Getting to Know Your Hormones: Estrogen

Estrogen is a sex hormone necessary for both sexual and reproductive health. Many important bodily systems — including menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and the development of secondary sex characteristics — are all thanks (in part) to estrogen. 

Today’s blog post serves as a complete overview of this important hormone. Keep scrolling to discover what estrogen is, what it does, and whether you have too much (or too little) of it. 

What Is Estrogen?

So, what is estrogen? Well, estrogen is one of two sex hormones commonly associated with women. Estrogen — alongside progesterone — plays a crucial role in reproductive health. However, it also impacts several other bodily systems, which is why both men and women produce it. 

What Does Estrogen Do in the Body?

Like all hormones, estrogen is a chemical messenger that signals your body to start or stop processes related to sexual and reproductive health.

Puberty 

Estrogen levels rise during puberty, leading to the development of secondary sex characteristics like the growth of breast tissue and the widening of the hips. 

Menstrual Cycle

Estrogen works alongside FSH and LH (hormones produced in your brain) to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. It’s essential for triggering ovulation and thickens the uterine lining to prepare for pregnancy. 

Pregnancy and Fertility

Estrogen peaks in the days before ovulation, making it your most fertile period. Not only does it make intercourse more comfortable, but it thins your cervical mucus – making it easier to get pregnant. 

Menopause

A woman’s estrogen levels drop during perimenopause and menopause. This often leads to symptoms like vaginal dryness, mood changes, night sweats, and hot flashes. 

Understanding Estrogen Levels

It’s normal for estrogen levels to fluctuate throughout a woman’s life. (As we mentioned, estrogen levels rise during puberty and fall during menopause.) If your estrogen levels are consistently high or low, an underlying condition might be at play. 

Symptoms of Low Estrogen

A woman’s estrogen levels drop as she approaches menopause. However, low estrogen could also indicate a fertility problem, nutritional deficiency, or another medical condition. 

Symptoms of low estrogen include: 

  • Breast tenderness

  • Weak or brittle bones

  • Hot flashes and night sweats

  • Irregular periods (or no period)

  • Headaches or trouble concentrating

  • Fatigue, drowsiness, or sleep problems

  • Mood changes, irritability, or depression

  • Vaginal dryness and/or painful intercourse

Symptoms of High Estrogen

Excess estrogen is often associated with conditions like polyps, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian tumors, etc. Certain medications can also raise your body’s estrogen levels. 

Symptoms of high estrogen include: 

  • Decreased sex drive

  • Irregular or heavy periods 

  • Weight gain – especially in the waist and hips

  • Worsening symptoms associated with PMS or PMDD

Women’s Health in Denver

Denver Holistic Medicine uses highly effective, natural methods to treat a variety of women’s health conditions – including both high and low estrogen. 

As a functional medicine practice,, we evaluate each patient based on their unique circumstances. Then, we help you restore imbalances and address any issues at the root of your discomfort.  

If you think you’re experiencing low or high estrogen, schedule an initial consultation with our team. We’d be happy to evaluate your health history, nutritional status, lifestyle and exercise habits, family medical history, and overall constitution. Then, we’ll offer you a unique and personalized plan to optimize your health. Contact our team to get started.