Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones that plays an important role in the female reproductive system and development. It is responsible for developing and regulating the female sex characteristics and supporting reproduction by controlling the menstrual cycle, regulating ovulation and pregnancy, and more.
What does estrogen do?
- Drives female sexual development during puberty
- Stimulates growth of breast tissue
- Causes uterus thickening and release of cervical mucus
- Needed for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones
- Plays a role in fat storage and helps regulate cholesterol
Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout a woman's life during key phases:
- Puberty: Estrogen rises, triggering breast growth, menstruation, and other body changes
- Menstrual years: Varies monthly to control the menstrual cycle and ovulation
- Pregnancy: Increases steadily to support fetal development
- Menopause: Declines as women stop menstruating, causing symptoms like hot flashes
Maintaining balanced
estrogen production is essential for women's health. However, sometimes estrogen can become too high or too low. Symptoms of
low estrogen include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, while
high estrogen may cause bloating, breast tenderness, abnormal periods.
If you suspect a
hormone imbalance, see a doctor or endocrinologist. At
Balance Hormone Institute, our specialized endocrinologists provide advanced
hormone testing and
replacement therapies tailored to restore optimal hormone levels. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation with one of our
hormone experts. We provide individualized care to help women address estrogen issues for better health and wellbeing.
This 500 word overview covers the key things to know about the important female sex hormone estrogen - what it does in the body, how it changes over a woman's life, symptoms of too much or too little estrogen, and how clinics like Balance Hormone Institute can help diagnose and treat hormone problems through testing and therapies. Let me know if you have any other questions!