Explaining Estrogen

You have likely heard of estrogen and probably know that it is a hormone that females have. But what are hormones? They are vital chemical substances in our bodies that carry information and instructions from one group of cells to another. Hormones influence almost every cell, organ and function. They regulate our growth, development, metabolism, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, our “flight or fight” response and even our moods. A pretty important component that is vital to the human body.

What is estrogen?

Estrogen is one of the two sex hormones found in the body that is responsible for female physical features and reproduction. The other female hormone is progesterone. It is made in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat tissues. Men also produce estrogen in small quantities. For the sake of this article, we will focus on estrogen as it relates to women. Estrogen is necessary for the onset of puberty, control of the menstrual cycle and for childbearing. It also keeps cholesterol in control, protects bone health and affects your brain, heart, skin and other tissues.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen/high estrogen?

Estrogen levels fluctuate with your menstrual cycle. It is highest in the middle of your menstrual cycle and lowest during your period. Estrogen levels drop at menopause. The most common reason for low estrogen is menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries. Symptoms include menstrual periods that are less frequent or stop altogether, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, dryness or thinning of the vagina, low libido, mood swings, and dry skin.

Excess levels of estrogen can lead to problems such as weight gain, menstrual fluctuations, worsening of premenstrual syndrome, fibrocystic breasts, fatigue, depressed mood, anxious feelings, and fibroids in the uterus.

How do we detect estrogen?

Estrogen levels can be checked by lab testing. Accurate diagnosis of hormonal disorders is imperative to determine appropriate treatment with testing on days dependent on your menstrual cycle.

How do we treat?

Estrogen therapy is used to treat certain conditions, such as delayed onset of puberty, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, osteoporosis including fractures, reproductive health and endocrine disorders. Estrogen therapy is controversial and as always, please talk with your medical provider regarding the risks versus benefits of using hormonal therapy. Estrogen therapy warns consumers of potential risks of the type of therapy, the dose, the duration of therapy and individual health risks. The increased risks are heart disease, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer thus why it so imperative to weigh the risks versus benefits with your provider.

The benefits of hormone therapy are treatment of hot flashes, other symptoms of menopause that may be influencing overall quality of life, prevention of osteoporosis and fractures. It is also very important to make healthy lifestyle choices including daily physical activity, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress and chronic health conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.