7 Symptoms Of Low Estrogen In Women With Ways To Increase, Its Role & Implications!

Is your body signalling you through unexpected symptoms? Are you experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness? These could be signs of low estrogen. Estrogen, a vital hormone, plays a multifaceted role in women's health, influencing everything from reproductive function to bone health and mood regulation. A decline in estrogen, often associated with menopause but not exclusive to it, can trigger a cascade of symptoms that impact daily life. Understanding the implications of low estrogen in women, its role in your body, and the long-term issues of its decline is essential.

Let's discuss and understand the symptoms of low estrogen in women, explore ways to considerably increase estrogen levels naturally, and uncover the broader health impact of this often-overlooked hormone. So, keep reading!

Table Of Contents

1. 7 Low Estrogen Symptoms In Women

2. How To Increase Estrogen Levels? Here Are 5 Ways

3. The Role Of Estrogen In The Female Body

4. Long-Term Health Implications Of Low Estrogen

5. Dietitian’s Recommendation

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

8. References

7 Low Estrogen Symptoms In Women

Let’s discuss and understand these essential signs and symptoms of low estrogen in women for early treatment:

1. Having Irregular Menstrual Periods

Estrogen is an essential hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle by stimulating the uterine lining (endometrium) growth to prepare for a potential pregnancy. When estrogen levels decline, the endometrium may not develop fully, leading to irregular bleeding, lighter flow, or absent periods (amenorrhea). This symptom commonly occurs during perimenopause (the transition to menopause) and in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

2. Experiencing Hot Flashes

Estrogen helps in maintaining the body's temperature. Its decline can disrupt the hypothalamus, the brain's thermostat, causing sudden feelings of heat, sweating, and flushing, often accompanied by chills and rapid heartbeat. These hot flashes can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, occurring primarily during menopause but also during perimenopause or in other conditions affecting estrogen levels.

Also Read: Perimenopause Test At Home, Symptoms & Treatment

3. Possible Vaginal Dryness

Estrogen is responsible for maintaining the moisture and elasticity of the vaginal tissues. As estrogen levels decrease, the vaginal lining becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to irritation. This condition, known as atrophic vaginitis, can cause discomfort, itching, burning, and painful intercourse. Vaginal dryness is a common menopause sign but can also be seen in younger women with hormonal imbalances or after certain medical treatments.

4. Facing Consistent Mood Swings

Estrogen influences the production of neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and emotions. A decline in estrogen levels causes fluctuations in these neurotransmitters, resulting in irritability, mood disorder, anxiety, and depression. These emotional changes can be particularly challenging during perimenopause plus menopause, but they can also occur in women with other hormonal imbalances.

5. Excessive Bone Density Loss

Estrogen helps protect bone health by inhibiting bone resorption (the breakdown of bone tissue) and promoting calcium absorption. When estrogen levels drop, the rate of bone loss accelerates, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weak and brittle bones. This causes fractures, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrists, and is a major health concern for postmenopausal women.

6. Persistent Sleep Disturbances

Estrogen influences the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Lower estrogen levels can disrupt sleep patterns, causing circadian rhythm sleep disorder, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and early morning waking. Additionally, night sweats, which are common during menopause, can further disrupt sleep and contribute to fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

7. Possible Decrease In Libido

Estrogen helps in sexual desire and arousal by affecting blood flow to the genitals and maintaining vaginal lubrication. A decline in estrogen levels causes decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and reduced sexual satisfaction. These changes can impact a woman's well-being and relationship with her partner.

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How To Increase Estrogen Levels? Here Are 5 Ways

Naturally, boosting estrogen levels is possible through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medical treatments. Consider these ways and treatments to increase estrogen levels in women:

1. Have A Customised Diet

Consuming foods rich in phytoestrogens, plant-based substances similar to estrogen, can help increase estrogen levels. Plant-based foods like soybeans, flaxseeds, chickpeas, and lentils are excellent sources. These phytoestrogens interact with the body's estrogen receptors to help regulate hormone balance.

2. Prioritise Weight Management

Body fat plays a role in estrogen production. Maintaining a healthy weight through expert nutrition advice and exercise can support normal estrogen levels. Extreme weight loss or being underweight can lead to lower estrogen production.

Also Read: How Do Hormones Impact Weight And Fat Storage?

