The Symptoms of Low Estrogen
Filed under: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Estrogen, Symptoms of Menopause
As women, when we age, we begin to lose estrogens. This is happening to women at younger ages than ever before. Loss of estrogens causes the onset of perimenopause, the first stage of menopuase. Estrogens are the primary sex hormone in females and are responsible for regulating reproduction.
One of the first signs that a woman has a low level of estrogen is the onset of hot flashes. This is a sensation of heat that seems to radiate from the inside out. Hot flashes can strike at any time of day and can be embarrasing if it also includes profuse sweating. Night sweats also occur and may awaken you with yourself and your bed sheets wet with perspiration.
Skin can be affected by menopuase and low levels of estrogen cause dryness of the skin. Women who are going through this phase in their life may also develop acne. Estrogen replacement therapy, preferably bioidentical estrogen, can help with the dryness and cause the skin to appear more supple.
When estrogen levels are low, the likelihood of developing osteoporosis will increase. This is because it is more difficult for the body to absorb Vitamin D and calcium when there is less than adequate estrogen development. To prevent osteoporosis, women should ideally begin supplementing prior to the onset of menopuase. They should definitely take supplements for vitamin D and calcium after they are into menopause.
Vaginal dryness can be the result of low levels of estrogen. This will often lead to a decrease in sexual desire and painful intercourse. Taking estrogen replacement therapy will help this condition and keep it from recurring.
One of the hardest symptoms of menopause to deal with is the emotional changes it causes. Extreme mood swings and depression can be a result of too little estrogen.
Regardless of the symptom of low estrogen, it can be corrected with supplements and bioidentical estrogen replacement therapy. It is not necessary to take anti-depressants or other medications with undesirable side effects.
Comments
One Comment on The Symptoms of Low Estrogen
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Dr. Kathryn Retzler on
Wed, 21st Jul 2010 9:33 am
Points to remember about estrogen:
•Estrogen is a collective term that refers to three main estrogens: estradiol, estrone, and estriol.
•In premenopausal women, most estrogen is made by the ovaries.
•After menopause, the adrenal glands are critical for normal estrogen production.
•In men, testosterone is converted into estrogen by the aromatase enzyme (made by fat tissue and increased with inflammation and liver problems).
•Men need some estrogen, but too much can lead to breast enlargement or contribute to insulin resistance.
Whether you are a woman or a man, you need estrogen to have a healthy heart, bones, skin, and brain.
For additional information about Estrogen and bioidentical hormones, as well as ways to slow the aging process, visit my website at
or purchase copy of my new book, HormoneSynergy, Optimal Aging and Hormone Balance at
http://www.hormonesynergy.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=93
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