Estrogens are necessary for many processes occurring in a woman's body. During puberty, estrogen is needed for the proper development of all female characteristics, including the growth of the uterus and fallopian tubes. In addition, estrogens affect female fertility, libido, as well as the menstrual cycle and general blood clotting. These hormones are also important for skin conditions and mental health. Therefore, a lack of estrogen is often associated with the development of a variety of unpleasant symptoms in women.

What are the signs of estrogen deficiency and how to correct low levels of this hormone, says family medicine doctor Kristina Shevchenko.

Estrogen - what is it, what properties does this female sex hormone have?

When we talk about estrogen, we are referring to steroid hormones – estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3), each of which has slightly different effects and different laboratory standards. The synthesis of estrogen hormones occurs in the ovaries and in small amounts in adipose tissue, placenta, bones and brain. The main role of estrogen in women is to support the development of sexual characteristics (development of genital organs and mammary glands), regulation of the menstrual cycle, preparation of the uterine mucosa for embryo implantation, preservation of pregnancy, regulation of lipid, protein, and calcium metabolism.

Estrogens also have a protective effect on the walls of blood vessels, increase blood clotting and have a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state. It is noteworthy that men also have a small amount of estrogen, in which case they are responsible for regulating sexual desire and sperm maturation.

The reasons for the decrease in estrogen levels in the body

Estrogen deficiency is a physiological phenomenon in postmenopausal women. This is due to the cessation of the secretory activity of the ovaries, which are most responsible for the synthesis of estrogen. Estrogen deficiency at a young age is usually caused by numerous pathologies, which are divided into two groups - primary and secondary ovarian failure.

Estrogen deficiency in primary ovarian failure can lead to conditions such as:

  • premature ovarian failure;
  • underdevelopment, abnormal structure of the ovaries;
  • polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
  • ovarian dysgenesis;
  • Turner syndrome

In turn, secondary ovarian failure and associated estrogen deficiency can be caused by factors such as:

the use of drugs that suppress ovulation;

  • pituitary insufficiency, which is the site of secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone;
  • excessive physical exertion (more often it concerns athletes who are professionally involved in sports);
  • anorexia, chronic fasting;
  • alcohol abuse.

The doctor often prescribes an estrogen test with the simultaneous determination of other sex hormones - progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (BPD).

Symptoms of estrogen deficiency

Estrogen deficiency causes a wide range of symptoms, the main of which is dysregulation of the menstrual cycle. Other common symptoms include:

  • sleep problems;
  • mood swings and sometimes depression;
  • Irritability;
  • decreased libido;
  • vaginal dryness;
  • decreased skin elasticity;
  • significantly reduced collagen production;
  • problems with memory and concentration

Estrogen deficiency is also associated with the risk of developing certain diseases, such as urinary tract infections and osteoporosis. In addition, low concentrations of the hormone in the body can cause problems with urinary incontinence.

Estrogen deficiency - when to remember the tests

All women are at risk for estrogen deficiency. However, there are some special situations where this risk increases. Therefore, in each of the following cases, you should not forget to regularly check the concentration of this hormone:

  • In the case of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
  • In the presence of cysts on the ovaries, etc. benign neoplasms.
  • In case of diagnosed anorexia.
  • In case of detected Turner syndrome.
  • In case of existing pituitary insufficiency.

Testing for estrogen levels should also be carried out in case of infertility, a significant decrease in libido and menstrual irregularities.

Estrogen deficiency is a cure. How to increase hormone concentration

During the treatment of deficiency of this hormone, natural and synthetic estrogens are used as their supplement. Such drugs can be used both orally and vaginally, available in the form of tablets, suppositories, creams.

Also, the doctor may additionally recommend drugs to relieve the symptoms of estrogen deficiency, such as vaginal moisturizing gels with hyaluronic acid. In addition, you should take care of proper nutrition - the menu should be rich in phytoestrogens. They are organic compounds of plant origin, characterized by a structure and action similar to estrogen. Therefore, the diet should be diversified with products such as legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, evening primrose oil, soybeans.

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