What is Estrogen? Estrogen is a sex hormone that plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system. It is present in the body in small amounts and is essential to keep you fit and healthy.
Since it plays a major role in maintaining your health, low estrogen levels can wreak havoc on your health. Having low estrogen levels is common in women and happens due to several reasons, including:
- Aging
- Excessive workout
- Chemotherapy
- Congenital conditions, etc.
Sometimes, low estrogen levels slow down sexual development and you may struggle to get pregnant.
Why Does Estrogen Level Matter?
While estrogen spurs your sexual development, it also plays a crucial role in other body systems. However, men also produce estrogen, but women produce it more than men.
Estrogen in women’s bodies is responsible for:
- Regulating the menstrual cycle
- Causing breast changes in pregnant women
- Controlling the growth of the uterine lining
- Regulating food intake, insulin sensitivity, and body weight.
If low estrogen levels are bad, high ones are bad too. High estrogen levels can cause breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
What are the Symptoms of low Estrogen Levels?
So now you have a glimpse of the importance of estrogen, let’s discuss some of the symptoms of low estrogen levels:
- Painful sex
- Frequent shifts in mood
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Unable to concentrate
- Irregular periods
- Headaches, etc.
Low estrogen levels also cause a decrease in bone density. Women of all ages can experience low estrogen levels. However, if it is left untreated, it can cause infertility in women.
How Is Low Estrogen Diagnosed?
As you know, prevention is better than a cure. Thus, it is wise to treat estrogen levels to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent severe health conditions.
If you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is wise to consult a professional doctor immediately. Your doctor may perform a physical exam to get a deep insight into the root cause of the issue. Blood tests can also be done to check your hormone levels.
However, your doctor may also suggest you go for a hormone test where your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels will be tested.
How Is Low Estrogen Treated?
Having low estrogen levels is common. If you are suffering from low estrogen symptoms, don’t hit the panic button. There are some hormonal and non-hormonal ways to treat the symptoms. However, if you are at high risk of liver disease, blood clots, or choking, then undergoing a non-hormonal treatment can be a better option.
1. Estrogen Therapy
Estrogen therapy is prescribed to women who are aged between 25 and 50. This therapy works wonders and reduces the risk of bone loss, cardiovascular disease, and other hormonal imbalances.
Estrogen therapy can also relieve the symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of fractures. However, keep in mind that estrogen therapy is recommended for not more than 2 years because it can increase the risk of cancer.
2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is best known to increase the body’s natural hormone levels. If you are approaching menopause, you are more likely to experience low estrogen levels. This is where HRT therapy kicks in. There are several ways to administer hormone levels, some of them include:
- Vaginally
- Orally
- Topically
- Via injection
In HRT, the practitioner will prescribe the lowest dose possible to prevent the side effects. Side effects may include bloating, headaches, and vaginal bleeding. However, it is wise to know that this therapy is not for everyone. HRT is not suitable for women who have a history of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. For those considering hormone therapy greenville, or elsewhere, make sure to consult with a reputable professional. They can provide more information and personalized care plans to ensure patients can receive the most appropriate and safe treatment options.
Natural Ways to Balance your Estrogen Levels
While undergoing therapy and other methods is great, some natural ways can help you balance your estrogen levels. Some of them are:
Maintain a Healthy Weight
To balance your estrogen levels, it is wise to maintain a healthy weight. After all, being underweight can reduce estrogen levels.
Reduce Your Exercise
Regular exercising is great. It can help you stay fit and healthy. But it is wise to know that excessive exercising can cause your estrogen levels to drop. Thereby, you should consider cutting down your workout time.
Eat Foods That Are Rich in Phytoestrogens
Foods that are rich in phytoestrogens can help you improve your heart health, bone health, and skin elasticity.
Some of the food include:
- Soybeans
- Peanuts
- Apples
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Sunflower seed
- Chickpeas, etc.
Final Words
Estrogen is a hormone that helps to improve your overall health. However, certain factors can cause these hormone levels to drop. Undergoing therapy and making a few changes in your lifestyle can do the trick.
