Estrogen deficiency occurs when a woman's body does not produce enough of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is essential for many bodily functions and a shortage can lead to several health issues. Some key signs and symptoms of low estrogen include:
- Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often most pronounced on the face, neck and chest. Hot flashes can range from mild to severe and often come with sweating and reddened skin.
- Vaginal dryness - Lack of lubrication in the vagina making intercourse painful. Vaginal tissues also become thinner and more fragile.
- Mood changes - Some women with low estrogen report mood swings, irritability, anxiety or depression. Estrogen plays a role in serotonin production which affects mood.
- Sleep disruptions - Night sweats and hot flashes can make sleep difficult. Some women also report insomnia.
- Bone loss - Estrogen helps maintain bone density. Deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk.
- Heart health risks - Estrogen is thought to have protective cardiovascular effects. Lack of estrogen is linked to higher cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease.
What causes estrogen deficiency?
The most common cause is menopause, when a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce less estrogen and progesterone. Perimenopause, the transition period leading up to menopause, can also result in low estrogen.
Some other factors that can contribute to low estrogen include:
- Premature ovarian failure or early menopause
- Surgical removal of the ovaries
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- Excessive exercise or low body weight
- Certain chronic illnesses
Diagnosing Estrogen Deficiency
If experiencing potential low estrogen symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can perform an exam and order blood tests to check hormone levels. Common lab tests include estradiol, FSH, and LH.
Your doctor may also want to rule out other conditions like thyroid disorders which can cause similar symptoms. Bone density scans help assess fracture risk. Pelvic exams can check for vaginal atrophy.
Treating Low Estrogen
The most common treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to restore estrogen levels. Options include:
- Estrogen pills, patches, gels or vaginal creams
- Progestin may be recommended to prevent uterine cancer
- Localized estrogen for vaginal symptoms
Lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms:
- Staying cool to reduce hot flashes
- Avoiding triggers like stress, alcohol, caffeine
- Vaginal lubricants/moisturizers
- Regular exercise to reduce bone loss
- Healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D
Estrogen deficiency can negatively impact a woman's quality of life. Thankfully there are many effective solutions available today. The medical providers at Balance Hormone Clinic have extensive experience diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances. Our compassionate team offers individualized treatment plans to help women feel their best. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.