View source for Hypogonadism - Female

== What Does It Mean? ==

* Hypogonadism in females is a condition characterized by an imbalance in hormone levels, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
* This dysfunction can result from primary ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction, chronic stress, or metabolic imbalances.
* Functional medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes, including nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and endocrine disruption.

== How Did We Get Here? ==

=== Root Causes & Contributing Factors: ===

* Chronic Stress: Disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, leading to hormone imbalances.
* Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate levels of zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids impair hormone synthesis.
* Inflammation & Oxidative Stress: Chronic inflammation contributes to endocrine dysfunction and impaired ovarian function.
* Metabolic Dysfunction: Insulin resistance and dyslipidemia impact hormonal regulation.
* Aging & Menopause: Natural decline in estrogen and progesterone can lead to hypogonadism.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
* Low libido and vaginal dryness.
* Fatigue, mood swings, and depression.
* Loss of muscle mass and increased fat deposition.
* Hot flashes and night sweats.

=== Lab Test Findings ===
The following lab tests help evaluate female hypogonadism and its underlying causes:
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|% Free Testosterone
|Decreased
|1.60-2.20%
|-
|Arachidonic Acid : EPA Ratio
|Altered
|3.7-40.7 
|-
|Arachidonic Acid (AA)
|Altered
|8.6-15.6 µg/mL
|-
|Estradiol-E2
|Decreased
|24.00-39.00 µg/mL
|-
|Estrogen
|Decreased
|80-250 pg/mL
|-
|Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
|Increased
|1.60-8.00 mIU/mL
|-
|Free Testosterone, Calculated
|Decreased
|0.8-1.2 pg/mL
|-
|Linoleic Acid
|Altered
|18.6-29.5 µg/mL
|-
|Luteinizing Hormone
|Increased
|1.50-6.15 mIU/mL
|-
|Omega-3 total
|Altered
|5.4-10 µg/mL
|-
|Omegacheck (EPA+DPA+DHA)
|Altered
|5.4-50  µg/mL
|-
|Pregnenolone
|Decreased
|125.00-200.00 ng/dL
|-
|Progesterone
|Decreased
|0.20-0.90 ng/mL
|-
|Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
|Altered
|40.00-46.00 nmol/L
|-
|Testosterone, Total
|Decreased
|700.00-1100.00 ng/dL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==
Treatment focuses on restoring hormonal balance, reducing inflammation, and optimizing metabolic function.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Femarin
|Supports estrogen balance and ovarian function
|1 capsule with or without food, twice daily
|-
|Vita DIM
|Aids in estrogen metabolism and hormonal detoxification
|1 capsule with or without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Hormone-Supportive Nutrition: Consume cruciferous vegetables, flaxseeds, and phytoestrogens to support estrogen metabolism.
* Stress Management: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, and adaptogenic herbs to balance cortisol levels.
* Healthy Fats & Omega-3s: Improve hormone synthesis and reduce inflammation with sources like fish, avocados, and nuts.
* Regular Strength Training: Helps maintain muscle mass and supports metabolic function.