What Does Estrogen Do To a Woman?

Have you ever said, "I'm a little hormonal?" Well, what you're referring to is estrogen. Estrogen is a powerful female hormone that optimizes fertility, menstruation, and bone health. But when your hormones are fluctuating, you can feel moody, drained, and bloated. The answer to the question of what does estrogen do to a woman is "a whole heck of a lot," and here's why.

Importance of Estrogen 

Estrogen is a female sex hormone generated in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat tissues. There are three different types of estrogen: estrone, estradiol, and estriol. All are important during various stages in a woman's life and impact reproductive and sexual development.

Estrogen works together with another sex hormone— progesterone — to regulate a woman's menstrual cycle, aid ovulation, prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy, and breastfeeding. It also has other essential functions in a woman's health, including:

• Developing sexual organs
• Maintaining healthy skin
• Keeping the heart health
• Helping build strong bones
• Developing the fetus
• Promoting positive mental health
• Regulating an even menstrual cycle

Men also produce smaller amounts of estrogen, specifically estradiol. Estradiol helps with sexual function and libido.

Changes in Estrogen Levels 

As with any vital hormone, any kind of change profoundly affects a woman's body. Estrogen levels vary during a woman's menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and age. The most profound effect occurs during menopause.

Menopause is a period when estrogen levels decrease as a woman transitions into infertility. At this time, estrogen levels plummet, causing uncomfortable and painful symptoms, including: (1)

• Hot flashes
• Vaginal atrophy
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Weight gain
• Dry and papery skin
• Mental fatigue
• Cognitive confusion
• Low sex drive

The experience of these symptoms varies from woman to woman. However, some treatments do provide relief.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)

ERT replaces the missing estrogen in your body. It provides a necessary balance between estrogen and progesterone to alleviate the side effects of low estrogen. Most women undergo ERT during perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause time frames. But it can help with other conditions associated with low estrogen, including:

• Lower the risk of heart attacks and heart failure
• Rejuvenate skin and lower the signs of aging for some
• Improve muscle strength and function
• Reduce mortality for younger women

As with any kind of treatment, there can be some adverse effects associated with ERT. These may include:

• Acne
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Leg cramps
• Moodiness

Even though there could be adverse effects, research shows that women up to age 59 can undergo hormone therapy, and the benefits outweigh the risks. (2)

ERT works by adding the missing estrogen back into your body. There are different ways to increase estrogen, such as tablets, suppositories, and creams. Transdermal creams with estrogen or estradiol soothe and nourish the skin while naturally adding the missing hormone back into your body.

If there's one hormone women need, it's estrogen. The benefits of having balanced levels are essential at any age. If you suspect you have an estrogen deficiency, speak to your doctor about an estrogen supplement. You'll be glad you did.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181726#side-effects

https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/news-you-can-use-about-hormone-therapy