Hormones are chemical compounds produced by the endocrine glands to maintain metabolism. To women, the hormone estrogen plays an important role during life, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Decreased estrogen level may cause various health problems and symptoms.
As they get older, women will naturally experience a decrease in estrogen, especially after menopause. Besides menopause, thyroid disorder, excessive exercise, very low body weight, chemotherapy, and pituitary gland disorder may also cause a decrease in estrogen. Here are several impacts of estrogen deficiency, as quoted from Medical News Today.
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Irregular menstruation. Estrogen is one of the main hormones driving the menstrual cycle. Low estrogen levels may cause irregular periods.
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Infertility. Low estrogen levels may prevent ovulation, thus causing difficulties in conceiving.
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Brittle bones. Estrogen helps to keep the bones healthy and strong. Women who are post-menopausal have increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture.
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Vaginal dryness
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Depression. Estrogen helps in increasing serotonin, a chemical compound in the brain that boosts one’s mood. Estrogen deficiency may cause a decline in serotonin that contributes to mood swings or depression.
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Higher risk of urinary tract infections. The decline of estrogen hormone level may cause environmental changes in the urinary tract, causing bacteria—both in vagina and urethra—to breed easily.
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Weight gain. Estrogen plays a role in weight management and how much fat is stored in the body. Decreasing level of these hormones, including during pre-menopause and menopause, may cause weight gain.
There are several options of treatment for estrogen deficiency. The treatment is chosen based on the etiology and the symptoms present. One of the treatments is HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). HRT is usually done by administering a small dose of estrogens and progesterones. For those who want to increase estrogen level naturally, it is advisable to undergo lifestyle and dietary change. Maintaining ideal weight and reducing physical activity can also boost estrogen level.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Health.com
Source(s):
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What hapens when estrogen levels are low? (2018). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321064.php, 28 Februari 2018.
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Davis, S. R., Branco, C. C., Chedraui, P. et al (2012). Understanding weight gain at menopause. Climacteric Journal, Vol 15(5) 419-429