Estrogen

A. What it is

Estrogen is one of two main sex hormones that women will have and plays several roles in the body. The other is progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for female physical features and reproduction. Estrogen contributes to cognitive health, bone health, function of your cardiovascular system and other essential body processes. Though most will know it for it's role alongside progesterone in female sexual health and reproductive health.

the ovaries in which a woman's eggs are produced is the main source of estrogen for your body, your adrenal glands located at the top of each kidney makes small amounts of this as well as fat tissue, estrogen moves freely through your body and acts everywhere.

your body in face makes 3 main types pf estrogen:

• Estradiol (E2): the most common type in women of childbearing age, too much will result in acne, loss of sex drive osteoporosis, and depression, very high levels can increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer, however low levels can result in weight gain and cardiovascular disease.

• Estriol (E3): the main estrogen during pregnancy, levels rise during pregnancy as it helps the uterus grow and prepares the body for delivery, estriol levels peak just before birth.

• Estrone (E1): the only estrogen your body makes after menopause (when menstrual periods stop) it is a weaker form of estrogen and one that the body can convert to other forms of estrogen, if necessary.

B. What it does

In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, urinary tract, heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain. Secondary sexual characteristics, such as pubic and armpit hair, also start to grow when estrogen levels rise. Many organ systems, including musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, and the brain are affected by estrogen.

C. Discomforts it may cause

Symptoms of low estrogen can include:

• Hot flashes, flushes, and night sweats are the most common symptoms of low estrogen. At times, blood rushes to your skin’s surface. This can give you a feeling of warmth (hot flash). Your face may look flushed. Hot flashes while you are sleeping are called night sweats.

• Mood swings are another effect of low estrogen. You may feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. Shifting hormone levels and night sweats may disrupt your sleep. This can cause fatigue, which may make mood swings worse.

• Thinning tissues may cause discomfort. Skin may appear more wrinkled. Thinning in the urinary tract may lead to bladder infections. You may also have an urgent need to urinate. Or you may lose bladder control (incontinence). Thinning of the vagina may cause dryness and painful sex.

When your body’s estrogen and testosterone levels aren’t balanced, you may begin developing certain symptoms. In women, potential symptoms include:

• bloating

• swelling and tenderness in your breasts

• fibrocystic lumps in your breasts

• decreased sex drive

• irregular menstrual periods

• increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• mood swings

• headaches

• anxiety and panic attacks

• weight gain

• hair loss

• cold hands or feet

• trouble sleeping

• sleepiness or fatigue

• memory problems