What is estrogen deficiency?
Estrogen deficiency occurs when estrogen levels in the body become too low. This drop in estrogen levels leads to several noticeable symptoms and other health effects.
What causes estrogen deficiency?
There are a few potential causes of low estrogen levels:
- Menopause - Estrogen levels naturally decline as women go through menopause. This estrogen deficiency is a normal part of aging.
- Surgical removal of ovaries - Surgical removal of the ovaries eliminates a major source of estrogen production. This causes an abrupt estrogen deficiency.
- Medical conditions - Certain medical conditions like premature ovarian failure, ovarian cysts, or pituitary tumors can disrupt normal estrogen levels and cause deficiency.
- Medications - Some medications like aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer can reduce estrogen levels as a side effect.
What are the symptoms of low estrogen?
The most common symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Brain fog or memory problems
- Joint pain
- Mood changes like depression
- Loss of skin elasticity
How is estrogen deficiency treated?
The main treatments for low estrogen levels are:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen pills, patches, gels, or vaginal rings can help restore estrogen levels.
- Lifestyle changes - Diet, exercise, stress management can help manage some estrogen deficiency symptoms.
- Alternative remedies - Some herbal supplements like black cohosh may help, but evidence is limited.
In summary, estrogen deficiency occurs when the body has abnormally low estrogen hormone levels. It has a variety of causes and produces several disruptive symptoms for women's health. Restoring estrogen levels through hormone therapy or sometimes lifestyle changes can help manage this condition.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit Restore Wellness Clinic.