Estrogen Hormone: Functions, Types, And Why It Matters

Estrogen is a crucial hormone that affects many aspects of your health. From regulating your reproductive system to supporting bone strength, it plays a key role in your overall well-being. 

Whether you’re experiencing changes in your body or simply want to understand more, knowing about estrogen can bring clarity. Understanding its functions and types can help you feel more confident in managing your health. 

Let’s take a closer look at what estrogen does and why it matters for your body’s balance and vitality.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a group of hormones that play a crucial role in your body, particularly for women's reproductive health. It's produced primarily by the ovaries but also by fat cells and adrenal glands. 

In women, estrogen is essential for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. It’s also involved in bone health, brain function, and other systems within the body. Balanced estrogen levels are key for overall well-being, and any imbalances can impact health in various ways.

Types of Estrogen in the Body

Estrogen exists in several different forms in your body, each with a unique role. Here are the main types:

1. Estrone (E1): This is the main form of estrogen found in postmenopausal women. It is produced mainly in fat tissue and can be converted into other types of estrogen in the body.
2. Estradiol (E2): The most common and potent form of estrogen, it’s produced by the ovaries and is predominant during the reproductive years. Estradiol plays a significant role in menstrual cycles, fertility, and maintaining other bodily functions.
3. Estriol (E3): This form of estrogen is primarily produced during pregnancy by the placenta. Estriol levels are usually elevated during pregnancy and play a role in ensuring proper fetal development.

These types of estrogen have different roles depending on your age, health status, and stage in life.

Functions of Estrogen in Women

Estrogen function is extensive and vital for many aspects of health. Here are some key roles:

1. Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle: Estrogen is crucial for the development and release of eggs from the ovaries. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, ensuring that ovulation occurs and prepares the body for pregnancy.
2. Bone Health: Estrogen plays a significant role in maintaining bone density. It helps prevent bone loss and protects against osteoporosis.
3. Skin Health: This hormone contributes to skin elasticity and hydration. Reduced levels of estrogen can lead to dry, thinning skin, which is why many notice changes after menopause.
4. Mood Regulation: Estrogen has an impact on brain chemistry, influencing mood and cognitive function. Imbalances in estrogen levels can lead to mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
5. Cardiovascular Health: Estrogen supports the health of your blood vessels, promoting healthy cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.

When estrogen is balanced, it supports a smooth and healthy reproductive system, emotional well-being, and overall health.

Signs of Estrogen Imbalance

An estrogen imbalance can occur when the body’s estrogen levels are too high or too low. The symptoms vary based on whether the imbalance is excessive or deficient:

• Excess estrogen: Symptoms may include weight gain, bloating, mood swings, and heavy periods.
• Low estrogen: Low levels of estrogen can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irregular or missed periods. These are particularly common during perimenopause or menopause.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare provider to check your estrogen levels.

Causes of Low or High estrogen Levels

Several factors can lead to low estrogen levels:

1. Menopause: A natural decline in estrogen production during menopause often leads to lower levels.
2. Excessive Exercise: Women who engage in extreme physical activity may experience lower estrogen levels, as intense exercise can reduce fat, which is important for estrogen
3. Stress: Chronic stress can interfere with the body's hormonal balance, leading to lower estrogen
4. Medical Conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Turner syndrome can result in low estrogen
5. Medications: Certain medications, especially those for cancer treatment like chemotherapy, can lower estrogen

On the other hand, high estrogen levels can be caused by:

1. Obesity: Higher fat levels can lead to increased production of estrogen.
2. Hormonal Therapy: Women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may experience higher estrogen
3. Estrogen-producing Tumours: Some tumours can produce excess estrogen, leading to high levels in the body.

If you're experiencing symptoms of an estrogen imbalance, a blood test can help determine the exact cause.

Estrogen in Men: Does It Matter?

While estrogen levels are typically thought of as a female concern, they are just as important for men. Men have estrogen, though in much lower amounts than women. In men, estrogen is essential for:

1. Bone Health: Like in women, estrogen helps maintain bone density in men, and low levels may contribute to bone loss and osteoporosis.
2. Sperm Production: Proper estrogen levels are necessary for healthy sperm production and fertility.
3. Cardiovascular Function: Estrogen helps maintain cardiovascular health by promoting the healthy functioning of blood vessels and cholesterol regulation.
4. Mood and Cognitive Function: Estrogen impacts mood and mental clarity in men as well, influencing emotional well-being.

Abnormal estrogen levels in men can lead to issues like erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and even gynecomastia (breast tissue growth in men).

Diagnosis: Estrogen Blood Test

If you suspect an estrogen imbalance, a blood test is the primary way to confirm it. This test measures the amount of estrogen in your bloodstream and can be done at various points in your menstrual cycle to track fluctuations.

1. When to Test: Estrogen levels vary throughout the month, so it’s important to test at the right time, often on the third day of your cycle.
2. Interpreting Results: A low level of estrogen may indicate menopause, ovarian failure, or other medical conditions. Elevated estrogen may suggest conditions like estrogen dominance or certain cancers.
3. Follow-up: If the test shows abnormal results, your healthcare provider will likely conduct further testing or suggest treatment options to balance your estrogen levels.