3. Incorporate Stress Reduction

Chronic stress can interfere with estrogen production by increasing cortisol levels. Stress management techniques like guided yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and promote hormonal balance.

4. Limit Environmental Toxins

Exposure to certain toxic chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates found in plastics and some personal care products, can disrupt estrogen production. Reducing exposure to these chemicals by choosing natural products and avoiding plastic containers can help maintain hormonal health.

5. Try Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

For significant estrogen deficiency, particularly during menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be considered. This involves taking synthetic estrogen to restore hormone levels. However, discussing the potential risks plus benefits of HRT with your specialist before starting treatment is crucial.

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The Role Of Estrogen In The Female Body

Let’s discuss these major roles of estrogen in the female body to know its significance for bodily functions:

1. Estrogen And Reproductive Health

Estrogen is primarily recognised for its crucial role in controlling the menstrual cycle and the overall functioning of the reproductive system. It plays a key part in developing typical female physical traits, including breast growth and the characteristic distribution of body fat. Also, estrogen prepares the uterine lining to support a potential pregnancy and contributes to the healthy development of the fetus during gestation.

2. Estrogen And Bone Health

Estrogen is essential for maintaining strong and dense bones. It facilitates the absorption of calcium, a vital mineral for bone health, and actively prevents bone resorption, the process where old bone tissue is broken down and replaced.

Insufficient estrogen levels can lead to a decline in bone density, significantly increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weak plus brittle bones and, consequently, fractures.

3. Estrogen And Cardiovascular Health

It has a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels, significantly known as the cardiovascular system. It helps maintain healthy cholesterol by increasing the beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol while reducing harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Furthermore, estrogen promotes blood vessel relaxation, aiding in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Lower levels of estrogen can elevate the risk of developing cardiovascular complications, such as sudden heart attacks and strokes.

Also Read: PCOS Hormone Imbalance Changes With Symptoms

Long-Term Health Implications Of Low Estrogen

Note these long-term health implications of low estrogen in women for taking considerable precautions:

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Dietitian’s Recommendation

For women experiencing low estrogen, I recommend having a balanced meal plan rich in specific nutrients that can support hormonal health. Incorporate phytoestrogens from foods like soybeans, flaxseeds, and chickpeas, which mimic estrogen in the body and help balance hormone levels. Include healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil to support hormone production.

Other than that, include soya beans in your diet regularly in the form of flour, beans, and chunks to make sabji, dal, salad, or roti that helps produce estrogen in the body.

                                                                                      Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Low estrogen in women can significantly impact a female’s health, causing many health issues, from menstrual problems and mood changes to more serious conditions such as weakened bones and heart problems. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options is crucial for overall well-being. By working closely with doctors and adopting healthy lifestyle practices, women can effectively manage low estrogen levels and prevent potential long-term health complications.

FAQs

1. What happens when estrogen levels are low?

Low estrogen can cause various physical and emotional symptoms, including menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, vaginal discomfort, mood changes, and reduced sex drive. It also increases the risk of bone problems.

2. How can I raise my estrogen levels quickly?

While there's no guaranteed quick fix, you can try incorporating phytoestrogen-rich foods and managing stress to support hormone balance. However, for rapid relief of severe symptoms, consider hormone replacement therapy under medical supervision.

3. How can I keep my estrogen levels normal?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced meal plan, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding certain chemicals, can help regulate estrogen levels. Regular check-ups with your specialist are essential for monitoring hormone balance.

4. Can a woman with low estrogen get pregnant?

Low estrogen can hinder fertility due to irregular periods and ovulation problems. However, with proper medical intervention, some women can still achieve pregnancy. Make sure to consult a fertility specialist.

5. What is the deficiency of estrogen in females called?

The deficiency of estrogen is called hypoestrogenism. It can lead to various symptoms and is often associated with menopause or underlying medical conditions. Medical evaluation is necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment.

6. What medical treatments should be done to increase estrogen in females?

Medical treatments for low estrogen primarily involve hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to supplement the body's estrogen levels. Other options include estrogen patches, vaginal estrogen products, and oral contraceptives. However, the best treatment depends on individual circumstances and should be determined by a healthcare professional.

References

• https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/3-ways-increase-estrogen-naturally

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22354-low-estrogen

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321064

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/estrogens-effects-on-the-female-body

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22353-estrogen

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