Bades: influence on hormonal background
1. Hormones: the basics of endocrinology and their role in organism
Before exploring the influence of biologically active additives (dietary supplements) on hormonal background, it is necessary to clearly understand the nature of hormones and their functions. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands such as thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries (in women) and testicles (in men). They are secreted directly into the bloodstream and transported to all cells of the body, where they are associated with specific receptors, causing certain physiological reactions.
Hormones regulate almost all aspects of the body’s life, including:
- Growth and development: Growth hormone (GR), sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone).
- Metabolism: Insulin, glucagon, thyroid hormones (T3, T4).
- Reproductive function: Estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, follicle -stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH).
- Mood and dream: Serotonin, melatonin, cortisol.
- Appetite and weight: Leptin, ghrelin.
- Immune function: Cortisol, hormones of Timus.
- Cardiovascular system: Adrenaline, noradrenaline.
- Stress reaction: Cortisol, adrenaline.
- Energy balance: Thyroid hormones, cortisol.
- Water-electrolyte balance: Aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone (ADG).
- Cognitive functions: Estrogens, testosterone.
The hormonal background is a complex and dynamic system where the levels of various hormones constantly interact with each other. The slightest imbalance in one hormone can lead to a cascade of disorders in other body systems, causing a wide range of symptoms and diseases.
2. Bades: General information, classification and regulation
Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are products designed to supplement the diet and improve health. Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not intended for the treatment or prevention of diseases. They can contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, probiotics and other substances.
Classification of dietary supplements is carried out according to various criteria:
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By composition:
- Vitamin-mineral complexes: contain combinations of vitamins and minerals.
- Herbal (herbal preparations): contain extracts of medicinal plants.
- Amino acid complexes: contain amino acids, construction blocks of proteins.
- Probiotics and prebiotics: contain living microorganisms or substances that contribute to their growth.
- Fatty acids: contain omega-3, omega-6 and other beneficial fats.
- Enzymes: contain digestive enzymes.
- Others: contain various biologically active substances, such as Q10 coenzyme, alpha-lipoic acid, etc.
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By the form of release:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Powders
- Liquids (solutions, syrups)
- Baors
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By purpose:
- To strengthen immunity
- To improve digestion
- To maintain the cardiovascular system
- To improve cognitive functions
- To increase energy
- To maintain bones and joints health
- To improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails
- To control weight
- For athletes
Adjustment of dietary supplements varies in different countries. In Russia, dietary supplements are regulated by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). Bades are subject to mandatory state registration, which confirms their safety and compliance with the established requirements. However, unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not pass clinical trials proving their effectiveness.
It is important to note that dietary supplements are not a replacement for good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. They should only be used as an addition to a balanced diet and regular physical exercises. Before using dietary supplements, it is necessary to consult a doctor, especially in the presence of chronic diseases or taking drugs.
3. Mechanisms of the influence of dietary supplement on hormonal background
Bades can affect hormonal background in various ways:
- Direct effect on endocrine glands: Some dietary supplements contain substances that can stimulate or suppress the production of hormones directly with endocrine glands. For example, dietary supplements containing iodine can affect the function of the thyroid gland.
- Influence on hormone receptors: Some dietary supplements may contain substances that are associated with hormone receptors by simulating or blocking their action. For example, phytoestrogens contained in some herbs can be associated with estrogen receptors.
- Influence on hormones metabolism: Some dietary supplements can affect the rate of hormone metabolism in the liver or other tissues. For example, some herbs can affect the activity of enzymes involved in estrogen metabolism.
- Influence on the synthesis of hormone predecessors: Some dietary supplements may contain substances that are predecessors of hormones or participate in their synthesis. For example, DGEA (dehydrepiandrosterone) is the predecessor of sex hormones.
- Influence on the level of globulin connecting sex hormones (GSPG): GSPG binds sex hormones in the blood, reducing their biological activity. Some dietary supplements can affect the level of GSPG, changing the number of free, active sex hormones.
