Estrogen Levels For People With Regular Cycles Not Using Hormonal Birth Control
Estradiol levels in the blood can range considerably across the cycle. Whatâs ânormalâ can vary based on the lab you go to, where you live, your ancestry, and the testing technique. So you should always interpret your lab results with this in mind, but you can use these reference points below.
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Early follicular phase: 20-150 pg/mL
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Midcycle peak: 40-350 pg/mL
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Luteal phase: 30-450 pg/mL
People under 15 years old and people who are postmenopausal generally have lower levels .
Estrogen levels can differ dramatically from cycle to cycle, but also be very different from person to person .
What Are The Symptoms Of Low Estrogen
First off, it is worth saying that low estrogen symptoms can be also a result of smoking, hereditary predisposition, and excessive exercising. So, whenever a woman wants to prevent the fast onset of menopause, she should avoid such activities, and inform a dedicated expert about signature genetic details. In such a case, he will be able to appoint hormone replacement therapy or recommend health supplements that will stabilize the levels as much as possible. Besides, such treatment can alleviate the symptoms of low estrogen, and let the woman live a comfortable life.
How Long Does Estrogen Therapy Last
If youve had a complete hysterectomy, youll likely be on a medically-supervised hormone replacement therapy for at least a few years. This is longer than a woman undergoing regular menopause . This is especially true if youve already had the surgery and youre closer to normal menopause age .
In fact, some experts recommend estrogen therapy until you hit the age of natural menopause . And some experts favor ET until age 60 and beyond
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Conditions That Contribute To Low Estrogen Symptoms
Before going over each of these symptoms, we need to know the potential causes of these symptoms. For starters, estrogen is in large part produced in women through the ovaries.
This means that anything that has an impact on the ovaries will have an effect on estrogen production.
What are the things that can affect the ovaries? Here is a short list:
- Anorexia and other eating disorders
- Genetic defects
- Problems with the pituitary gland
- Autoimmune conditions
- Impact of toxins on the body
These potential causes can affect women of any age. You dont have to be 40 years old or near to that age to experience these things that will impact your ovaries and produce low estrogen symptoms.
Are There Complications From Turner Syndrome
People with Turner syndrome are at a higher risk for certain medical problems. With appropriate monitoring and regular checkups, you can manage complications.
Kidney abnormalities are common. Some females with Turner syndrome also have recurrent urinary tract infections. The kidneys may be malformed or in the wrong position in the body. These abnormalities can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where you have low levels of thyroid hormone. This could be another complication. Its caused by the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Supplemental thyroid hormone can treat it.
People with Turner syndrome also have a higher-than-average risk of developing celiac disease. Celiac disease causes the body to have an allergic reaction to the protein gluten, found in foods like wheat and barley.
Heart abnormalities are common in individuals with Turner syndrome. People with the condition should be monitored for problems with their aorta and high blood pressure.
Obesity may be a complication for some individuals with Turner syndrome. It can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
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Eat For Hormonal Health
A healthy diet can speed healing, no matter what ails you. You can eat certain foods to support hormonal health. Always eat as many whole foods as you possibly can and avoid the processed and sugary ones. Organic veggies and fruits, lots of water and herbal teas, and fibrous foods like apples, pears, berries, avocados, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds are all beneficial for your body.
Why Are Athletes At Risk For Low Levels Of Estrogen
Women with low body fat often do not produce sufficient amounts of sex hormones. This can be a problem for women such as athletes, models, and gymnasts. It can also be a problem for women with eating disorders. These women can experience a cessation of menstruation, known as amenorrhea. They may also develop osteoporosis — thin bones — and fractures as well as other conditions more common in older women after menopause.
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Signs You May Have Low Estrogen And Progesterone
22/11/2020 00:00
When women come to see me for hormone concerns, the first place we start is evaluating their menstrual cycle, PMS symptoms and period to begin to gain insight into how their female hormones are functioning. Estrogen and progesterone are the two primary hormones that influence the female cycle, but they are by no means the only ones!
