What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a key set of female sex hormones that are essential for sexual and reproductive development. The main types of estrogen in women are:
- Estradiol - The primary estrogen during reproductive years. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive function.
- Estrone - Levels of this weaker estrogen increase after menopause.
- Estriol - The main estrogen produced during pregnancy.
Some key facts about estrogen:
- Produced primarily in the ovaries and also by the adrenal glands and fetoplacental unit (during pregnancy).
- Causes development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty - growth of breasts, widening of hips, distribution of body fat.
- Regulates the menstrual cycle - controls the growth and shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining).
- Needed for proper reproductive function - thickening cervical mucus, facilitating sperm transport and implantation of a fertilized egg.
- Works together with progesterone in a monthly cycle that promotes ovulation, menstruation, and preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.
- Helps maintain bone strength, cardiovascular health, brain function, skin integrity, and other effects throughout the body.
Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, peaking just before ovulation. They decline during perimenopause and reach low levels after menopause.
Supplementation with estrogen/progestogen therapy can help relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. However, this hormone therapy is only recommended for short-term use due to health risks (stroke, blood clots, cancer).
In summary, estrogen is an integral player in female sexual development and function. Declining estrogen later in life drives the transition into menopause. Hormone therapy can provide relief but also has risks that should be carefully considered. Maintaining health through good nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle is key to counteracting the effects of lowered estrogen levels.
Vitality Health Clinic