Estrogen deficiency occurs when a person's body produces too little of the hormone estrogen. This condition can happen naturally due to aging or medical conditions, or it may be induced intentionally for medical treatment. Some key signs and symptoms of low estrogen levels are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and decreases in bone density that may lead to osteoporosis.
What Causes Estrogen Deficiency?
The most common causes of low estrogen levels are:
- Menopause - Estrogen levels drop dramatically during the transition to menopause, usually in a woman's late 40s or early 50s. This natural decline of estrogen produces uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes.
- Surgical menopause - The surgical removal of both ovaries (an oophorectomy) rapidly plunges a woman into menopause and is often accompanied by severe hot flashes.
- Hypothalamic amenorrhea - In younger women, low body weight, emotional distress, excessive exercise, or stress can disrupt normal menstrual cycles leading to hormone imbalances. This may produce symptoms like irregular periods, infertility or bone loss.
- Pituitary tumors or diseases - Tumors in the pituitary gland can halt production of hormones needed to trigger estrogen release in the ovaries.
How is Estrogen Deficiency Diagnosed?
If experiencing perimenopausal or
menopausal symptoms, a doctor will likely check
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and
estradiol blood tests. High FSH and low estradiol levels indicate the ovaries are failing and menopause is underway. Bone density scans help assess
osteoporosis risk. Pelvic exams search for thinning vaginal walls and dryness resulting from estrogen loss.
Medical Treatments for Low Estrogen
The best approaches for alleviating estrogen deficiency and its effects depend on a woman's age and health status. Common medical treatments include:
- Hormone therapy (HT), including FDA-approved estrogen pills, skin patches, gels or sprays. These replace missing hormones, relieve menopausal symptoms and may protect bone health.
- Vaginal estrogen creams that reverse vaginal atrophy and discomfort.
- Osteoporosis drugs like bisphosphonates to strengthen fragile bones.
- Lifestyle adjustments - eating nutritious foods high in phytoestrogens, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking can lessen symptoms.
The caring medical staff at
Hormone Harmony Clinic specialize in personalized
hormone balance treatments to get patients feeling their best. Call today at 555-0123 for a
free consultation with our
menopause experts!
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