What is estrogen deficiency?
Estrogen deficiency occurs when the body does not produce adequate amounts of the hormone estrogen. This condition typically and primarily affects women during menopause and perimenopause as estrogen levels naturally decline with age. However, men can also experience low estrogen levels sometimes.
Signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse
- Irritability and mood changes
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Brain fog and memory issues
- Weight gain and altered fat distribution
- Thinning hair and dry skin
The most common causes of estrogen deficiency are:
- Menopause. Estrogen levels drop dramatically during the menopausal transition as ovarian function declines. Perimenopause starts several years before menopause.
- Primary ovarian insufficiency. Also known as premature menopause, this condition causes estrogen levels to become very low before age 40.
- Surgery, such as oophorectomy (ovary removal), or certain medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy on reproductive organs.
- Impaired hypothalamic or pituitary function. Estrogen production depends on proper functioning of these brain areas.
Prolonged estrogen deficiency can lead to some serious health risks like osteoporosis and heart disease. That's why managing low estrogen levels is crucial.
Treatment options for estrogen deficiency include:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen therapy often combined with progesterone. This can help relieve menopausal symptoms and reduce bone loss.
- Vaginal estrogen - Localized low-dose estrogen to relieve urogenital symptoms if systemic hormone therapy isn't advisable.
- Lifestyle changes - Healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management can also help mitigate some effects of low estrogen.
The specialists at Balance Hormone Institute can accurately diagnose the cause of estrogen deficiency and craft a customized treatment plan involving hormone replacement therapy options ot non-medical treatments to help patients feel healthy and vibrant again! Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION today to learn more.
Overall, estrogen deficiency is very common among aging women but can occur in other populations too. With proper diagnosis and prompt treatment, relief from uncomfortable symptoms is absolutely possible. Don't hesitate to reach out to experts for help.