Estrogen

All you have to know about ESTROGEN

Oestrogen estrogen is a group of hormones that play a vital role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. It is primarily produced in the ovaries but can also be synthesized in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and fat tissues. Natural estrogen is crucial for a variety of bodily functions beyond reproduction, including bone health, cardiovascular function, and cognitive processes. That is why hormonal balance is important.

Types of Estrogen

There are three main types of estrogen in the human body:

Estradiol (E2): This is the most prevalent and potent form of estrogen during a woman's reproductive years. It plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy.
Estrone (E1): This form is more prevalent after menopause and is produced mainly in the ovaries and fat tissues.
Estriol (E3): This is the weakest form of estrogen and is produced in significant amounts during pregnancy, mainly by the placenta.

Mechanism of Estrogen Release

The release of estrogen in the body is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, primarily through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Here's how the process works:

1. Hypothalamus Activation: The process begins in the hypothalamus, a region in the brain that monitors the body's hormonal status. When estrogen levels are low, the hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

2. Pituitary Gland Stimulation: GnRH travels to the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, stimulating it to release two key hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

3. Ovarian Function:

Follicular Development: FSH promotes the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain immature eggs. As the follicles develop, they begin to produce estrogen, primarily estradiol.
LH Surge: Around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, a significant surge in LH occurs, triggering ovulation—the release of a mature egg from the ovary.

4. Corpus Luteum Formation: After ovulation, the empty follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone and some estrogen. Progesterone helps prepare the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg.

5. Feedback Mechanism: Estrogen levels increase during the follicular phase and peak just before ovulation. High levels of estrogen provide negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, inhibiting further release of GnRH, LH, and FSH. This feedback mechanism helps regulate the menstrual cycle and prevents the simultaneous maturation of multiple follicles.

6. Menstrual Cycle Influence: If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, leading to a drop in both estrogen and progesterone levels. This decline triggers menstruation as the uterine lining sheds. Conversely, if fertilization occurs, the developing embryo produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), signaling the corpus luteum to continue producing estrogen and progesterone to maintain the pregnancy.

In summary, estrogen is a crucial hormone involved in numerous physiological processes, primarily within the female reproductive system. Its release is carefully regulated through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, involving a series of hormonal interactions that ensure the proper timing of ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation. Understanding the mechanisms behind estrogen release is essential for recognizing hormonal imbalances and their impact on reproductive health and overall well-being.

...More about natural estrogen and hormonal balance

Symptoms of estrogen deficiency and excess

Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency

Oestrogen estrogen deficiency can occur due to various reasons, including menopause, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions. Common symptoms include:

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women may experience irregular, lighter, or missed periods as estrogen levels drop.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating and flushing, can occur during the day or night.
Vaginal Dryness: Low estrogen can lead to thinning of the vaginal walls, causing discomfort, pain during intercourse, and increased risk of infections.
Mood Changes: Women may experience increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, or irritability due to hormonal fluctuations.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or a general feeling of low energy can be common.
Decreased Libido: A reduction in sexual desire may occur due to changes in hormone levels and vaginal dryness.
Cognitive Changes: Some women report difficulties with memory, concentration, or brain fog.
Weight Gain: Estrogen deficiency can lead to changes in metabolism and fat distribution, often resulting in weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
Thinning Hair: Hair may become thinner or more brittle due to reduced estrogen levels.
Bone Health Issues: Low estrogen levels can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Symptoms of Estrogen Excess

Estrogen excess, or estrogen dominance, can occur due to various factors, including obesity, hormone replacement therapy, or certain medical conditions. Symptoms of estrogen excess include:

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Women may experience excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual periods.
Breast Tenderness: Increased sensitivity, swelling, or pain in the breasts can occur due to high estrogen levels.
Mood Swings: Fluctuating emotions, irritability, anxiety, or depression can be linked to elevated estrogen levels.
Weight Gain: Particularly around the hips and thighs, high estrogen levels can contribute to weight gain.
Bloating and Water Retention: Women may experience swelling, puffiness, or a feeling of fullness due to fluid retention.
Headaches or Migraines: Increased estrogen can trigger headaches or worsen pre-existing migraine conditions.
Decreased Libido: While low estrogen can cause a decrease in sexual desire, high estrogen levels can also lead to a drop in libido in some women.
Skin Changes: Some women may experience skin issues like acne or melasma (dark patches on the skin) due to hormone fluctuations.
Fibrocystic Breasts: High estrogen levels can lead to the development of cysts in the breasts, causing discomfort and swelling.
Increased Risk of Endometrial Hyperplasia: Unopposed estrogen (estrogen without progesterone) can lead to overgrowth of the uterine lining, increasing the risk of conditions like endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer.