Signs And Symptoms Of High Estrogen
What is estrogen?
Your bodys hormones are like a seesaw. When theyre perfectly balanced, your body works as it should. But when theyre unbalanced, you may begin experiencing problems.
Estrogen is known as the female hormone. Testosterone is known as the male hormone. Although each hormone is identified with a specific sex, both are found in women and men. On average, women have higher levels of estrogen and men have more testosterone.
In women, estrogen helps initiate sexual development. Along with another female sex hormone known as progesterone, it also regulates a womans menstrual cycle and affects her entire reproductive system. In premenopausal women, estrogen and progesterone levels vary from one stage of the menstrual cycle to another.
In men, estrogen also plays an important role in sexual function.
Over Exerting Your Liver Can Cause Estrogen Dominance
Everything you eat, drink, and swallow is processed by your liver. Drugs, alcohol, chemicals, toxins, and some herbs and supplements can have a negative impact on your liver. A poor diet and being overweight can also impair your liver. If your liver function is not as it should be, you could end up with higher estrogen levels from an accumulation of estrogen.
How Do I Know When My Estrogen Levels Are Dropping
Estrogen is vital to your body. That’s why, when levels of this important hormone begin to drop during menopause, the effects are felt everywhere, from physical discomfort to emotional pain. How can you pinpoint a specific symptom to estrogen declines, and what can you do to find relief? Continue reading to learn more.
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How Do You Raise Low Estrogen
Determining the cause of chronically low estrogen levels is helpful in determining the best strategy.
If it is due to menopause, increasing foods high in phytoestrogens like flax seeds, miso soup, and hops during this time period helps bring relief due to phytoestrogens binding to estrogen receptors and upregulating serotonin receptors. Maintaining a diet high in phytoestrogens may assist throughout the post-menopausal period for estrogen, serotonin levels and preventing bone loss.
If it is due to low body fat percentage, an eating disorder, or excessive physical training, talk to your doctor regarding your concerns and a plan going forward.
Youre Overly Anxious All The Time
If you feel like your nerves are constantly on edge and youâre always anxious, it could be estrogen related, though not necessarily. Sometimes, when estrogen levels are too high, we can suffer from estrogen dominance, which can result in edginess, anxiety, moodiness and even periods of extreme fatigue. Yet, this can also happen if we’re dangerously low in estrogen too, which can make it one reason it is hard to self-diagnose.
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Low Progesterone Or High Estrogen
In this post, Ill help you make a distinction between these two common patterns of hormonal imbalances so you can get down to the bottom of your symptoms and choose the right remedies.
Heres the key:
High estrogen levels tend to manifest as signs of excess, whereas low progesterone levels are likely to produce symptoms of deficiency.
Below are some examples:
Causes Symptoms And Treatment
Estrogen is a hormone produced in the ovaries and commonly associated with the female reproductive system. However, it is also present in small amounts in mens bodies. Hormones are substances that regulate the activity of specific cells and organs. There are many hormones, many of which work together to release other regulatory hormones in the body.
Estrogen is considered a sex hormone because it regulates sexual development in females. There are also synthetic hormones used in supplementation for women with low hormone levelssuch as low estrogen.
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How Is Low Estrogen Diagnosed
Diagnosis and treatment of low estrogen can help prevent many health issues.
If youre experiencing symptoms of low estrogen, talk with your doctor. They can assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis if needed. Early diagnosis may help prevent further complications.
During your appointment, your doctor will discuss your family health history and assess your symptoms. Theyll also perform a physical exam. Blood tests will likely be needed to measure your hormone levels.
Your follicle stimulating hormone levels may also be tested to determine whether your estrogen is low if youre experiencing:
- hot flashes
- insomnia
- frequently missed periods
Causes Of Low Estrogen Levels
There are various health conditions that can result from low estrogen levels. This is because estrogen impacts a wide range of bodily functions . There are several reasons that a womans estrogen level can be low, these include:
- any condition that damages the ovaries
- excessive exercise
- long-term kidney disorder
- perimenopause
- menopause
- effects of chemotherapy
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What Are Low Estrogen Symptoms
First, letâs talk about causes. Women may have lower levels of estrogen when theyâre postmenopausal, after an oophorectomy , or when they have a lower body-fat percentage.
If you have lower levels of estrogen, you might experience:
- Infrequent or disrupted periods
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Sleeping issues
- Anxiety or depression
How do normal estrogen levels change with age?
During the reproductive years, estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle â theyâre highest toward the middle and lowest during your period.
At the onset of menopause, when periods come to a complete stop, estrogen levels drop.
Can you test your estrogen levels?
Yep â and Modern Fertility makes it easy to check in with your hormone levels at home. Depending on your birth control, you can test up to eight hormones, including E2 , and get customized, physician-reviewed reports based on your results.