When it comes to these two particular hormones, there are 3 common patterns of hormone imbalance that I see in women: low progesterone, estrogen dominance, and lastly, low estrogen AND progesterone.
This article will cover hormone pattern # 3: low estrogen and low progesterone.
Firstly, why is estrogen important for womens health?
Estrogen is the hormone that is responsible for giving females the characteristic rounded hips and breasts. Its best known for its functions in reproduction, where it promotes the development of an egg and the lining of the uterus. However, there are many other reasons why estrogen should be one of your favourite hormones. Estrogen also has the following benefits for your health:
Why Estrogen And Progesterone Replacement Therapy Is Important
You might think that improving your levels of estrogen is mainly for the purpose of resolving menopausal symptoms. But actually, there is medical advice that suggests hormone therapy is even more important than that.
If your estrogen and progesterone levels arent properly balanced, you are at a higher risk for cancer. Additionally, low estrogen can put you at risk for weaker bones and even osteoporosis.
So, for many women, hormone therapy isnt just a question of improving their daily lives its a matter of health as well.
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The Trouble Is Your Hormones Not Your Head
The symptoms above are all signs of progesterone and estrogen imbalance. How many have you experienced? How many are robbing you of lifes joys and make you wonder if you are crazy or losing your mind? Do you feel alone in dealing with these symptoms? You’re not! Many other women experience estrogen and progesterone disruptors through menopause and are taking action to replace these vital hormones.
How Long Should I Take Hormone Therapy
In general, there is no time limit to how long you can take hormone therapy. You should take the lowest dose of hormone therapy that works for you, and continue routine monitoring with your healthcare provider to reevaluate your treatment plan each year. If you develop a new medical condition while taking HT, see your provider to discuss if its still safe to continue taking HT.
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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
Synthetic Hormones/ Hormone Replacement Therapy
These are manufactured in a laboratory and are animal-derived . They are not molecularly the same as the hormones in your body. You can only get them with a prescription from your doctor.
Some doctors suggest using these products for short periods of time as they may increase your risk for cancer. See your doctor to find the right plan for you.
Premarin is probably the most commonly used synthetic estrogen. It is made from the urine in pregnant mares, hence the name, Pre for pregnant and for mare.
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Do Estrogen Levels Fall At Menopause
Yes. Estrogen levels fall at menopause. This is a natural transition for all women between ages 40 and 55. The decline in estrogen can happen abruptly in younger women whose ovaries are removed, resulting in so-called surgical menopause.
Perimenopause is the period of transition before menopause. The first natural decline in estrogen levels starts during this phase. Other physiological changes also start. Women going through perimenopause may experience weight gain along with other menopause symptoms. For instance, there may be irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
On average, menopause occurs at age 51. When it does, a woman’s body produces less estrogen and progesterone. The drop of estrogen levels at menopause can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Some women experience moodiness. That may or may not be related to the loss of estrogen. Lower levels of estrogen may also increase a woman’s risk for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and fractures.
Your Circadian Rhythm Is Off
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland that is located in the brain. It produces melatonin, which affects circadian rhythm and the levels of other hormones in the body. A pineal cyst is a disorder of the pineal gland that may not produce any symptoms. If the cyst is large, it may produce symptoms including water on the brain , headache, eye problems, and vision problems. Large pineal cysts that cause problems usually affect women who are in their second decade of life.
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Why Does Your Estrogen Level Matter
Estrogen is a hormone. Although present in the body in small amounts, hormones have big roles in maintaining your health.
Estrogen is commonly associated with the female body. Men also produce estrogen, but women produce it in higher levels.
The hormone estrogen:
- is responsible for the sexual development of girls when they reach puberty
- controls the growth of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle and at the beginning of a pregnancy
- causes breast changes in teenagers and women who are pregnant
- is involved in bone and cholesterol metabolism
- regulates food intake, body weight, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity
Girls who havent reached puberty and women approaching menopause are most likely to experience low estrogen. Still, women of all ages can develop low estrogen.