- Influence on the level of cortisol: Some dietary supplements, positioned as adaptogens, can affect the level of cortisol, stress hormone, helping the body adapt to stressful situations. However, the uncontrolled use of such dietary supplements can lead to undesirable consequences.
- Influence on the intestinal microflora: Intestinal microflora plays an important role in the metabolism of hormones, especially estrogen. Some dietary supplements, such as probiotics, can affect the composition and function of intestinal microflora, thereby affecting the hormonal background.
- Influence on inflammation: Chronic inflammation can violate the hormonal balance. Some dietary supplements with anti -inflammatory properties can indirectly affect the hormonal background, reducing the level of inflammation.
It is important to understand that the effect of dietary supplements on hormonal background can be individual and depend on many factors, such as age, gender, health status, drugs taken and dosage of dietary supplements.
4. Specific dietary supplements and their potential influence on hormonal background
This section discusses specific dietary supplements, which are most often mentioned in connection with the influence of hormonal background.
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Phytoestrogens:
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Soy and soy products: Soya contains isoflavons that are phytoestrogens. They can contact the estrogen receptors, having a weak estrogen or anti -estrogenic effect. The influence of soy on hormonal background is contradictory. Some studies show that soybeans can relieve symptoms of menopause, while other studies indicate potential risks for the health of the thyroid gland and reproductive system.
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Red Clover: Red clover also contains isoflavon. It is often used to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, such as tides. However, it is necessary to take into account potential side effects and contraindications.
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Len: Flax seeds contain Lignans, which are also phytoestrogens. They can have an antioxidant and anti -inflammatory effect. Flax can be used to improve hormonal balance, but additional studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
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Dong Kuai (Chinese Dudnik): It is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat female diseases. It is believed that Dong Kuai has an estrogenic effect, but the scientific evidence of this is limited.
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Influence on the hormonal background: Phytoestrogens can affect the hormonal background, simulating or blocking the effect of estrogen. This can be useful for women during menopause, but can also be a risk for other population groups, such as children, pregnant women and people with hormone -dependent diseases.
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Possible side effects: Headaches, nausea, bloating, allergic reactions.
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Cautions: It is not recommended to use phytoestrogens without consulting a doctor, especially in the presence of hormone -dependent diseases, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Melatonin:
- Role in the body: Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. It regulates circus rhythms (sleep-blessing) and has antioxidant properties.
- Influence on the hormonal background: Melatonin can affect the level of other hormones, such as cortisol, prolactin and sex hormones. It can also improve the quality of sleep, which positively affects the hormonal balance.
- Possible side effects: Drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, nausea.
- Cautions: It is not recommended to use melatonin before driving a car or performing a job requiring concentration. It is necessary to observe the dosage indicated on the packaging.
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DHEA (dehidroepandrosterone):
- Role in the body: Dhea is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. He is the predecessor of sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogens.
- Influence on the hormonal background: Dhea can increase the level of testosterone and estrogen. It can be used to improve libido, increase energy and improve cognitive functions.
- Possible side effects: Acne, hair growth on the face, voice change, aggression, menstrual violation.
- Cautions: DHEA is not recommended to be used without consulting a doctor, especially in the presence of hormone -dependent diseases, liver or kidney diseases.
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Iodis preparations (for example, potassium iodide):
- Role in the body: Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
- Influence on the hormonal background: Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism (a decrease in thyroid function). Taking iodine preparations can normalize the function of the thyroid gland with iodine deficiency. However, excess iodine consumption can also be harmful and lead to hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function) or autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Possible side effects: Allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, change in thyroid function.
- Cautions: Iodine preparations should be used only as prescribed by the doctor and under his control. It is not recommended to take iodine preparations independently, especially in the presence of thyroid diseases.
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TRIBULUS TERRERSTRS (Jacobi Still):
- Role in the body: Tribulus Terrytris is a plant that is traditionally used to increase libido and improve sports indicators.
