What is estrogen deficiency?
Estrogen deficiency occurs when estrogen levels in the body are lower than normal. This can happen for several reasons:
Causes
- Menopause - Estrogen levels begin to decline naturally as women approach menopause, typically in their late 40s or early 50s. This decline in estrogen production from the ovaries leads to menopausal symptoms.
- Surgical removal of ovaries - Surgical removal of both ovaries causes an abrupt drop in estrogen levels. This causes surgical menopause.
- Medical conditions - Certain medical conditions like premature ovarian failure, ovarian cysts or tumors, pituitary gland issues, etc. can disrupt normal estrogen production.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of low estrogen levels are:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes like depression
- Sleep problems
- Bone loss
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
Risks
There are certain health risks associated with estrogen deficiency:
- Osteoporosis - Low estrogen levels lead to accelerated bone loss increasing fracture risk.
- Heart disease - The drop in estrogen after menopause changes cholesterol levels and body fat distribution increasing cardiac risk.
- Dementia - Estrogen may play a role in brain and nerve cell health. Its deficiency may impair cognition.
In summary, estrogen deficiency refers to below normal estrogen hormone levels in the body, which can occur due to natural menopause, medical conditions or treatments. It causes troublesome symptoms and increases future health risks like fracture and heart disease. Consulting a doctor at Restore Health Clinic can help diagnose and treat the root cause.