Estrogen

Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones that is critical for both biological males and females. It plays an essential role in regulating the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
Some key points about estrogen:

• What is estrogen? Estrogen refers to a group of hormones that act as the primary female sex hormones. The three major naturally occurring estrogens in women are estradiol, estriol, and estrone.


• Functions: Estrogen has several important functions in females, including:
  
  
  
  
  • Regulating the menstrual cycle
  
  
  • Supporting pregnancy
  
  
  • Influencing libido
  
  
  • Maintaining bone strength
  
  
  • Regulating cholesterol
  
  


• Both males and females produce estrogen, but females produce higher levels, especially in the ovaries:
  
  

  
  "Women produce estrogen mainly in their ovaries. Smaller amounts are also produced in the liver and adrenal glands." (/blog/estrogen-levels)
  



• Imbalances in estrogen levels can cause issues like infertility, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Hormone specialists like Harmony Hormone Clinic() can help diagnose and treat hormone imbalances through customized bioidentical hormone therapy plans.

Now let's go deeper into some key aspects of estrogen:

What Does Estrogen Do?

Estrogen performs a wide variety of functions, including:

• Works together with progesterone to regulate the female menstrual cycle


• Triggers ovulation


• Prepares the body for conception and pregnancy


• Influences distribution of fat tissue


• Aids bone strength and health

As women approach menopause, estrogen levels start to decline, which can cause unpleasant symptoms. Hormone therapy can provide relief by restoring estrogen.

Estrogen Effects On Different Parts of The Body

Reproductive System

Estrogen stimulates tissue growth in the breasts, uterus, and vagina. It regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the body for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining.

Brain

Estrogen influences production of neurotransmitters responsible for mood, sleep, memory, and more. This is why hormone changes can drastically impact mental health.

Heart

Estrogen helps dilate blood vessels and influence good cholesterol (HDL). It offers protective benefits for heart health when hormones are balanced.

Bones

Estrogen improves bone density and calcium absorption, providing strength and structure. Declining estrogen during menopause increases osteoporosis risk.

Signs of High or Low Estrogen

An imbalance of estrogen can produce changes across the body. Symptoms of low estrogen include:

• Hot flashes, night sweats


• Vaginal dryness


• Decreased sex drive


• Mood changes, depression


• Difficulty sleeping

High estrogen tends to show different symptoms like:

• Severe PMS symptoms


• Lumpy breasts, breast tenderness


• Weight gain, fluid retention


• Migraines, headaches


• Fatigue

If you are experiencing unpleasant menopause symptoms or think you may have a hormonal imbalance, make an appointment with the hormone experts at Harmony Hormone Clinic(). Their personalized care plans help patients achieve balanced, optimal hormone levels. Schedule a consultation today!