Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones in women. It plays an essential role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Estrogen is produced primarily by the ovaries and to a lesser extent by other tissues like fat and skin.
What are some of the main functions of estrogen in women?
- It stimulates growth and development of the uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and breasts during puberty. Estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to thicken during the menstrual cycle to prepare for potential pregnancy.
- It regulates the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, peaking just before ovulation. This triggers release of an egg from the ovaries.
- Estrogen maintains the health of tissues in the vagina and urinary tract, keeping them lubricated and elastic. Declining estrogen after menopause leads to vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms.
- It helps deposit fat in breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs, giving the female body its characteristic shape. Estrogen promotes growth of long bones during adolescence.
- Estrogen has effects on brain function and memory. It may influence mood and behavior. Declining estrogen has been associated with memory loss and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in older women.
- Estrogen promotes coagulation of blood. Estrogen-based birth control pills increase the risk of blood clots slightly.
Some key facts about estrogen:
- There are three main types of estrogen in women - estradiol, estriol and estrone. Estradiol is the primary estrogen both before and after menopause.
- Estrogen levels peak during the late follicular phase just before ovulation. Levels decrease dramatically after ovulation and remain low during the luteal phase.
- After menopause, estrogen production decreases substantially as the ovaries no longer release eggs. Small amounts of estrogen continue to be produced by fat tissues and the adrenal glands.
- Common symptoms of low estrogen include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, and lowered libido.
- Excess estrogen, or estrogen dominance, can lead to symptoms like weight gain, fluid retention, fibrocystic breasts, heavy and irregular periods, anxiety and mood swings.
If you suspect you may have low or high estrogen levels, please visit
Vital Hormone Clinic today. Our caring physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all
hormone imbalances. We provide customized
bioidentical hormone therapy including estrogen creams, patches and pellets to help restore optimal hormone levels so you can feel your best again!