Estrogen deficiency occurs when estrogen levels in the body become too low. This drop in estrogen is most commonly associated with menopause but can also occur due to other factors like surgery, chemotherapy, or hormonal conditions. Some key effects of low estrogen levels include:
- Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of intense heat and sweating are a classic sign of menopause and low estrogen. Hot flashes can come on rapidly and last from 30 seconds to several minutes.
- Vaginal dryness - Estrogen helps keep vaginal tissues supple. With less estrogen, the vagina can become dry, thin, and irritated, making intercourse painful.
- Mood changes - Dropping estrogen is linked to irritability, depression, trouble sleeping, difficulty focusing, and reduced sex drive.
- Osteoporosis - Estrogen plays a key role in bone health. With less estrogen, bone loss accelerates, and fracture risk goes up dramatically.
- Heart disease - Estrogen is thought to have protective cardiovascular effects. Falling levels may raise the risk for heart disease in postmenopausal women.
Treatment aims to replace estrogen to healthier pre-menopause levels. The most common therapies are hormone replacement medications like estrogen pills, patches, gels, and creams. These can effectively treat hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss, and other issues.
Lifestyle changes also help manage estrogen deficiency. Exercise preserves bone density, while a nutritious diet with calcium and vitamin D helps too. Managing stress, avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol, and using vaginal lubricants can relieve symptoms.
In summary, estrogen deficiency is a drop in estrogen production that leads to menopausal symptoms and health risks. Hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, home remedies, and over-the-counter options can provide relief by restoring estrogen levels. Contact Harmonize Health for more information.