What Does Estrogen Really Do? The Unsung Hero of Women’s Health

So, What Is Estrogen Exactly?

Estrogen comprises many hormones. These are mostly produced by the ovaries. Estradiol, estriol, and estrone are the most significant. What is its function? To observe women's physiology throughout gestation. This is only the beginning.

Estrogen influences bodily growth, calcium utilization, dermal fullness, as well as cognitive and emotional functions in the brain.

Estrogen’s Greatest Hits: Why It Matters

Optimal estrogen levels promote well-being, vigour, and emotional stability. This powerful hormone governs the control of the reproductive system, including the menstrual cycle, fertility, and gestation.

• It alleviates osteoporosis by strengthening your bones.

• For cardiovascular health: It modulates cholesterol levels and vascular flexibility.

• Hair and skin: It sustains hair vitality and maintains skin youthfulness.

• Memory and mood: It augments serotonin, the neurotransmitter linked to well-being.

• Maintains the health of the bladder and vagina.

When Estrogen Goes Rogue

What appears wrong? Estrogen levels fluctuate. It fluctuates naturally during your cycle and life. However, your body provides strong warnings when it's excessively high or low.

Too little estrogen? You may see:

•       Night sweats or hot flushes

•       Infrequent or no periods

•       Dry vagina

•       Mood swings, anxiety, or despair

•       Weak bones

•       Brain fog or memory loss

A much of estrogen? Maybe you feel:

•       Getting heavy and bloated, particularly in the hips and thighs

•       Breasts that ache

•       Heavy or painful periods

•       Tiredness

•       Trouble sleeping

•       An increased risk of fibroids or certain malignancies

What Can Cause Estrogen Imbalance?

Some things to think about include puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, stress, food, or other health issues. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid problems may change the amounts of estrogen in the body.

•       Some drugs or birth control tablets

•       Body fat that is too high (because it retains estrogen)

•       Toxins in the environment, such as BPA in plastics

How to Support Healthy Estrogen Levels

You don't need to completely change things; you simply need to take care of them a little bit:

• Eat plant-based meals that are high in fibre (cruciferous vegetables are good for estrogen).

• Keep your weight in check and keep active.

• Get adequate sleep and deal with stress (cortisol messes with estrogen, too).

• Don't drink too much alcohol or eat too many processed meals.

• Don't ignore symptoms; see your doctor and think about getting a hormone test if you need one.

Bottom Line

Estrogen is crucial for general health as well as reproduction. It promotes skin, heart, bone, memory, and emotional health when balanced. What makes it inactive?  Your whole body feels it.

When you're uncomfortable, don't ignore it. You may be receiving estrogen signals.  Book your consultation today!