Urea in the blood is a product of the breakdown of proteins. Urea is produced by the liver in the process of protein synthesis and is excreted through the kidneys with urine. To determine the level of human urea, a biochemical blood test is performed. The norm of urea in the blood is related to age and sex: in women it is slightly lower. More specific information about the norm of urea in the blood of women, you can learn from the article.
The level of urea in the blood - the norm for women
Urea levels in women under 60 years range from 2.2 to 6.7 mmol / l, while in men, the norm is between 3.7 and 7.4 mmol / l.
At the age of 60, the norm for men and women is approximately the same and is within the range of 2.9-7.5 mmol / l.
The following factors influence the content of urea:
- liver function;
- functional state of the kidneys;
- the level of amino acids involved in protein metabolism.
The content of urea in the blood in women below the norm
If as a result of biochemical analysis a woman has a low concentration of urea in her blood in comparison with the norm, the reasons for this change can be:
- diet, coupled with the exclusion from the diet of animal products (meat, eggs, milk) and fish or prolonged starvation;
- liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatodystrophy, hepatic coma);
- acromegaly - hormonal pathology, manifested in the form of a disproportionate increase in body parts;
- disorders in the thyroid gland;
- poisoning with compounds containing arsenic and phosphorus;
- malabsorption - reduced absorption of amino acids in the intestine.
Often there is a decrease in the norm of urea in the blood of pregnant women. This change is due to the fact that the maternal protein is used to build the body of the unborn child.
High concentration of urea in the blood
Excess urea levels always indicate a serious illness. Most often, a high level of substance is observed in diseases such as:
- kidney failure and other ailments of the kidneys (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, kidney tuberculosis, etc.);
- violation of the outflow of urine as a result of urolithiasis, a tumor in the bladder, etc .;
- myocardial infarction and heart failure;
- intestinal obstruction;
- gastrointestinal bleeding;
- hyperthyroidism;
- leukemia;
- diabetes mellitus (due to disruption of urea excretion);
- leukemia ;
- burn wounds;
- shock state;
- poisoning with mercury-containing substances, oxalic acid and phenol;
- severe dehydration of the body as a result of diarrhea or vomiting.
Also, a high urea concentration in the blood can be the result of a very strong physical overstrain (including intensive training) or the predominance of protein foods in the diet. Sometimes the level of urea is increased because of the individual reaction of the body to taking medications, including:
- anabolics;
- corticosteroids;
- antibiotics;
- sulfonamides.
A significant increase in urea in medicine is called uremia (hyperaemia). This condition is caused by the fact that accumulation in the cells of the fluid leads to their increase and deterioration of functions. At the same time, there is ammonium intoxication, which manifests itself in a disorder of the nervous system. There may be other complications.
It is possible to normalize urea levels by conducting course therapy for the underlying disease. Of no small importance in the treatment and prevention is a properly formulated diet.