Tag: hormones

Testosterone is an important androgen hormone in people of all sexes. In this article, we’ll cover exactly what it does in the body, what the symptoms and causes of high or low testosterone are and how you can ensure your levels are balanced and healthy.  Quick facts: What is testosterone? Testosterone is an important hormone for regulating sex drive (libido), bone and muscle mass and fat distribution. It’s part of a group of hormones called androgens.  There are a lot of misconceptions about testosterone being just a “male” hormone. Whilst testosterone plays an important role in the development of the male sex organs and male secondary sex characteristics, people of all sexes have testosterone.  Everyone produces and requires a certain amount of androgen hormones for reproductive development. The difference is just how much testosterone we have based on our sex-at-birth. How is testosterone made? In women and people assigned female-at-birth, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It’s then converted to hormone–oestrogen. Testosterone production is age-dependent and it gradually declines with age. Most of the testosterone in the body is inactive. It remains bound to a protein called, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The small amount of testosterone that’s unbound and therefore active, is called freely circulating testosterone (free T).  Free T can enter cells to bring about its effects. Our free T levels are affected by the levels of SHBG. Low levels of SHBG result in higher free testosterone, whereas high levels of SHBG result in lower free testosterone. What does testosterone do in the body? Some of the functions of testosterone are: What are the symptoms of high testosterone? Excess levels of testosterone in the body is called hyperandrogenism. This can bring about symptoms like:  Some studies suggest that high testosterone levels may increase the risk of developing high cholesterol, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. What causes high testosterone levels? The most common causes of high testosterone levels are underlying health conditions. It can also be caused by certain medications and lifestyle factors. Let’s look at the main ones… PMOS (formerly PCOS) Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome (PMOS, formerly known as PCOS) is a hormonal and metabolic condition affecting 1 in 10. The exact cause is still being researched, however, the proposed causes include an excess of androgens and insulin, genetic and environmental factors. If you suspect you might have PMOS, our at-home tests can give you a better insight into your hormones.  Congenital andreal hyperplasia Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an inherited condition that affects the adrenal glands. These are small glands located on top of the kidney. They produce hormones like cortisol (stress hormone), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone. People with CAH are unable to produce an enzyme necessary to regulate the production of these hormones, which can result in an overproduction of testosterone. It’s been found to be more common in some ethnic groups such as people of Hispanic, Mediterranean, Yugoslavian and Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Cushing’s syndrome is another hormonal condition impacting the adrenal glands. It results in excessive cortisol and androgen production. Medications Testosterone levels can rise due to certain medications, such as: Alcohol Excessive alcohol consumption may increase levels of testosterone in premenopausal women, however, research is conflicting.  How to lower my testosterone levels? Treatment for high testosterone depends on the cause, but generally, it is a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Achieving a healthy weight by including a healthy balanced diet and exercise routine may help with the symptoms of a hormonal balance.  Medications used to treat high testosterone, and associated symptoms include: What are the symptoms of low testosterone? If you’re experiencing low testosterone, you may experience some of the following symptoms:  Low testosterone over a long period may also contribute to long-term health conditions such as heart disease, memory issues and loss of bone density. Often, the symptoms of low testosterone in women are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Some of the conditions that low testosterone may be mistaken for include stress, depression and the side effects of menopausal changes in women. What could cause low testosterone levels? The most common causes of low testosterone levels are often age, underlying conditions and problems with certain glands. Age Testosterone levels naturally decrease as we age. As it’s produced in the ovaries, the natural decrease in ovarian function with age means that some may experience low testosterone levels as they transition from the perimenopausal phase into menopause.  Underlying health conditions Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) can increase your risk of low testosterone. Additionally, surgery, such as the removal of the ovaries, can cause lowered testosterone levels.  Problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland Underlying health conditions impacting the pituitary, hypothalamus, or adrenal glands can also cause lowered testosterone levels. This is because these parts of the brain are responsible for the secretion of hormones which control the proper functioning of the ovaries.  A disruption in the pituitary gland can also impact the adrenal gland. Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency is a hormonal condition that occurs due to underactive adrenal glands and can cause a low level of its hormones. What can I do to increase my testosterone levels? Low testosterone levels effects and treatments in women are still being researched and treatment is usually recommended only if symptoms are significantly impacting health and quality of life.  Testosterone replacement therapy is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) based on the replacement of testosterone. It may be prescribed orally, as injections, gels or skin patches. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone, and it is believed that taking DHEA supplements could increase the amount of testosterone. It is always recommended to speak with a doctor before starting any medication or supplements. How to test testosterone levels? If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, our Advanced At-Home Hormone and Fertility Test can determine your testosterone levels. Hormone testing is the only way to know what your testosterone levels are for definite.  Our Doctors can recommend a care plan for you, based on your symptoms, hormone […]

