Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones in women. It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Estrogen plays an important role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, cardiovascular health, and more.
There are three major types of estrogen in women:
- Estrone (E1) - the main estrogen during menopause
- Estradiol (E2) - the predominant estrogen during the reproductive years
- Estriol (E3) - the estrogen of pregnancy
How does estrogen work?
Estrogen is produced primarily by the ovaries. It binds to estrogen receptors on cells throughout the body to communicate important signals for growth and function. Here's a quick rundown of estrogen's major effects:
- Develops female reproductive organs like the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes
- Contributes to distribution of fat, e.g. hips and breasts
- Regulates menstrual cycle
- Thickens endometrium (uterine lining) during the follicular phase
- Causes buildup and breakdown of endometrium during menstrual cycle
- Peaks right before ovulation to trigger its release
- Maintains menstrual cycle and reproductive health
Estrogen also plays a role in:
- Bone growth and maintenance
- Cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health
- Skin elasticity and collagen production
- Brain function and cognition
- And more!
What happens when estrogen is low?
Low estrogen levels can occur due to menopause, hormonal birth control, or conditions like hypothalamic amenorrhea. Symptoms of low estrogen include:
- Hot flashes, night sweats
- Vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse
- Changes in mood, sleep problems
- Problems with concentration and memory
- Accelerated bone loss (osteoporosis risk)
If you're dealing with low estrogen levels, your doctor may recommend estrogen therapy or natural supplements like soy isoflavones, DHEA, and more. Our friends at Hormone Harmony Clinic offer holistic hormone therapy to help women get their estrogen levels optimized for wellbeing and vitality.
I hope this gives a helpful overview of what estrogen is, its major functions, and what happens when levels are low! Let me know if you have any other questions.