Many women believe that estrogen is the name of one of the female hormones in their body; however, estrogen is actually the name of a group of hormones. There are 3 main estrogens in the human body: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). This family of estrogens is responsible for growth of endometrial tissue, growth of follicle into an egg, growth of breast tissue, support of vaginal tissue, development of secondary sex characteristics in females, fat storage and increasing thyroid binding globulin. Correcting imbalances may help reduce the symptoms of menopause which may include: hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, depression, fibrocystic and/or tender breasts, irregular bleeding, irritability/anxiety, water retention, low thyroid symptoms (feeling cold, thinning hair, fatigue, etc.), vaginal atrophy and sexual dysfunction. If you are deficient in estrogen, you may have an increased risk of bone disease, heart disease, colorectal cancer, sleep disturbance, mood disorder and loss of memory and cognitive function. Estrogen lowers blood sugar in women; therefore low estrogen may lead to increased insulin and may increase the risk of diabetes. Estrogen influences 400 actions in the body including vision, hearing, osteopenia/osteoporosis, mobility, memory, vasodilatation and other signs of aging. It also exerts a stimulating effect on breast, uterus and brain tissue and prevents bone loss by osteoclasts. It is also responsible for promotion of fat storage at the hips and maintains the integrity of the urogenital tract.
Estrogen dominance
Excess Estrogen may cause any of the following symptoms:
- Breast tenderness/swelling
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Sweet cravings
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Endometriosis
- PMS
- Heavy, irregular menses
- Water retention and bloating
- Weight gain at the hips
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- Migraines
- Increases risk of breast and uterine cancer
- Uterine fibroids
- Irritability/nervousness/anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Hypothyroid symptoms (fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin)
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Estrogen deficiency
Body fat aromatizes (makes) estrogen; therefore estrogen deficiency is more prevalent in those with low body fat. Check progesterone levels at the same time that you check estrogen levels as progesterone helps the body better utilize estrogen by turning on receptor sites. If you are post menopausal, check DHEA levels; after menopause almost all estrogen comes from DHEA via peripheral conversion. The following are some of the symptoms of estrogen deficiency:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness/atrophy
- Painful intercourse
- Low libido
- Brain fog/foggy thinking
- Memory problems/lapses
- Heart palpitations
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- Urinary incontinence
- Yeast infections
- Depression
- Bone loss
- Sleep disturbances
- Dry skin
- Headaches
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Estrone (E1)
Estrone is the primary estrogen of menopause; it is aromatized (made) in abdominal fat. In excessive amounts, metabolites (4-hydroxyestrone, estrone sulphate) have been linked to cancer. Do not take estrone unless you need it, and only in low doses. If it is necessary for you to take estrone, topical administration is recommended as it avoids "first pass metabolism" by the liver.
**Conjugated Equine Estrogens (Synthetic Estrogens) are 50% Estrone**
Estradiol (E2)
Estradiol is made by the ovary and is the most potent estrogen with the greatest effects. Estradiol may be converted into the other 2 estrogens (estrone and estriol) and helps to maintain the 400 effects of estrogen.
Estriol (E3)
Estriol is highest in pregnancy and it is an end metabolite/product of the other estrogens. Estriol can generally be utilized with confidence as there are not 'downstream' metabolites. Estriol has mild estrogenic effects and is much weaker than Estradiol. Estriol restores vaginal integrity and may be effective in reducing the number of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI).
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