Estrogen is the female sex hormone that plays a main role in developing female adult characteristics. However, estrogen is not just found in women! Men and children too have levels of estrogen although in much lower levels.
What is Estrogen hormone?
Estrogen is the main female hormone. It is secreted by the granulosa cells of the ovulatory follicle and prepares the endometrium for a possible pregnancy. During puberty changes in hormone levels also called the sex hormones regulate the changes that occur in the body. Estrogen is the female sex hormone and play a role in developing female adult characteristics.
Estrogen hormone function
The Estrogen hormone
- Responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics that develop during puberty; menarche, breast development, change of body composition, pubic and axillary hair growth.
- Estrogen plays a role in the milk duct development during the first three months of pregnancy as well as halting milk production when weaning.
- Estrogen after ovulation regulates the endometrium lining getting it ready for a possible pregnancy. Through this monthly regulatory cycle, it also has effect on endometriotic spots.
- High estrogen levels secreted by the granulosa cells in ovulatory follicles cause a sudden rise of LH that triggers a cascade of events that lead to egg maturation and ovulation.
- Estrogen hormone preserves the thickness of the vaginal wall and moisturizes the area.
- Plays a role in regulating bone turnover in both men and women.
- Regulates cholesterol levels, body weight, glucose metabolism, and body sensitivity to insulin.
- Affects mood,
- Plays and important role in healthy looking skin and hair
Types of estrogen
Estrogen hormone affects the development and function of the female reproductive system, estrogens are made of steroids containing 18 carbon atoms associated with hydroxyl groups, there are three types of estrogens that vary depending on the number of hydroxyl groups they contain:
Estrone
This form is considered the weakest form of estrogen, which the body converts into other forms of estrogen according to its need. Estrone is found in the female body after menopause.
Estradiol
The most common form in women during fertile years. This form is found in both men and women, increased levels may lead to acne, osteoporosis, depression loss of libido, prolonged elevated levels of Estradiol increase the risks of uterine and breast cancer. Similarly, low levels are accompanied with increased body weight and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. In the field of infertility Estradiol is used to monitor the growth of ovulatory follicles.
Estriol
Estriol is the form of estrogen associated with pregnancy. It helps uterine growth and milk duct development.
levels of estrogen
Estrogen levels vary from person to person. Estrogen levels fluctuate during different life stages. Changes in their level are the reason for some specific women symptoms like premenstrual mood changes and hot flashes at menopause. The range of natural values of estrogen levels vary from laboratory to laboratory according to their titer kits. Therefore, it is important when reading a blood test to include the reference range of normal estrogen levels of the laboratory that conducted your test.
Estrogen imbalance symptoms
Estrogen is one of the most important hormones in the female body, as it is necessary to maintain the structure, function and proper performance of the female reproductive system. Its presence is also necessary in males to stabilize their mood and improve libido. In both it has a role in protecting the body from heart disease, strokes and osteoporosis.
Effects of low estrogen on the body
Low levels of estrogen in the body cause problems, the most important of which are:
- Lack of vaginal secretions, breast pain, pain during intercourse and diminished libido.
- Depression
- Frequent night sweating, hot flashes and difficulty sleeping.
- Fatigue, headaches and heart palpitations.
- Weight gain.
- Osteoporosis.
- Recurrent urinary and vaginal infections.
- Fertility problems and possibly infertility.
Effects of high estrogen on the body
High estrogen secretion rates result in symptoms, the most important of which are:
- Pain and enlargement of the breasts.
- Fibrocystic lumps in breast
- Water retention causing swelling of hands, feet and face
- Loss of libido
- Menorrhagia (heavier and longer periods)
Estrogen function in menstrual cycle
Estrogen hormone levels drop in the years leading to menopause these years are called perimenopause. These lower estrogen levels cause irregular follicle ripening and ovulation. Menstruation starts getting irregular and the blood flow less.
Natural tips for regulating your estrogen levels
To prevent estrogen imbalance Bedaya Hospital advices you to:
- Maintain a healthy diet! Avoid processed food and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber rich foot
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
- Decrease sugar and salt intake
- Decrease fat and carbohydrate intake
- Eat soy seeds or flaxseeds in moderation put a spoon in salads or dips
- Refrain from smoking and substances that contain a high percentage of caffeine.
