Persistent sexual arousal that fails to lead to orgasm is distressing for many women. These feelings of arousal can be triggered by non-sexual activities or no stimulus at all and are unwanted and intrusive.
Symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and a lack of genital sensitivity, can also decrease interest in sex. Topical estrogen can help relieve these symptoms in postmenopausal women and may stimulate orgasm.
Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone and anabolic steroid of male vertebrates, as well as some birds and reptiles. It is responsible for the development of the internal and external genitalia in males, for masculine characteristics such as facial hair and deepening of the voice and for sexual arousal during intercourse – This section has been delved into by the portal’s specialists Sex Guru Club. Testosterone is produced in the testes (by Leydig cells) in men and the ovaries in women. It is a member of the group of androgens, which also includes estradiol.
It is now clear that testosterone has a very significant effect on female sexuality, but the precise nature of this remains unknown. It appears that it acts through a combination of central and peripheral mechanisms to increase libido in the presence of estrogen.
Testosterone is present in much lower concentrations in girls than in boys and increases significantly during puberty as the adolescent body prepares for adulthood. In adulthood, it regulates spermatogenesis and male sexual function, it is involved in the growth of muscles and bones and contributes to feelings of well-being and energy levels. Testosterone is one of the reasons why a low-dose estrogen-only treatment improves sexual desire in postmenopausal women. This is probably due to the fact that circulating levels of estrogen are increased by the action of supraphysiological testosterone through either its preferential binding to SHBG or its aromatisation into estradiol.
Oestradiol
The female sex hormone oestradiol plays a critical role in fertility, sexual motivation and behaviour. It is important for females to have high oestradiol levels during the late follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle to ensure that they can produce eggs. It also helps to protect embryos in the oviduct. If the oestradiol level is low then it can result in protease-mediated embryo lysis.
Researchers have found that oestradiol increases intrinsic hippocampal excitability by modulating phasic and tonic GABAergic currents in pyramidal cells, which then promotes synaptic plasticity. This increase in excitability can also be attributed to the formation of new dendritic spines in pyramidal neurons. It can also cause the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which stimulate the ovaries to produce sex hormones.
Women with higher oestradiol are more likely to be considered attractive by males. This is because oestradiol can cause women to have physical features that are seen as signs of fertility, such as a high waist-to-hip ratio and large breasts. It can also increase a woman’s self-perceived desirability and her willingness to engage in opportunistic mating.
During the perimenopause, the period before menopause, oestradiol levels can swing erratically. This makes blood tests for oestradiol difficult to interpret and should not be done routinely. However, when taking HRT during perimenopause it is advisable to check oestradiol levels to ensure that the medication is having its intended effects.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter, meaning it travels through the bloodstream and impacts brain cells. Its main role is in uterine contractions during labor and breast milk letdown during breastfeeding, but it also binds with neurons in certain parts of the brain to influence positive emotions like trust and happiness.
Known as the cuddle hormone or love hormone, it is released when you snuggle up or bond with other people. Even playing with your dog can trigger a release of oxytocin, according to Texas Medical Center. It appears to increase your empathy for others and has been linked to social behaviors such as maternal behavior, romantic attachment and trust.
The hormone has been used in obstetrics for the induction or continuation of labor and to control bleeding after delivery. Synthetic oxytocin has also been used in an attempt to promote bonding between mothers and infants.
It has been found to have anti-anxiety effects and is sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders in women. Low oxytocin levels have been associated with autism and autistic spectrum disorders, and intravenous oxytocin has been shown to improve social interaction in these patients. Researchers are exploring the possibility of using the hormone to treat psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It may also help treat addictions and narcotic abuse.
Prolactin
Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone that stimulates milk production in mammals and plays a role in breast development during pregnancy. In addition, it is involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, and the production of sperm in males. High levels of prolactin are typical during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, an increase in prolactin outside of these periods can signal a health issue. This can be due to a medication or a benign noncancerous pituitary gland tumour known as a prolactinoma.
While oestrogen has a small effect on prolactin, the primary stimulator of this hormone is suckling. Suckling triggers sensory nerves that carry a signal to the arcuate nucleus and inhibits the release of dopamine, allowing the synthesis of prolactin to occur. The oxytocin hormone is also released which allows the milk to be let down, as well as vasoactive intestinal peptide which further increases the release of prolactin and promotes the onset of lactation.
A blood test can measure prolactin levels in the body. This is usually carried out at home with a finger prick sample which is then sent away for analysis. The procedure does not cause much pain and many people describe a slight stinging sensation as it is being done. A prolactin blood test can provide a good indication of the state of a person’s pituitary gland and whether they have high or low levels of prolactin.
Leave a Comment