Hereâs what else youâll get:
- A free 1:1 consult with our fertility nurse
- Online tools to track hormone changes over time and help you plan your timeline for kids
- Access to our weekly live Q& As
- An invite to the Modern Community to connect with others and get your questions answered
Conditions Related To High Estrogen
High levels of estrogen can put you at a higher risk of some other conditions. For example, elevated estrogen levels are a risk factor for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. According to the American Cancer Society , estrogen dominance can also increase your risk of endometrial cancer.
High levels of estrogen may put you at higher risk of blood clots and stroke.
Estrogen dominance may also increase your chances of thyroid dysfunction. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue and weight changes.
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Sex Is Suddenly Painful
Low estrogen can also make sex itself feel more painful . Dr. Eyvazzadeh points to vaginal dryness as a symptom of low estrogen from menopause: if you don’t have enough estrogen, your vagina can dry out, and having sex without enough lubrication can be seriously painful. Dr. Minkin also notes that for some people, being on a low-estrogen form of birth control can increase vaginal dryness: “The amount of moisture in your vagina is sort of dependent on the amount of estrogen in the pills, and … one of the side effects could be vaginal dryness.”
A lack of estrogen also can thin your vaginal walls, another thing that contributes to pain during penetration. Dr. Minkin suggests a vaginal moisturizer like Replens if vaginal dryness is an issue for you.
Signs Of Low Estrogen Levels
Its clear that estrogen is closely linked with womens emotional well-being. Estrogen is also linked to mood disruptions that occur only in women. WebMD
Estrogen is one of two vitally important hormones in women . It turns out that this hormone is not only responsible for a normal functioning of a womans body, but also for proper mental functioning.
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How Is Low Estrogen Treated
Women who have low levels of estrogen may benefit from hormonal treatment. Hormonal treatment is the standard for low estrogen. There are non-hormonal options to help relieve symptoms. Non-hormonal options are preferred for women at high risk for breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, or liver disease.
The Effects Of Hormones On Psoriasis Everything You Need To Know
The vague etiologies that trigger psoriasis led scientists to explore every possible factor that could be causing, improving, worsening, or preventing this condition.
Like other skin conditions, hormonal fluctuations and psoriasis go hand in hand. Understanding how hormones influence psoriasis symptoms can be very helpful for patients and their doctors to control this disease.
For instance, if the sudden drop of estrogen and progesterone is the cause thats worsening your symptoms , your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to solve this issue.
Another scenario where treating the underlying condition can help psoriasis is Hashimotos thyroiditis. This autoimmune disease causes a dramatic increase in the levels of thyroid hormones, which precipitate psoriasis flareups. If you treat this condition with antithyroid medications, symptoms usually improve within a few days/weeks.
In this article, we will cover the details of hormonal influence on psoriasis and how it can lead to flareups when left untreated.
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How Do I Test My Progesterone Levels At Home
Introducing PdG : the urine metabolite of progesterone. After progesterone circulates through your bloodstream, it gets metabolized by the liver and excreted from the body in the form of PdG in your urine.
Studies have shown that PdG levels in urine correlate to progesterone levels in blood. In fact, PdG levels in first morning urine after at least a 6 hour hold show an average of all your progesterone levels from the day before . PdG is not subject to the same fluctuations as progesterone.
PdG tests offer a non-invasive, at-home alternative to progesterone testing. Since PdG tests allow you to test levels over multiple days, you can get a more complete picture of your levels throughout your luteal phase.
Proov PdG tests are the first and only FDA cleared PdG test to confirm successful ovulation at home. Proov PdG tests are designed to turn positive when there is 5 ug/ml of PdG present in urine which studies show leads to the highest chance of successful pregnancy. In fact, high PdG leads to 5 times more live births!
Proov PdG tests are the first and only FDA cleared PdG tests to confirm successful ovulation at home.
If you get anything less than 3 positive Proov PdG tests or your day 10 past peak fertility test is negative, this means your PdG levels are low and could be making it more difficult for you to conceive. If this is the case, we recommend consulting your doctor for further treatment. Often, natural remedies can do the trick!
What You Can Do About It
If you think you might have low estrogen, the first thing to do is talk to your doctor. They can test your hormone levels to make sure this is the case. Then they can work with you to figure out why this might be happening so you can get the correct treatment.
“If you have symptoms of low estrogen, you shouldn’t tough it out. There’s help for you!” Dr. Eyvazzadeh says. “And if you don’t have a doctor that is listening and paying attention to your symptoms then find another one. A gynecologist should be able to help with symptoms of low estrogen.”
It’s important, though, to rule out menopause as a factor. “If you suspect premature menopause, you do want to see your gynecologist, because women with premature menopause need to be on hormonal therapy,” says Dr. Minkin. “The rate of premature menopause is high enough that everyone should know how to check for it and the symptoms,” says Dr. Eyvazzadeh.