When our reproductive hormone levels are affected, it can cause menstrual cycle disruptions that can result in fertility issues. In this article, we’ll take a look at alcohol’s effects on the main female reproductive hormones. Quick facts: How alcohol and hormones interact According to recent data, women and those assigned-female-at-birth are, on average, drinking more alcohol than ever before. Whilst many people are aware of the immediate health consequences of drinking—including the caloric impact and the dreaded hangover, there’s still very limited awareness of the effects that alcohol can have on female hormonal health.  Hormones act as chemical messengers, which control and coordinate various bodily processes. Each of our hormones relies on a complex system of interactions, often with other hormones, to maintain their levels and carry out their intended functions.  Drinking alcohol, as well as other lifestyle factors like smoking, can affect our hormones, both directly and indirectly. Which hormones are affected by alcohol? Hormones affected by alcohol include: Our hormones are sensitive. They rely on a complex set of interactions, both with one another and other bodily processes in order to stay in balance and perform their functions properly.  Alcohol consumption is known to affect our levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone significantly—three very important hormones in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and overall health. It can also affect our levels of Anti-müllerian Hormone (AMH), gonadotropins like Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Lutenising hormone (LH), thyroid hormones and prolactin.  Let’s take a look at each of them in turn. Oestrogen and alcohol Oestrogen is probably the hormone you know best—it plays an important role in many elements of our health, including the regulation of the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density and skin health. Acute consumption of alcohol has been shown to increase oestrogen levels. Increased oestrogen levels over a prolonged period can be associated with breast cancer development in those assigned-female-at-birth. The United Kingdom Million Women Study revealed that every additional drink per day contributed to 11 breast cancers per 1,000 women up to age 75. Progesterone and alcohol Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), are involved in egg maturation and ovulation, two key elements of the menstrual cycle and female fertility. A surge in your levels of LH triggers the egg to be ovulated, however, there is some evidence that alcohol consumption may affect both the levels of LH in general and the ability of the egg to respond to LH. Excessive alcohol consumption may even affect how the cells within the fallopian tubes function. Testosterone and alcohol Testosterone is typically associated with male sexual development and fertility, but it also plays an important role in female sexual development and fertility, including regulating female libido.  There is some evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may increase testosterone levels, causing an imbalance in androgen levels. High testosterone levels can lead to symptoms like acne, excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism), irregular periods, mood changes and loss of libido. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and alcohol AMH is produced by the granulosa cells within your ovarian follicles and is used as an indicator of ovarian reserve (your egg count). The relationship between alcohol consumption and AMH is slightly contentious. Some studies have found no change in AMH levels in people who consumed alcohol but more recent studies have shown those who engage in “binge drinking” had lower levels of AMH.  Binge drinking is defined by the Centres for disease control (CDC) as “a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 g/dl or above”. Basically, consuming 4 or more drinks in the space of 2 hours.  Because of AMH’s close ties to your ovarian reserve, lowered AMH levels can indicate a low ovarian reserve. Gonadotropins and alcohol There are two types of gonadotropin hormones in the body—Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Both FSH and LH are involved in egg maturation and ovulation, two key elements of the menstrual cycle and female fertility.  A surge in LH levels at the midpoint of the menstrual cycle is what triggers ovulation—that month’s mature egg being released into the Fallopian tube.  There is some evidence that suggests alcohol consumption may increase LH levels in general and also impair the ability of our eggs to respond to LH. Excessive alcohol consumption may also affect how the cells within the Fallopian tubes function. Thyroid hormones and alcohol Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that plays an important role in the regulation of many different bodily functions such as your heart rate, body temperature and growth development.  Alcohol consumption has been shown to alter the levels of the thyroid hormones, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) with heavy use showing decreased levels of T3 and T4. Low levels of thyroid hormones are known as hypothyroidism and can cause a huge number of symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, heavy or irregular periods, fertility issues and irregular ovulation, depression and more. Prolactin and alcohol Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with increased prolactin levels. Consistently high levels of prolactin in your body is called hyperprolactinemia and is significantly associated with infertility through interference with other hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. Alcohol and trying to conceive When trying to conceive, cutting down on your drinking is often one of the first things on your preconception to-do list. The dangerous effects of alcohol on the developing foetus can range from physical to mental and generally disrupt their development in the womb (see foetal alcohol syndrome).  It is also known that alcohol consumption affects the success of IVF treatment, with one study showing people who had at least four drinks per week were 16% less likely to have a live birth than those who had less than four drinks. Additionally, a 21% lower live birth rate was found for couples in which both drank more than four drinks per week. Other effects of alcohol on the body As well as impacting our hormones, alcohol has other broad-reaching effects on the body and the […]

