Estrogen

Estrogen is one of the key hormones that regulates many aspects of health and behavior in women. It is essential for sexual development, regulates the menstrual cycle, influences cognition and behavior, and affects the risk of developing certain diseases later in life.

What Exactly is Estrogen?

Estrogen refers to a group of chemically similar hormones including estradiol, estrone, and estriol. It is primarily produced by the ovaries in women, while smaller amounts are produced by other tissues like fat.

Estrogen production begins during puberty and fluctuates across the menstrual cycle, with peak production just before ovulation. Estrogen levels start declining around perimenopause until eventually very little is produced after menopause.

Estrogen's Diverse Roles

The effects of estrogen are widespread throughout the female body. Here's a brief overview of some of estrogen's major roles:

• Sexual development & reproduction - Drives formation of female sexual characteristics during puberty; regulates menstrual cycle and prepares the body for pregnancy


• Brain function & behavior - Influences mood, cognition, memory, alertness


• Bone health - Helps build bone density during youth; drop in estrogen after menopause increases bone loss


• Heart health - Provides some protection against heart disease in premenopausal women


• Skin health - Promotes collagen production for youthful, elastic skin

Clearly, maintaining healthy estrogen levels is crucial for women's health - both physical and mental.

Imbalanced Estrogen Levels

Abnormally high or low levels of estrogen can cause significant health issues:

• Low estrogen may cause infertility, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, reduced bone density, changes in mood and cognition


• High estrogen has been associated with weight gain, endometrial hyperplasia, increased risk for certain cancers

That's why getting your hormone levels tested can provide very valuable health insights. The experts at Balance Health Clinic offer cutting-edge hormone tests and personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve optimal hormonal balance.

At Balance Health Clinic, we understand the massive impact hormones have on health and wellbeing. Our compassionate physicians and nurses use state-of-the-art testing to provide science-based hormone therapy that is customized for your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services or book an appointment!

Maintaining Healthy Estrogen Levels

Here are some tips to help maintain healthy estrogen levels as you age:

• Eat a nutritious diet high in phytoestrogens from foods like flax seeds, soy, and legumes


• Exercise regularly - this promotes healthy estrogen metabolism


• Aim for a healthy body weight


• Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, etc.


• Avoid endocrine disruptors from plastics, cosmetics, etc.


• Test your hormones periodically and work with a doctor to address any imbalances

Following an overall healthy lifestyle provides the best foundation for keeping your hormones balanced as you transition through perimenopause and menopause. Pay attention to any unusual symptoms and always discuss them with your healthcare provider.