Having low estrogen isnât immediately dangerous per se but it definitely affects your bodyâs performance on a number of levels. If youâve read the symptoms and think your estrogen might be low, talk to your doctor about getting your levels tested. Your doctor can help you get your levels, and your life, back on track.
Studies Cited
Experts
Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine
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Why Do Young Women Need Estrogen
There are compelling reasons for young women to regulate their estrogen levels. This hormone helps them through their reproductive years and keeps them healthy.
1. Creates a Suitable Environment for Female Development
Estrogen creates a suitable environment for the development of female traits, such as breasts, pubic hair, and menstruation. A deficiency of estrogen can lead to a range of health problems.
2. Maintain Sex Hormones
Estrogens facilitate the development and maintenance of female sex hormones in the body. Though we associate them with women, men have them to a smaller degree.
3. Prompts the growth of the ovum
This hormone stimulates the growth of the female ovum or egg. It also helps the vagina and fallopian tubes to develop.
4. Enhances Blood Flow In The Uterus
Furthermore, estrogen increases blood flow in the uterus and stimulates enzyme activity. It also causes the muscles in the uterus to contract and eases infant delivery.
5. Enables Mucous Flow and Mammary Growth
Estrogen allows mucous secretions, which in turn, moves the sperm to the egg. Youd probably guess that it facilitates the growth of a womans breasts during her adolescent years.
6. Helps us tell the difference between men and women
Why Is It Important To Measure My Progesterone Levels
Measuring your progesterone levels can help you better understand if your body is prepared for conception. After all, without enough progesterone it can be more difficult to get pregnant! Additionally, low levels of progesterone can negatively affect implantation and the receptivity of the uterine lining, or even cause early miscarriage.
In fact, progesterone is so important that recent studies show that progesterone supplementation may prevent thousands of miscarriages per year. These studies also showed that progesterone was especially beneficial for women who experience bleeding in early pregnancy or recurrent early losses.
To sum it up, here are two important reasons to measure your progesterone levels when TTC:
But the influence of progesterone in your body extends beyond its reproductive function. Here are just a few examples:
Measuring your progesterone levels can help you better understand if your body is prepared for conception.
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How Can You Tell If You Have Low Estrogen Levels
Estrogen Rich Foods You Should Include in Your Diet
- Flax Seeds. Flax seeds are one of the richest sources of estrogen, and they top the list of foods containing phytoestrogen.
- Soy. Soy products have isoflavones that are known to boost the estrogen levels in women.
- Fruits.
What Are The Symptoms Of High And Low Estrogen
Chronically high estrogen levels can lead to anger, irritability, anxiety, worry, panic attacks, fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, bad PMS and cramps, allergies, blood clots, fibroids, endometriosis, and hormone-related cancers.
Very low levels of estrogen can cause depression, low libido, poor concentration and memory, migraines, fatigue, bone loss, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, UTIs, infertility, and cardiovascular disease.
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Low Estrogen Symptom #: Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness cannot only make having sex unpleasant, but its also a symptom that you could have low estrogen.
You might be experiencing vaginal dryness if you can relate to any of the following symptoms:
- Burning or itching
- Pain during sex
- Lack of a feeling of lubrication
These are also symptoms of many other vaginal health issues. So definitely make an appointment with your gynecologist if this sounds like you.
Estrogen helps to keep the vagina moist, maintain the proper thickness of vaginal lining, and keep its tissue flexible.
When estrogen is at normal levels, all of its functions in the vagina help to keep you properly lubricated.
But when estrogen is low, you can end up feeling pretty dry down there.
In fact, I consider vaginal dryness one of the first signs that your estrogen is low, even in the absence of any other symptoms!
Youre Having Trouble Getting Pregnant
If youâre trying to get pregnant and you have low estrogen, it could be a challenge to conceive. This is connected to symptom #1 â if you donât have enough estrogen in your body for it to grow a thick uterine lining, you wonât have enough nourishment to grow a baby. Similarly, if you’re not ovulating, your body isn’t releasing an egg, meaning there’s nothing for sperm to fertilize.
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Psoriasis And The Menstrual Cycle
During the menstrual cycle, hormone levels vary greatly. Before menstruation, estrogen levels will be very low. After your period, hormone levels start increasing gradually.
According to research, fluctuation in estrogen could be responsible for making psoriasis symptoms worse.
Therefore, if you experience psoriasis flareups during specific times in your cycle, make sure to mention that to your dermatologist for tailored medical care.
Remember that the occurrence of psoriasis flareups may not always be connected to your menstrual cycle. To provide your doctor with accurate data, create a journal where you write down relevant information about your clinical evolution.