Regular monitoring can help detect and address imbalances early. Low estrogen symptoms can be better managed when detected through this test.

Where is Estrogen Located in the Body?

Estrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries but can also be found in various other parts of the body:

1. Ovaries: The ovaries are the main source of estrogen production during the reproductive years.
2. Adrenal Glands: The adrenal glands produce small amounts of estrogen.
3. Fat Tissue: After menopause, fat cells become an important source of estrogen
4. Brain: The brain, particularly the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, play a key role in regulating estrogen

Maintaining healthy body fat and managing adrenal and ovarian function are essential for maintaining healthy estrogen levels.

What are the Common Conditions and Disorders Associated with Estrogen?

There are several health conditions related to estrogen levels:

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This condition leads to hormonal imbalance involving androgens, insulin, and irregular ovulation. Estrogen levels may fluctuate but are not always consistently low or high, causing irregular periods and infertility.
2. Endometriosis: This condition is influenced by estrogen levels and can cause painful menstrual cycles and fertility problems.
3. Estrogen Dominance: This condition occurs when there is too much estrogen relative to progesterone, leading to symptoms like heavy periods, weight gain, and bloating.
4. Estrogen Deficiency: A lack of estrogen can lead to menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
5. Breast Cancer: Some forms of breast cancer are estrogen receptor-positive, meaning they grow in response to estrogen.
6. Osteoporosis: Low estrogen levels, particularly during menopause, increase the risk of bone loss and fractures.

Managing estrogen levels through lifestyle changes, medication, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help manage these conditions.

What are Normal Estrogen Levels?

Normal estrogen levels depend on your age and stage in life:

• Premenopausal women: Estradiol (E2) levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, typically ranging from ~15 to 350 pg/ml depending on the phase.
• Postmenopausal women: Estradiol levels usually fall below 10–20 pg/ml, though some labs may report up to 30 pg/ml as low-normal.
• Men: Estradiol levels in men are usually between 10 and 40 pg/ml.

It’s important to understand that what is considered normal for you can depend on your unique health situation, so always consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

What are Common Treatments for Estrogen-Related Conditions?

Several treatments can help manage estrogen-related conditions:

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For women experiencing low estrogen during menopause, HRT can help restore normal levels and alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
2. Birth Control Pills: These can help regulate estrogen levels and manage conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and stress management can support balanced oestrogen production.
4. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): Medications like tamoxifen block the effects of estrogen in certain types of breast cancer.
5. Bone Strengthening: For those with osteoporosis, treatments may include estrogen therapy or medications like bisphosphonates to maintain bone health.

Discussing options with your doctor is key to finding the right approach for you.

How Can I Maintain Healthy Estrogen Levels?

To maintain healthy estrogen levels, consider these tips:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in phytoestrogens, like soy products, can help support estrogen levels naturally.
2. Regular Exercise: Exercise helps regulate hormone production, supporting optimal estrogen
3. Stress Management: High stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, so incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can be beneficial.
4. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight helps regulate estrogen levels, especially since fat tissue plays a role in hormone production.
5. Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help catch any imbalances early and allow for timely intervention.

Estrogen and Women's Life Stages

Throughout your life, estrogen levels change:

1. Puberty: Estrogen begins to rise, triggering the development of breasts and the start of menstruation.
2. Reproductive Years: Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall reproductive health.
3. Perimenopause and Menopause: As estrogen levels decline, women experience menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
4. Postmenopause: After menopause, estrogen levels remain low, but it still plays a role in bone health and cardiovascular function.

Understanding these changes can help you prepare for and manage each stage of life with confidence.

Conclusion

Estrogen is a vital hormone in your body, influencing various functions such as reproductive health, bone strength, and mood regulation. Understanding the types of estrogen, its functions, and recognizing imbalances can help you manage your health better. 

If you're concerned about estrogen levels, consider getting a professional diagnostic test to gain insights into your health.

For accurate and reliable hormone testing, including estrogen levels, Metropolis Healthcare offers comprehensive diagnostic services. Their extensive network of accredited labs and home visit options ensures convenient and trustworthy results. Trust Metropolis for your health assessments and peace of mind.

FAQs

How do I know my estrogen level?

You can determine your estrogen levels through a blood test, which is available at healthcare centres or through home visit services.

What does estrogen do for a woman?

Estrogen regulates menstrual cycles, supports reproductive health, strengthens bones, improves mood, and helps maintain healthy skin, among other critical bodily functions.

What happens if a girl has high estrogen?

High estrogen levels can cause irregular periods, mood swings, weight gain, and, over the long term, may increase the risk of certain hormone-sensitive conditions, including some types of cancer.

What happens if estrogen is low?

Low estrogen levels can cause hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, and may lead to osteoporosis or fertility issues.

Can estrogen cause weight gain?

Yes, estrogen imbalance can contribute to weight gain, particularly if levels are too high, as it can affect fat distribution in the body.