appears in the armpits and on the pubis, the uterus and ovaries increase. At the age of 11-13 years, menarche appears – the first menstruation. In the future, a regular menstrual cycle is established and the ability to bear children appears.
After childbirth, the pituitary hormone prolactin plays an important role. It is under its influence that the mammary glands produce milk for the newborn. At the same time, high levels of this hormone suppress ovulation. But if there is excessive hyperproduction of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) outside lactation, then this may already be a consequence of the disease and cause infertility.
Over time, the endocrine system undergoes age-related changes. Ovarian function decreases, and as a result, the level of estradiol.
The main estrogen in the postmenopausal period is estrone, which comes not from the ovaries, but from peripheral tissues (for example, adipose). The biological activity of estrone is no longer as high as that of estradiol. That is why in women with the onset of menopause and menopause, various complaints begin to appear: hot flashes, flushing (redness) of the face, irritation and thinning of the vaginal wall, and a decrease in vaginal secretions are disturbing. This may be accompanied by dryness and soreness during sexual contact. At the same time, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases, psycho-emotional disorders (irritability, tearfulness, depressive states) are noted, general weakness appears, sleep is disturbed, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases. In this age period, women need to see a doctor for a treatment that alleviates their condition.
The synthesis of hormones is a complex and balanced process.
Hormones are synthesized exactly as much as the body needs to solve a specific biological problem at a given time. The synthesis of sex hormones is under the control of the pituitary and hypothalamus. An increase in the concentration of a particular hormone can occur with various pathologies – diseases of the adrenal glands, ovarian tumors, hormone-producing tumors of the pituitary gland, diseases of the thyroid gland, ovaries, etc.
A sign of hormonal imbalance is a fairly wide range of symptoms. In girls, this may be precocious puberty (enlargement of the mammary glands, the appearance of hair growth up to 8 years). Adolescent girls may not have periods until age 15. The absence of menstruation, hair growth, enlargement of the mammary glands by the age of 13 can also be a sign of hormonal disorders.
At any age, with hormonal imbalance, non-specific symptoms can occur – headaches, weakness, irritability, and others. For example, with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), acne (acne) and hirsutism are noted, which is why women first turn to a dermatologist-cosmetologist with complaints of acne or sign up for depilation – while they do not even know what is happening in their body .
Body weight depends on many factors – the number of calories consumed, metabolic characteristics, the presence of various diseases. For example, low weight may be the result of malabsorption in the intestines, an excessively thin person may have hidden oncological processes, immunodeficiency states. Some endocrine disorders, in particular thyroid disease, can also be the cause of thinness.
There is another option when thinness is due to anorexia. This is due to dissatisfaction with their reflection in the mirror (“I’m fat”) and the excessive use of a wide variety of diets, often dangerous to health. The consequence of this is stress (psychological and metabolic) and hormonal disorders. The production of FSH and LH, the level of estradiol decreases, which leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle, cessation of ovulation, disruption of the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
All of these hormones affect the ability to conceive (fertility) to one degree or another.
FSH and LH control the menstrual cycle. FSH has a stimulating effect on the growth of follicles and the maturation of eggs in the ovaries, increases the concentration of estradiol. LH is a stimulant of ovulation, the formation of the corpus luteum (torn follicle) and the synthesis of estrogens. Both hormones (FSH and LH) are usually evaluated together.
Estrogens are responsible for the endometrium, for the ability to bear children. They are of several types: some are synthesized in the ovaries, others enter the bloodstream from adipose tissue, liver, hair follicles. During pregnancy, estriol is produced by the placenta. Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum and is called the “hormone of pregnancy” because of its crucial role in the implantation of the ovum, reducing uterine contractions during gestation.
And an increase in the concentration of androgens and prolactin can prevent pregnancy.
For preventive purposes, healthy people do not need to be tested for hormones.