Estrogen deficiency - Vital Hormone Clinic

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency is when the body has abnormally low levels of estrogen hormones. This is most commonly seen in women around menopause, as estrogen production declines with age. However, estrogen deficiency can happen at any age due to various factors.

The most common symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
• Mood changes like depression or anxiety
• Sleep problems like insomnia
• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Bone loss and increased fracture risk
• Brain fog and memory issues
• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

Estrogen plays many important roles in the female body. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive health. Estrogen is important for maintaining bone density, heart health, skin elasticity, and neurological function.

Some key causes of low estrogen levels include:

• Menopause - estrogen levels steadily decline as women approach menopause. This drop in estrogen is responsible for most menopausal symptoms.
• Primary ovarian insufficiency - when the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40. This leads to low estrogen and missed periods.
• Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia can disrupt hormone balances.
• Excessive exercise and low body fat percentage can inhibit ovulation and estrogen production.
• Removal of ovaries - surgical menopause leads to a rapid drop in estrogen.
• Certain medical conditions, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pituitary tumors, and premature ovarian failure can also cause estrogen deficiency.
• Some medications, like aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment, can lower estrogen levels.

If you are experiencing potential symptoms of low estrogen, see your doctor for blood tests. They can check follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels to determine if you have an estrogen deficiency.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. For menopausal women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen and progestin can treat hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss and other issues. Some women may take selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like raloxifene instead of HRT to help bones without affecting the uterus.

For younger women, addressing any underlying illness and adjusting medications may help restore normal estrogen levels. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight is important for hormone balance. Integrative approaches like dietary supplements, herbs, and acupuncture may provide additional relief from deficiencies. Speak to an endocrinologist to explore the options that are right for your needs.

If you suspect you may have low estrogen levels, don't hesitate to bring up your concerns and symptoms with your doctor. There are various safe and effective solutions available to help restore hormone balance. With proper treatment of estrogen deficiency, you can regain wellbeing and quality of life. The expert physicians at Vital Hormone Clinic specialize in treating hormone imbalances through customized bioidentical hormone therapy plans. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!