How Does Estrogen Effect the Female Body?

For women, estrogen is a key sex hormone and it plays a key role in their reproductive health. It helps in the development of secondary sex characteristics, and also aids in bodily functions such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
 
In addition to this, estrogen also helps to regulate the systems that impact overall health, such as the skeletal, central nervous, and cardiovascular system. This safeguards functions such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, circulation, blood flow, bone mass, muscle mass, collagen production in the skin, libido, and brain function.

Estrogen levels will naturally start to decline as you age. There are also practices that you can do at home that may help with keeping balanced hormone levels. This includes getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying physically active, eating healthfully, and limiting your alcohol intake.

However, those with consistently low levels of estrogen that are getting unpleasant symptoms as a result should seek treatment.

Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment for those with low estrogen levels, especially as they begin transitioning into menopause. With hormone replacement therapy, your provider prescribes estrogen (or a combination of estrogen and progesterone) to boost your levels back into normal range. This can provide relief from the symptoms of low estrogen, resulting in better moods, higher quality sleep, sustained energy levels, an increase in sex drive/libido, improved memory and cognitive function, muscle growth, and higher levels of collagen production. Hormone levels will continue to be monitored over the course of your treatment and will be modified accordingly.

You can consume dietary estrogen in the form of phytoestrogens, plant-based nutrients that mimic the role of naturally occurring estrogen. The best dietary types of phytoestrogens are:

– Broccoli
– Brussel Sprouts
– Chia seeds
– Edamame
– Flaxseeds
– Garlic
– Kale
– Nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, etc.)
– Peaches
– Red Wine
– Sesame Seeds
– Soy milk
– Tempeh
– Tofu

Low estrogen levels may be a result of aging and are more common in those approaching menopause. It may also be the result of a medical condition, a fertility problem, or a nutritional deficiency. You may have low levels of estrogen if you’re encountering any of the following symptoms:
 
– Fatigue
– Headaches
– Hot flashes
– Irregular periods
– Low sex drive/libido
– Memory and/or cognitive trouble
– Mood changes
– Night sweats.
– No periods.
– Tender breasts
– Trouble sleeping
– Vaginal dryness
– Weak bones
– Weight fluctuations
 
Consistently high levels of estrogen in the body can be a result of medical conditions, an overproduction of estrogen in relation to your progesterone levels, or medications that you’re taking. If you have abnormally high amounts of estrogen, you may encounter symptoms such as:
 
– An increase in PMS symptoms
– Bloating
– Decreased sex drive
– Fatigue
– Fibrocystic lumps in your breasts
– Hair loss
– Headaches
– High levels of anxiety
– Irregular menstrual cycles
– Memory problems
– Mood swings
– Poor circulation in hands and feet
– Tender breasts
– Trouble sleeping
– Weight gain
 
If you’re concerned that your estrogen levels may be out of alignment, or need assistance in formulating a plan to combat low estrogen, contact the specialists at Assure Wellness Group. We are committed to helping you balance your hormones to that you can feel your best moving through life. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Chesapeake VA, Norfolk VA, Portsmouth VA, Alexandria VA, Hybla Valley, Springfield, Jacksonville NC, Half Moon, Piney Green, Surf City NC, Sloop Point, Holly Ridge, and surrounding areas.