- Influence on the hormonal background: It is believed that Tertrix tribulus can increase testosterone levels. However, scientific evidence of this is limited. Some studies show that Tertrix tribulus can improve libido, but does not affect the level of testosterone.
- Possible side effects: Disorder of the stomach, nausea, insomnia.
- Cautions: It is not recommended to use tribulus terrestris during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Ashwaganda (withania somnifera):
- Role in the body: Ashvaganda is an adaptogenic plant that is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress, increase energy and improve cognitive functions.
- Influence on the hormonal background: Ashvagand can reduce the level of cortisol, stress hormone. It can also improve thyroid function and increase testosterone levels.
- Possible side effects: Disorder of the stomach, nausea, drowsiness.
- Cautions: It is not recommended to use ashvaganda during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is necessary to observe the dosage indicated on the packaging.
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Sacred Vitex (Vitex Agnus-Castus):
- Role in the body: The sacred Vitex is a plant that is traditionally used to treat female diseases such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual disorders.
- Influence on the hormonal background: The sacred vitex can reduce the level of prolactin and increase the level of progesterone. It can also improve the symptoms of PMS, such as chest pain, irritability and mood swings.
- Possible side effects: Headaches, nausea, stomach disorder, skin rash.
- Cautions: It is not recommended to use Vitex sacred during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Copper and zinc:
- Role in the body: Copper and zinc are important trace elements involved in many biochemical processes, including the synthesis of hormones. Zinc, in particular, plays an important role in the development of testosterone. Copper is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Influence on the hormonal background: Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels in men. A prolonged copper deficiency can disrupt the thyroid gland. It is important to maintain the balance of these trace elements, since an excess of one can violate the absorption of the other.
- Possible side effects: Excess zinc can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Excess copper can lead to damage to the liver and nervous system.
- Cautions: Before taking the additives of copper and zinc, it is recommended to take tests to determine the level of these trace elements in the body. It is not recommended to exceed the recommended dosage.
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Omega-3 fatty acids:
- Role in the body: Omega-3 fatty acids are indispensable fats that play an important role in the health of the cardiovascular system, brain and immune system.
- Influence on the hormonal background: Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the level of inflammation, which can violate the hormonal balance. They can also improve insulin sensitivity, which positively affects the hormonal background.
- Possible side effects: Fish taste in the mouth, stomach disorder, diarrhea.
- Cautions: People taking anticoagulants should consult a doctor before taking Omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Factors affecting an individual reaction to dietary supplements
An individual reaction to dietary supplements affecting the hormonal background can vary significantly depending on a number of factors:
- Age: Hormonal background is changing with age. For example, in women during menopause, estrogen levels are reduced, which can affect the reaction to dietary supplements containing phytoestrogens. In men, testosterone levels are reduced with age, which can affect the reaction to dietary supplements designed to increase testosterone levels.
- Floor: The hormonal background of men and women differs significantly. Bades intended for women can have the opposite effect on men, and vice versa.
- Health status: The presence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, diseases of the thyroid gland, liver and kidney disease, can affect the reaction to dietary supplements.
- Taken medicines: Bades can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect. It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements in order to avoid undesirable interactions.
- Genetic predisposition: Genetic factors can affect hormones metabolism and a response to dietary supplements.
- Dosage: The dosage of dietary supplements plays an important role in determining its effect. Too low dosage can be ineffective, and too high dosage can cause side effects.
- Duration of admission: The duration of dietary supplement can also affect its effect. Some dietary supplements have a quick effect, and to achieve the effect of others, it may take several weeks or months.
- Quality of dietary supplements: The quality of dietary supplements can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer. It is important to choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who conduct quality control of their products.
- Individual characteristics of the body: Each person has its own unique characteristics of the body, which can affect the reaction to dietary supplements.
