Hormones are different chemical messengers that coordinate numerous bodily functions. As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 50 hormones have been identified within the human body.
What’s interesting is that they are often produced in exceptionally low amounts to support processes like growth, energy production, etc. When there is too much or too little of any hormone, the individual is said to suffer from an imbalance.
One important hormone produced within both male and female bodies is estrogen. Since it is predominantly a female hormone, our article will discuss its importance from that viewpoint. Keep reading to understand the role of estrogen, the causes of low production, and what to do about it.
Function of Estrogen in the Female Body
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), estrogen is a steroid hormone often associated with the development of the female reproductive system. This means it helps in the development of mammary glands and genitalia, and prepares the body for pregnancy.
Besides the reproductive system, estrogen plays a crucial role in the development of the bones and cardiovascular system. During puberty, this hormone facilitates the growth of long bones. It is because of estrogen that women stay protected against osteoporosis or a condition that makes bones weak and brittle.
As for the cardiovascular system, estrogen protects the heart by improving cholesterol levels, reducing free radicals, and increasing blood flow. As per Johns Hopkins Medicine, this hormone is also responsible for the development of secondary female sexual characteristics. That would include the growth of pubic and armpit hair.
If a woman has not reached her menopausal phase, her body should have estrogen levels ranging between 30 and 400 picograms per milliliter. However, there can be many reasons why a woman’s estrogen levels may drop, including menopause.
Signs of Low Estrogen Levels
Low levels of estrogen mean there is a hormone imbalance in the body. It is a sign that the body is producing estrogen in levels consistently lower than what is required. This can make it difficult to maintain normal bodily functions where estrogen plays a vital role.
When a woman’s body is producing low estrogen levels, there will be various symptoms. They will likely depend on the underlying cause behind low production. According to EVEXIAS Health Solutions, low estrogen levels can lead to signs like vaginal dryness (atrophy), hot flashes, mood swings, and a low libido.
Other common symptoms of low estrogen levels include –
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Tender breasts
- Dry skin
- Brittle or weak bones
- Weight gain in the belly
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Painful intercourse
- Headaches that usually occur before or during periods
Causes and Implications
Low estrogen levels within the female body can be due to various reasons. However, the most common of these is age. The body increasingly produces less of this hormone as a woman ages.
If this problem occurs in young women, the cause may be a health condition. Healthline states that estrogen is produced by a woman’s ovaries. Hence, anything that affects them will naturally affect estrogen production.
Women who are 40 years old or older may be experiencing low estrogen levels due to perimenopause or menopause. Young women may experience this due to other reasons, including –
- Eating disorders like anorexia
- A pituitary gland that is not functioning properly
- Excessive exercise
- Premature ovarian failure arising from autoimmune conditions, toxins, or genetic irregularities
- Chronic kidney disease
- Turner syndrome
Are low estrogen levels in women dangerous? It can be even when the same is caused due to natural reasons. Besides impacting fertility and the menstrual cycle, low estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Common Treatment Options
When a woman, young or old, experiences the symptoms of low estrogen levels, it is important to consult with a reputed doctor. A woman will have to make certain lifestyle changes to boost her estrogen levels naturally.
These may include maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, avoiding caffeine, and consuming foods that help with estrogen production. According to UCLA Health, examples of such foods include those containing good levels of phytoestrogens, including –
- Fruits like pears, plums, grapes, and apples
- Grains like oats, barley, and wheat germ
- Plant-based liquids like olive oil, red wine, and tea
- Vegetables like kale, onions, spinach, and broccoli
- Nuts and seeds such as peanuts, flaxseeds, almonds, and sesame seeds
Besides these, many women require other interventions in the form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It is a treatment option in which hormones that are produced in low quantities are replaced.
This therapy may be done in the form of an injection, tablets, gels, or patches. HRT is most commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms like vaginal discomfort and hot flashes.
This type of therapy is usually customized to suit a woman’s needs. So, the dosage and how long a woman can continue the therapy may differ. It is best to consult a doctor before starting HRT. They will assess factors like individual medical history, risks involved, and benefits before prescribing the same.
On a final note, hormonal balance in a woman’s body is extremely important. This is because a woman’s body is hormonally sensitive and hormones support a wide number of bodily functions.
Fluctuations in hormone levels may happen throughout a woman’s life. If things seem to be getting out of hand, it’s best to seek necessary treatments.
