Estrogen - isn’t all that bad!
Benefits of Estrogen
A popular conversation surrounding menstruating women is estrogen dominance. On the contrary, those in perimenopause or menopause fear the loss of estrogen. Just like anything, Estrogen (along with all of our hormones) plays into the Goldilocks Principle. Its nothing to be feared, but we also don’t want an abundance of the hormone circulating.
So, here are the incredible benefits of Estrogen:
Supports heart health: It helps in keeping our cholesterol levels in check, reducing the risk of heart disease by promoting healthy blood vessels and facilitating good blood flow.
Promotes bone health: It helps in the prevention of bone loss and decreases the risk of osteoporosis, ensuring that our bones stay strong and resilient as we age.
Mental health strength: Estrogen has been linked to mood regulation and may help to ward off symptoms of depression and anxiety. It supports cognitive functions, keeping our minds sharp and potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease
Beautiful skin and hair: A friend to our skin and hair, contributing to their health and vitality. It helps in maintaining skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and promoting a vibrant, youthful complexion. Additionally, it supports hair growth and may reduce the risk of hair loss.
The obvious - supports reproductive health: Beyond its role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, estrogen is vital in maintaining the overall health of the reproductive system, contributing to a healthy libido and providing relief from menopausal symptoms.
How can estrogen get out of whack?
Like mentioned above, all of our reproductive hormones have a balancing act. Various situations and conditions can either lower or raise estrogen, along with circulating estrogen.
Low Estrogen factors:
Menopause: The most well-known cause of a decrease in estrogen levels is menopause. As women age and approach menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen.
Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) can lead to a sudden decrease in estrogen levels since the ovaries are the primary source of estrogen.
Low Body Fat: Extremely low body fat percentages, often seen in athletes or those with eating disorders, can lead to decreased estrogen production. Fat tissue plays a role in estrogen production, so having very low body fat can lower levels.
Excessive Exercise: While regular exercise is insanely beneficial, excessive physical activity can sometimes lower estrogen levels, particularly if combined with low body fat.
Certain Medications: Some medications, including those used for chemotherapy, certain hormonal therapies, and medications that affect the pituitary gland, can reduce estrogen levels.
Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress can disrupt the balance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, potentially leading to lower estrogen levels.
Hypogonadism: This condition involves decreased activity of the gonads (ovaries in women), which can result in lower production of sex hormones, including estrogen.
Increased Estrogen factors:
Pregnancy: Estrogen levels naturally increase during pregnancy to support the development of the fetus and prepare the body for childbirth.
Obesity: Fat tissue produces estrogen, so having a higher percentage of body fat can lead to elevated estrogen levels.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): These therapies are used to increase estrogen levels, particularly in menopausal women, to relieve symptoms associated with decreased estrogen.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS may have elevated estrogen levels due to imbalances in sex hormone production.
Certain Medications: Some medications, including hormonal birth control and certain types of hormone therapies, can increase estrogen levels.
High-Phytoestrogen Diet: Consuming foods high in phytoestrogens, compounds that mimic estrogen in the body (such as soy products), can slightly increase estrogen levels.
Environmental Estrogens: Exposure to certain chemicals in the environment, known as xenoestrogens (found in plastics, pesticides, and certain personal care products), can mimic estrogen in the body and potentially increase estrogen levels.
So, now what?
If symptoms and signs, along with awareness of your cycle is not enough to have a sense of your estrogen levels, it’s time to test. My preferred testing method is the DUTCH Complete or DUTCH Plus to get the whole picture! Of course, hormonal blood testing is also available which is more convenient and cheaper. Check out my LabShop on Rupa if you want to order something on your own!
At Recenter, we can order either option along with anything else deemed pertinent. From this, we can really determine if it is your estrogen levels and ask the question, “why”. Then the fun of a care plan for you begins!
I will be covering the ins and outs of estrogen, along with all of our reproductive hormones during my webinar, “Redefining Normal” on April 2nd. Click here for more information!