6. The risks and side effects of the use of dietary supplements affecting the hormonal background
The use of dietary supplements affecting the hormonal background is associated with certain risks and potential side effects:
- Hormonal imbalance: Incorrect use of dietary supplements can lead to hormonal imbalance, causing a wide range of symptoms and diseases.
- Interaction with drugs: Bad can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect.
- Side effects: Some dietary supplements can cause side effects, such as headaches, nausea, stomach disorder, allergic reactions.
- Lack of proven effectiveness: Many dietary supplements do not have sufficient scientific evidence of their effectiveness.
- The inconsistency of the composition of the declared: Some dietary supplements may indicate the packaging of the wrong composition or content of active substances.
- Contamination: Bad can be polluted by harmful substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides or bacteria.
- Addiction: Some dietary supplements can cause psychological dependence.
- Masks of serious diseases: The use of dietary supplements to relieve symptoms can disguise serious diseases that require immediate treatment.
7. Who should avoid taking dietary supplement affecting hormonal background
Some categories of people should avoid taking dietary supplements affecting the hormonal background, or apply them with special caution and only under the supervision of a doctor:
- Pregnant and lactating women: Bad can have a negative impact on the development of the fetus or health of the child.
- Children and adolescents: The hormonal background of children and adolescents is in the stage of formation, and the use of dietary supplements can violate this process.
- People with hormone -dependent diseases: Bad can aggravate the course of hormone -dependent diseases, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis.
- People with liver and kidney diseases: Bad can provide an additional load on the liver and kidneys.
- People taking drugs: Bad can interact with drugs.
- People with allergies to dietary supplements: The use of dietary supplements can cause an allergic reaction.
8. Alternatives to use dietary supplements to normalize the hormonal background
There are alternative approaches to normalizing the hormonal background that are not related to the use of dietary supplements:
- Healthy lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, regular physical exercises, sufficient sleep, stress management.
- Medication: If necessary, the doctor may prescribe hormonal therapy to normalize the hormonal background.
- Phytotherapy under the supervision of a doctor: Some herbs can have a positive effect on the hormonal background, but their use should be agreed with the doctor.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can help cope with stress and emotional problems that can affect hormonal background.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture can stimulate hormone production and improve hormonal balance.
9. The importance of consulting a doctor before taking a dietary supplement
Before using any dietary supplements, especially those that can affect the hormonal background, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to assess the patient’s health, identify possible contraindications and risks, choose the optimal dosage and duration of dietary supplements, as well as to control the efficiency and safety of the use of dietary supplements. A self -medication of dietary supplements can be dangerous and lead to undesirable consequences.
10. Future research in the field of dietary supplements and hormonal background
Further research is needed for a deeper understanding of the effect of dietary supplements on hormonal background. In particular, it is necessary to conduct clinical tests of dietary supplements using standardized protocols and large samples of patients in order to obtain reliable data on their effectiveness and safety. It is also necessary to investigate the mechanisms of the action of dietary supplements at the hormonal level and identify factors affecting an individual dietary supplement reaction. Future research should be aimed at developing safe and effective dietary supplements to normalize the hormonal background and improve public health.
11. Ethical aspects of the use of dietary supplements affecting hormonal background
The use of dietary supplements affecting the hormonal background raises a number of ethical questions:
- Informed consent: Patients should be fully informed about the risks and advantages of the use of dietary supplements in order to make a conscious decision.
- Reliability of information: Information about dietary supplements should be reliable and based on scientific data.
- Protection of vulnerable groups of the population: It is necessary to protect vulnerable groups of the population, such as children, pregnant women and people with hormone -dependent diseases, from the unreasonable use of dietary supplements.
- Regulation transparency: Adjustment regulation should be transparent and provide protection of consumer rights.
- Responsibility of manufacturers: Dietary supplies should be responsible for the quality and safety of their products.
Compliance with ethical principles in the use of dietary supplements affecting hormonal background is necessary to ensure the health and well -being of the population.