Your menstrual cycle is the full sequence of hormonal and physical changes your body runs from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, not just the days you bleed. Your period is simply the part you can see. Getting to know it is one of the most useful things you can do for your health: it helps you make sense of your periods, spot your own patterns, and notice when something’s changed. And yet most of us were taught remarkably little. Hertility’s own peer-reviewed study of 383,085 UK women found that more than one in five didn’t know their cycle length, rising to one in three of those under 25. We really think that needs to change. Here’s exactly what happens between one period and the next: the phases, the hormones behind them, when ovulation happens, and what counts as normal. Quick facts: What is the menstrual cycle? First things first: your period and your menstrual cycle aren’t the same thing. The menstrual cycle is the series of hormonal and physical changes that happen from the first day of one period to the first day of the next.  So, if your period starts on 1 June and your next one starts on 29 June, you had a 28-day menstrual cycle. The first day you have a full bleed is day 1, spotting doesn’t count. Then you count each day until your next period begins. Underneath, two processes run in tandem. The ovarian cycle is what’s happening in your ovaries  – follicles develop, an egg may be released at ovulation, and the ovary then prepares for a possible pregnancy. The uterine cycle is what’s happening to your endometrium (your womb lining) – it sheds during your periodand grows back in preparation for an embryo to implant.  Both are carefully regulated by four cycling hormones – oestrogen, progesterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and, as you’ll see, they map neatly onto each other. It sounds complex, but it’s far easier to follow phase by phase. How long is a normal menstrual cycle length? Thinking that every menstrual cycle is 28 days can be misleading for many women. For adults, a cycle of roughly 21-35 days is within the expected range, so 28 days can be perfectly normal, but so can 24, or 31. In fact, a study examining over 600,000 cycles found that only 13% of cycles in the study group were 28-days long – 29.3 days was the average.  Rather than expecting your to body fit a textbook number, it’s far more useful to know what’s usual for you. Further, a little month-to-month variation is common. Illness, stress, changes in exercise, energy intake and weight, and different life stages can all make it a little longer or shorter than expected. A ‘regular’ cycle doesn’t mean your period lands on the same date every month, just that it tends to follow a reasonably predictable pattern. And there’s a real difference between feeling regular and actually knowing your numbers: in Hertility’s research, nearly 5% of women who described their cycles as regular and gave a cycle length were, in fact, reporting one outside the 21-35-day range. Which is exactly why knowing your actual figures beats a vague ‘regular’ or ‘irregular’. What counts as an irregular menstrual cycle? For most adults, cycles that are repeatedly shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 are generally considered irregular, but the numbers aren’t the whole story. If your periods always come every 27-30 days and suddenly start arriving every 40, that change is useful information to know. Plenty of things can influence your cycle, and an irregular period doesn’t automatically mean something’s wrong. Common reasons include the first few years after periods begin (most women’s menstrual cycles don’t regulate until they are ~25 years old) , pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause and hormonal contraception, as well as stress, major changes in weight or energy intake, and intensive exercise. Underlying causes include thyroid conditions, raised prolactin and PMOS, along with some medications. If your periods suddenly become irregular, stay that way for several cycles, or come with other symptoms, it’s worth understanding why. If irregular periods, missing periods or symptoms that don’t quite add up sound familiar, our Online Health Assessment is a good first step towards understanding what’s going on. How long should a period last? A period usually lasts 2-7 days, with 5 to 6 days being most common. Some people naturally have short, light periods; others bleed for longer or more heavily, and flow is often heavier on some days than others. There’s no single pattern everyone has to match, what’s useful is knowing what’s normal for you, so a sudden change stands out. What is a normal amount of bleeding during my period? Rather than chasing an exact millilitre figure, the more useful question is simpler: is your bleeding getting in the way of your life? Signs your periods may be heavy include: Heavy periods can also lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, which may leave you unusually tired, dizzy or short of breath. NICE defines heavy menstrual bleeding by its impact on your quality of life rather than a strict volume, so if it’s disrupting your everyday life, that alone is reason enough to get it checked. You don’t have to just cope. What are the phases of the menstrual cycle? The cycle is usually described in four stages, though they overlap rather than switching cleanly: Biologically, there’s a little overlap between these phases. For example, your period actually happens during the beginning of the follicular phase. But thinking about the cycle in four stages is a useful way to picture what’s happening. The follicular phase: from your period to ovulation The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and ends when you ovulate. For most people, this phase lasts about 10-22 days, but this can vary. At the start of a new cycle, oestrogen and progesterone are low, so the brain releases gonadotrophin-releasing […]

