Estrogen is one of the key *sex hormones* in women and plays an extremely important role in the female reproductive system. Estrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries and helps regulate the menstrual cycle, control fertility, influence bone density, among many other functions related to a woman's overall health.
Some key points about estrogen:
- Estrogen is the *primary female sex hormone* along with progesterone. The levels of estrogen fluctuate throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. High levels of estrogen cause the lining of the uterus to thicken during the first half of the cycle to prepare for potential fertilization.
- There are three main types of estrogen - *estrone, estradiol, and estriol*. Estradiol is the strongest and most dominant type of estrogen in women who are still menstruating. The amount of each estrogen type fluctuates at different life stages.
- Estrogen is responsible for the development of *female secondary sex characteristics* during puberty - breast growth, widening of hips, development of pubic hair, etc. It plays a key role in maintaining reproductive health.
- Estrogen helps *regulate cholesterol* levels. It raises your good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers the bad cholesterol (LDL). Estrogen is also good for your blood vessels by helping keep them flexible and healthy.
- It plays a major role in *calcium absorption and bone formation*. Estrogen helps prevent bone loss and osteoporosis in older age. This is why women are more prone to osteoporosis after menopause when estrogen levels drop.
- Estrogen affects areas outside the reproductive system too - your brain, bladder, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles. It promotes collagen production to help keep your skin supple.
- Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) rely on estrogen to regulate menstrual cycles and relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. However, introducing synthetic estrogen through medication can cause side effects like bloating, breast tenderness, nausea in some women.
- Estrogen levels that are persistently high or low can lead to health issues like infertility, menstrual problems, accelerated bone loss, etc. This is why it's important to get your hormone levels tested if you suspect an imbalance. Consider seeing a specialist at Balance Hormone Clinic if you need support optimizing your estrogen levels through bioidentical hormone therapy. Their team of doctors can help women of all ages regulate estrogen in a safe way for better health.
In summary, estrogen is essential for physical and mental well-being in women. It coordinates growth, reproduction and even impacts mood and cognition. Getting your estrogen levels tested annually and addressing any imbalances is key to staying healthy as you age! Let me know if you have any other questions.