Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones in both men and women. It plays an important role in many bodily functions. Some key facts about estrogen:
- Estrogen regulates female sexual development and reproduction. It is responsible for developing the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics like breast growth. It controls the menstrual cycle and maintains pregnancy.
- Both men and women produce estrogen, but women make more. Estrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries in women and the testes in men. Some small amounts are also produced in adipose tissue.
- Estrogen affects multiple systems, not just reproduction. For example, it has impacts on the cardiovascular system, bone health, brain function, and cholesterol levels. Declining estrogen levels during menopause increase women's risk for various health conditions.
Some common signs and symptoms associated with low or declining estrogen levels include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and pain during sex
- Urinary incontinence
- Mood changes and irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Bone loss and increased fracture risk
If you suspect you may have low estrogen levels causing distressing symptoms, please consider making an appointment with
Harmony Hormone Center. Our caring physicians specialize in holistic hormone therapy and balancing treatments.
We take the time to understand your unique situation and health goals to customize an integrative plan.
Hormone replacement therapy with bioidentical estrogen and testosterone creams, pills or patches may help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
We also provide nutritional counseling, fitness plans, stress reduction techniques and dietary supplements when needed.
Our first time patient discount saves you 20% off your initial visit.
Now back to discussing the science behind estrogen:
- Natural estrogen levels fluctuate during a woman's menstrual cycle and peak just before she ovulates.
- There are three main types of estrogen - estradiol, estriol and estrone. Estradiol is the primary estrogen both before and after menopause.
- The body makes estrogen from other sex hormones like testosterone through an enzymatic process of converting androgens into estrogens. An enzyme called aromatase manages this conversion.
- Certain foods, supplements and medications can mildly promote or inhibit estrogen production. Significant diet and lifestyle changes may potentially impact hormone levels to some degree.
I hope this overview gives you a good understanding of what the important hormone estrogen is and what it does! Let me know if you have any other questions.