Have you been diagnosed with endometriosis? Discover our top tips for managing endometriosis pain and the treatment options available to you. From painkillers to surgery.  Quick facts: Living with endometriosis If you live with endometriosis, you probably know that one of the biggest symptoms of endometriosis is pain… a lot of it. Experiencing chronic pain amongst other, often equally debilitating symptoms, can have big physical and emotional consequences.  Sadly, there is currently no cure for endometriosis. And with limited research and understanding of the condition, it can be difficult for both doctors and endo warriors to get a handle on managing endometriosis symptoms.   But you don’t have to put up with pain. There are several treatments available to manage symptoms and help improve your quality of life. Lots of people report huge improvements with these treatments—it’s just about finding what works for you. Medication for managing symptoms The first step in managing pain is usually exploring the use of painkillers. Your doctor may recommend taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (aspirin, ibuprofen) or paracetamol as a first line of treatment to manage any pain.  However, there are lots of different types of painkillers and your doctor can help you to find ones that work for you and your pain level.  Depending on the severity of your endometriosis pain, you may try a course of painkillers for a few months until you assess whether or not they are working for you.  But if you’re finding that these aren’t making the cut and you’re unable to go to work, uni, school, work or other plans, don’t suffer in silence! This is just the first option for managing endometriosis, so push your doctor for alternatives. Tips for endometriosis pain management Endometriosis UK suggests some extra tips for pain management: Heat and comfort Hot water bottles, heated wheat bags or special heat pads can really help to soothe pain, cramping and inflammation.  Remember to never put them directly onto the skin and always have a layer in between. Partnered with your comfies, hopefully, this can help you to feel more comfortable. Physiotherapy Physiotherapists can develop a programme of exercise and relaxation techniques designed to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, reduce pain, and manage stress and anxiety. TENS machines Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) machines are small devices with electrodes that send electrical pulses into the body. This can block the pain messages as they travel through your nerves. Pain clinics Your doctor can refer you to your nearest pain clinic to see chronic pain specialists. Push for your doctor to get you the expert advice you deserve to manage your endometriosis pain. Hormone treatment for endometriosis When you’re diagnosed with endometriosis, hormone treatment is another common avenue to explore. You should discuss hormone treatment with your doctor or specialist to decide if it’s right for you. For those with endometriosis, similar cells to those lining the womb exist outside of the womb (usually in the abdomen).  These cells also respond to your sex hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, in the same way as your womb lining. They thicken, break down and bleed during your period. This bleeding causes inflammation and scarring, leading to chronic pain.  Hormone treatment is commonly used to reduce the growth of this endometrial tissue.  How does hormone treatment help endometriosis? Hormone treatment aims to maintain low levels of oestrogen in the body, as oestrogen has been found to encourage the growth of endometrial tissue. Hormone therapy can help reduce heavy flow or even stop periods and therefore improve symptoms.  Whilst most endo warriors find that hormonal treatment reduces their symptoms, it is not a permanent fix to manage endometriosis. Types of hormonal treatment used to manage endometriosis? There are lots of different types of hormone treatment available. Some of the most common are also used as contraceptive methods including: Unfortunately, not everyone gets on with hormonal contraception and side effects can be common. It’s important to consider which hormone treatment is right for you. Surgery for endometriosis A last resort if the above treatments aren’t keeping your symptoms at bay, is endometriosis surgery. This aims to remove or destroy areas of endometrial tissue.  This can include laparoscopic surgery or a hysterectomy. The kind of surgery you have will depend on where the endometriosis is and how much of it there is. Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis Initial surgery will almost always involve gynaecological laparoscopy for both diagnosis and excision. In laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, your surgeon inserts a small tube with a light source and a camera, through a small incision near your belly button.  They use this to be able to look inside your tummy or pelvis and then use fine tools to remove endometrial tissue (excision) or use intense heat to destroy the tissues (ablation). They can also remove any scar tissue that has built up in the area.  This form of surgery can be difficult, as many of the lesions are below the surface and not visible, so a highly skilled practitioner is required to remove them.  It might be the most long-lasting treatment, and people do notice relief in symptoms, but many who undergo surgery find their endometriosis grows back over time. This is why endo warriors may have to undergo surgeries multiple times. Hormone treatment might be used after surgery to help get better, longer-lasting results. Hysterectomy for endometriosis Sometimes healthcare professionals will also suggest undergoing a hysterectomy, a surgery where the womb is removed. This can be a very big decision as post-surgery, you will no longer be able to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy.  If you want children, you can discuss egg freezing before this procedure with your doctor. This means that you will then have the option of trying to have a baby using fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with the help of a surrogate. In some cases, someone might still experience symptoms after getting a hysterectomy done as a form of endometriosis management. If the ovaries […]