Common symptoms of low estrogen include:
Hormone Balance And Tummy Trouble
Cells lining the gastrointestinal tract have receptors for both estrogen and progesterone. Levels of these hormones change throughout the course of a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. When they do, they impact the function of the gastrointestinal system. Women often experience abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and nausea before or during their periods. These symptoms can also occur with many other conditions. If a woman experiences them along with mood changes and fatigue before or during her period, it may be more likely that the GI disturbances are occurring due to monthly hormonal fluctuations.
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Symptom #7headaches And Migraine
Women who have experienced headaches that are hormone related may experience frequent headaches and migraine during the years leading to menopause.
Some may experience migraines that are more severe or at least headaches that are more frequent. The fluctuating estrogen and other hormone levels are seen by experts as the potential cause for such a phenomenon.
Some women may experience a cessation of their migraines the moment their menstrual periods have stopped. However, there are also women who experience worsening tension headaches because of these hormone fluctuations.
Still, some women experience more frequent headaches during the luteal phase i.e. the period before the start of their menstrual period. During this phase the estrogen levels are at their lowest during the menstrual cycle.
Experts say that if estrogen levels remain low throughout a menstrual cycle, a woman may have more frequent headaches. This is why you should get a checkup to see if the intense or more frequent headaches are migraine are caused by reduced estrogen levels or not.
How Can I Reduce These Side Effects Of Hormone Therapy
In most cases, these side effects are mild and dont require you to stop your HT. If your symptoms bother you, ask your healthcare provider about adjusting either the dosage or the form of the HT to reduce the side effects. Never make changes in your medication or stop taking it without first consulting your provider.
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What You Can Do Today About Low Estrogen Issues
When your estrogen levels start to drop, the development of unpleasant symptoms often comes on fast and furious. In other cases, women describe a slow and steady decline that they assumed was just a part of middle age. Whatever your personal experience is with imbalanced hormone levels, know this: you can start taking steps to feel better today.
There are several different hormone therapy options, and the right match for you will depend on many factors. Thats why your first step should always be to schedule a consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable expert, like the ones at Focal Point Vitality.
Not only does our consultation process include pinpointing your hormone levels and the possible causes of imbalance, but it also dives into your family, medical, and personal history. Together, well talk about your goals , then explore the treatment options that are best suited to you. Simple, straightforward, and hugely informative, a consultation at our Phoenix hormone replacement therapy clinic is a must and something you can tackle today.
From there, the treatment process will be completely tailored to your needs. Whether its estrogen, progesterone, or another replacement therapy thats right for you, youll have a Focal Point Vitality professional with you every step of the way. And because we customize every treatment plan, youre free to choose the options that fit your lifestyle and goals.
Stage : Luteal Phase = Lower Estrogen
In the second part of the cycle, the luteal phase, whenthe follicle has ruptured and the egg has been releasedâovulation has occurred. In the place where the follicle was, a new hormone producing structure forms from the walls of the follicle and is called the corpus luteum. The main function of the corpus luteum is to produce lots of progesterone, another sex hormone, but also some estradiol too .
If an egg is not fertilized and implanted, about four days before the start of the period, the corpus luteum stops producing progesterone and estradiol, and the levels of both hormones in the blood fall again. This triggers your period to start .
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Why Do I Need An Estrogen Test
You may need an estradiol test or an estrone test if you:
- Are having trouble getting pregnant
- Are a woman of childbearing age who is not having periods or having abnormal periods
- Are a girl with early or delayed puberty
- Have symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Have vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Are a boy with delayed puberty
- Are a man showing female characteristics, such as the growth of breasts
If you are pregnant, your health care provider may order an estriol test between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy as part of a prenatal test called a triple screen test. It can find out if your baby is at risk for a genetic birth defect such as Down syndrome. Not all pregnant women need to get an estriol test, but it is recommended for women who have a higher risk of having a baby with a birth defect. You may be at a higher risk if you:
- Have a family history of birth defects
- Are age 35 or older
- Have a viral infection during pregnancy
How Serious Are Side Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Most side effects of HRT are not severe. However, HRT can rarely cause severe side effects, including double vision, depression, extreme weakness and fatigue, fever, and severe abdominal pain. If you experience these or any other concerning or persistent symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately.
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