Hello eveyone! Today, I want to talk about the impact of low estrogen on our bodies. It's important to understand how this hormone affects us and what we can do to maintain optimal levels.
Throughout a woman's life, estrogen is a hormone that remains highly active. Both men and women have some, but women have a greater amount. Although estrogen is mainly associated with women's reproductive development and health, its functions extend beyond that.
Estrogen is a group of sex hormones that play different roles in the health and development of women. Estrogen is responsible for the development of feminine features in women, such as wider hips and pelvis, as well as breast growth. These characteristics are not typically found in men.
Estrogen plays multiple roles in the female body, including regulating the menstrual cycle, facilitating fertility, promoting bone development, and contributing to hair growth. In addition, it supports regulating your moods and has an impact on the development and structure of your brain.
Possible Causes of Low Estrogen Levels
Estrogen levels can fluctuate at certain times, such as during menstruation or pregnancy. As you age close to menopause, the levels of estrogen in your body decrease.
For some people, it occurs at an earlier stage. Several conditions can lead to a decrease in estrogen production by impairing the ovaries. These include chemotherapy or radiation therapy, a full hysterectomy that includes the ovaries, premature ovarian insufficiency, extreme levels of workout, thyroid problems, prolactin level abnormalities, and a low body mass index.
The relationship between estrogen and gut health
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that collectively form your gut microbiome. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome that includes a diverse range of beneficial bacteria is crucial for maintaining good health. Studies have shown that a healthy gut microbiome can reduce the risk of various health conditions such as heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, obesity, and type 2 diabetes and regulates hormones detoxification. Research indicates that the alterations that occur during menopause, such as reduced estrogen levels, could be associated with modifications in the composition of your microbiome.
Symptoms of Low Estrogen
The decline of estrogen has a wide-ranging impact on various areas of development in a woman's body due to its significant contribution. Low estrogen levels can have various effects on your body, such as:
Menstrual Irregularities
A lack of estrogen, which regulates the menstrual cycle, might cause periods to occur at unexpected times. During perimenopause, your menstrual cycle may become irregular, causing your periods to occur closer together, farther apart, or even stop altogether before resuming again later. Eventually, at menopause, your periods will stop completely.
Also, you may experience changes in your menstrual cycle such as heavier or lighter flow, irregular periods, and spotting between periods, even if you did not experience these symptoms before.
Fertility Problems
It can be affected by changes in estrogen levels, which can impact ovulation and potentially disrupt the regularity of menstrual cycles. If you're experiencing low estrogen levels and trying to conceive, it could cause fertility problems.
Weight gain
It can occur due to various factors such as overeating, lack of physical activity, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and medical conditions. It is important to maintain a healthy weight to avoid health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage weight and improve overall health.
Estrogen and progestin are two hormones that regulate body fat and its storage. A decrease in estrogen levels can lead to an increase in fat storage in the body.
Painful Sex
Sex can be painful when there is insufficient vaginal lubrication. Estrogen plays a crucial role in providing this lubrication. A decrease in estrogen levels can cause thinning and dryness of the vaginal walls, resulting in painful sexual intercourse.
Brittle bones
It can refer to a medical condition known as osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak and fragile.
A decrease in estrogen levels can lead to a reduction in bone density and an increase in brittleness.
Hot flashes
The regulation of body temperature is controlled by a specific part of the brain that is influenced by estrogen. Insufficient levels of estrogen can cause your body temperature to rise to an uncomfortable extent, leading to occurrences of hot flashes and night sweats.
Depression
Serotonin is commonly known as the "feel-good" hormone. Estrogen plays a role in increasing the levels of the hormone associated with happiness. A decrease in estrogen levels can cause a reduction in serotonin levels, resulting in episodes of depression.
Fatigue and Sleep Problems
Insomnia, which refers to difficulty falling or staying asleep, can result in daytime fatigue and other issues such as difficulty concentrating. The decrease in serotonin levels along with experiencing night sweats and hot flashes can disrupt one's sleep.
TREATMENT FOR LOW ESTROGEN
The treatment for low estrogen levels depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment option that involves taking estrogen hormones to increase levels. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, may also help improve estrogen levels.
Replenishing your estrogen supply is one effective method to prevent symptoms associated with low estrogen levels. There are two ways to increase the levels of estrogen in your body: through your diet or hormone replacement therapies.
Dietary Modifications
Consuming foods that are rich in phytoestrogens can potentially alleviate the symptoms associated with low estrogen levels. Some examples of foods that fall under this category are soybeans and other legumes, flax seeds, garlic, and apples. Certain herbal remedies may also be beneficial.
In order for your body to effectively process estrogen, it requires an adequate amount of vitamin B12, Vit B6, folate, magnesium, and Vit D . After special questionnaires and laboratory investigations prior to taking any supplements, I ensure that you are taking the appropriate dosage based on your individual circumstances.
Fluctuations in estrogen levels during menopause could potentially have a connection to the health of your gut. Studies have revealed that menopause causes changes in the way a woman's body responds to food.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, is a treatment that is utilized to raise the levels of hormones that occur naturally in your body. If you are approaching menopause, I may suggest hormone replacement therapy (HRT). During menopause, there is a significant decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can assist in restoring these levels to their normal state.
Hormones can be administered in various ways during this therapy, including topically, orally, or vaginally.
After all investigations, your personalized hormone replacement therapy can be adjusted with individualized dosage, length, and combination of hormones. Depending on the diagnosis, progesterone may be necessary for women who still have their uterus, but it is not necessary for those who have had a hysterectomy.
It is not easy to digest easily, yes I know. But the thing is we are trying to spark an awareness among us. When you go to a doctor to explain your complaint, you can understand what you should grab from them. Also, this part can give you an understanding of your own body's reactions. That's why I am trying to create this awareness to live in a better future.
With your all women's health problems;
Do not forget I am here to support you!
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