Estrogen is a hormone that plays a vital role in the body. In females, it helps develop and maintain both reproductive system and female characteristics, such as breast and public hair. Most importantly it regulates the menstrual cycle. In males, estrogen helps in the maturation of the sperm. This hormone contributes to cognitive health, bone health, the function of the cardiovascular system, and other essential body processes. It also affects the brain. An adequate level of estrogen in the body is required for its effective working. Fluctuating levels, high or low estrogen can lead to adverse effects on the body. That’s why never ignore low estrogen symptoms.
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 This article will address the following points
- What is estrogen deficiency? Why does it occur
- Low estrogen symptoms
- How to increase estrogen
What is estrogen deficiency?
Estrogen deficiency is also known as hypoestrogenism. It refers to the lower than normal level of estrogen. It is most commonly found in women, who are in the postmenopausal stage, have a premature ovarian failure, or suffering from amenorrhea. It is primarily produced in the ovaries.Â
Normal estrogen levels in women
According to Mayo Medical Laboratories, the following estrone and estradiol levels are considered normal for women:
| Life Stages | Estrone | Estradiol |
| Prepubescent female | Undetectable–29 pg/mL | Undetectable–20 pg/ml |
| Pubescent female | 10–200 pg/mL | Undetectable–350 pg/ml |
| Premenopausal adult female | 17–200 pg/mL | 15–350 pg/ml |
| Postmenopausal adult female | 7–40 pg/mL | <10 pg/ml |
In premenopausal girls and women, estradiol levels vary widely throughout the menstrual cycle.
Normal estrogen levels in men
According to Mayo Medical Laboratories, the following estrone and estradiol levels are considered normal for men:
| Life Stages | Estrone | Estradiol |
| Prepubescent male | Undetectable–16 pg/ml | Undetectable–13 pg/ml |
| Pubescent male | Undetectable–60 pg/ml | Undetectable–40 pg/ml |
| Adult male | 10–60 pg/ml | 10–40 pg/ml |
Factors that lead to low estrogen level
- High and intense exercise.
- Low functioning of the pituitary gland. Pituitary glands are mainly responsible for the secretion of hormones into the bloodstream. Their inefficiency leads to low estrogen levels.
- Chronic kidney diseases.
- Hypothyroidism is a condition caused due to a deficiency of thyroid hormones, which in turn is a factor of low estrogen.
- Premature ovarian failure, any damage caused to ovaries will cause harm to estrogen.
- Eating disorder.
- Low level of magnesium.
- Turner syndrome results from missing or incomplete sex chromosomes.
Common symptoms of low estrogenÂ
Anything which affects ovaries will end up affecting estrogen production. Women of all ages can develop it but mostly girls about to reach puberty and women approaching menopause have the highest risk.Â
- Depression
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Headache and mood swings
- Painful sex due to lack of vaginal lubrication
- Fatigue, weak bones, and lack of nutrients
- Hot flashes and problems with concentration
Ways of increasing estrogen level
1. Gain healthy weightÂ
Improper weight or low weight can hinder the process of estrogen production. Our body needs nutrients and fats in the production of estrogen. Develop body mass by eating healthy food, being underweight can reduce estrogen levels.
2. Change of diet
Add estrogen-rich food to your diet like flax seeds, garlic, wholegrain food, dry fruits and soy. A well-balanced diet with all nutrients is essential for the proper functioning, and formation of hormones and tissues. Intake of sugar should be reduced as it leads to hormonal imbalance and is a contributing factor to yeast overgrowth. Yeast toxins can block hormone receptor sites.
3. Quit smoking
Tobacco is dangerous for your health. Smoking leads to a variety of bad effects on the body. It causes fatal diseases like lung cancer and pneumonia. It can have an adverse effect on the endocrine system of the body, limiting the body’s ability to produce estrogen.
4. Medication
Taking doctors’ advice is a great way to increase estrogen levels. There are a variety of tests that are done to determine hormone levels. Doctors may consult for estrogen therapy also known as hormone replacement therapy. The therapies include pills, topical gels, or skin patches and they may be synthetic hormones or bioidentical.
5. Herbal supplements
Intake of herbal supplements like herbal tea, black cohosh, red clover, etc. will help increase estrogen levels. They are a traditional herbal remedy that promotes estrogen development in ovaries. Black and green teas contain phytoestrogens. Red clover is also rich in biochanin A, formononetin, genistein, and daidzein.
6. Exercise at low intensity
There are studies that show that heavy exercise and workout reduces the estrogen level, but a little exercise is recommended as it would keep away from the risk of other problems and stimulate estrogen growth.
The bottom line is, although present in small quantities estrogen has a big role in maintaining our health. In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, it affects the reproductory tract, urinary tract, heart and blood vessels, bone, skin, hair, and brain. Therefore it’s essential to maintain adequate levels in the body. Just by taking some precautions and maintaining a healthy diet, the correct hormonal level can be achieved.
