The Symptoms Of Low Estrogen Levels In Men
Experiencing a fluctuation in estrogen levels? Make sure you have the most current info. Read on to learn all about the symptoms of low estrogen levels in men.
Are you a man experiencing the symptoms of low estrogen levels?
As a male, you may not have realized before that your body produces estrogen. You may be more familiar with testosterone, which is the hormone most associated with the male sex.
Healthy levels of testosterone are important, as there a number of benefits for men, including protection from autoimmune diseases.
However, estrogen is equally important for men it needs to balance out right with your testosterone levels. This is the hormone most associated with the female sex, but both sexes have a mix of both in their bodies.
Here, we describe the symptoms of low estrogen levels in men, so that you know what to look out for which could indicate a problem.
How To Correct Low Estrogen
You now know that having low estrogen affects our bodies far beyond just reproductive health.
But if youre suffering from symptoms of low estrogen, youre not doomed to living like this forever!
Working with a qualified medical professional who has experience in womens health is the best way to correct any hormonal imbalances.
In the meantime, there are some general lifestyle corrections that you can start to make. These changes will benefit you whether you have low estrogen or not.
Low Estrogen Symptom #: Headaches
These days, headaches are pretty common. We spend so much time on the computer with bad posture, hunched over our smartphones, or stressed out from a long commute.
So random headaches that come and go are almost expected in our modern world.
But headaches that come at certain times during your cycle could be a symptom of low estrogen.
Headaches specifically migraines are two to three times more common in women than in men. And if you thought womens fluctuating hormones might be the reason behind that statistic, youd be correct!
Estrogen, among other hormones, can actually influence neurotransmitter systems in our brain that tell us if were feeling pain or not. And when estrogen is low, that pain signaling can increase, giving us a headache.
This is why headaches are often a common symptom of PMS. Your estrogen is the lowest right before your period, which can cause headaches.
Estrogen can also influence headaches because of its impact on serotonin levels. When estrogen is low, serotonin is also likely to be low. And low serotonin levels have been shown to contribute to changes in our muscles that can cause migraine and tension headaches.
If youre someone who gets frequent headaches, especially around your the start of your period, getting checked for an estrogen deficiency is a good idea.
And if you are struggling with these hormonal headaches, my fellow womens health advocate, Dr. Jolene Brighten, wrote a great article on some natural remedies you can try.
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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.
Diagnosing High Or Low Estrogen
A doctor will have you take a laboratory blood test if they believe you may have either high or low levels of estrogen.
For this, youll go to a laboratory that collects samples, and someone whos trained to take samples will use a needle and vial to collect the blood for testing.
You should receive your results in about a week. Youll see your blood estrogen levels shown in measurements of picograms per milliliter . Once you get your results, your doctor will let you know what youll need to do next.
If theyre normal, you wont necessarily need to do anything. But if your levels or high or low, your doctor will recommend the next steps to help get your estrogen levels balanced.
Here are some of the possible treatments a doctor may recommend to help control your estrogen levels.
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Will I Start Menopause If I Have A Hysterectomy
During a hysterectomy, your uterus is removed. You wont have a period after this procedure. However, if you kept your ovaries removal of your ovaries is called an oophorectomy you may not have symptoms of menopause right away. If your ovaries are also removed, you will have symptoms of menopause immediately.
Physical And Mental Symptoms Of High Estrogen Versus Low Progesterone
Estrogen dominance tends to manifest itself as various symptoms of excess, such as bloating, nausea, gas, acne, breast tenderness, pulsing headaches, etc.
Whereas progesterone deficiency can make you feel tired, or cause you to experience a mental fog, food cravings, diarrhea, dizziness, dull headaches, or a decreased sexual desire.
Both high estrogen and low progesterone can cause insomnia. To learn the difference, check out high estrogen insomnia versus low progesterone insomnia.
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Getting The Right Care To Protect Your Health
If youre worried about low estrogen levels, you may want to find a practitioner who can test them. When you work with a qualified practitioner to test your hormone levels, youll gain greater insight into any symptoms you are experiencing and how to best address them and improve overall health. Depending on your needs, this may include using testosterone therapy to boost your testosterone levels and encourage estrogen production. These hormone replacement strategies may be combined with lifestyle changes to enhance physical and emotional well-being.
You deserve to feel your best, now and in the future. By reaching out to the right healthcare practitioner, you can ensure you have the supports you need to make that a reality.
BodyLogicMD can help you get started on testing your estrogen levels and improving your hormonal health. The practitioners within the BodyLogicMD network are among the top medical professionals in the nation and specially certified in treating hormone imbalances in men so that you can live the life you deserve. If you are experiencing low estrogen or low testosterone, they will work with you to craft a customized treatment plan designed to fit your lifestyle and help you reach optimal wellness. Contact a local practitioner to schedule your first appointment or take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz today.
How Are Shifts In Mood Treated
If youre experiencing severe shifts in mood, or mood changes that cause extreme disruption in typical behavior, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the causes of your shifts in mood and help you find appropriate treatment. You may need professional therapy or medications to relieve these life-altering shifts in mood. Simple lifestyle changes may also help, too.
If your ups and downs arent affecting other aspects of your life negatively, you may be able to work through your shifts in mood without medical attention. You might be able to regulate your moods if you do the following:
- Keep a schedule. Try to create a routine for yourself, especially when it comes to eating and sleeping.
- Exercise regularly. Exercising regularly has numerous benefits for nearly all aspects of your health, including mood.
- Eat a healthy diet. A balanced, healthy diet can improve your mood and keep you healthy. Here are some tips to sticking to a healthy diet.
- Practice relaxation. Engage in calming practices like yoga or meditation.
- Avoid stress. Easier said than done, right? If you cant avoid it, aim to manage and relieve stress as it comes.
- Express yourself. Find a creative outlet to express yourself.
- Talk it out. Find someone to talk to, such as a friend, family member, or professional counselor.
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Low Estrogen Symptom #: Night Sweats
Night sweats are a classic symptom of perimenopause and menopause. And is one that so many women dread, for good reason.
Waking up at night drenched in sweat for seemingly no reason is never a fun experience. And is thankfully one that, if youre not in the throes of menopause, can usually be resolved!
These periods of intense sweating are related to a drop in estrogen levels, and your bodys attempt to regulate what it senses as being too hot.
Sweating at night can be traced back to estrogens effects on your perception of body temperature.
Your body has a range of temperatures at which it can comfortably maintain its own core temperature. This is known as the thermoneutral zone and is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain.
When the brain senses that your body is outside that thermoneutral zone, it relies on other means to maintain its internal temperature. One of those being reducing its temperature by drenching you in sweat!
At this point, you may be wondering how any of this is related to low estrogen.
Estrogen has binding sites in the brain, and when your estrogen is low, those receptor sites become increasingly sensitive. This increased sensitivity results in a narrowing of the thermoneutral zone. This can trick the body into thinking its too hot when it actually isnt.
Low estrogen levels actually make our bodies think that theyre warmer than they actually are. This is why you can wake up sweating for seemingly no apparent reason.
Estrogen and Blood Vessels
Menstrual Symptoms Of High Estrogen Versus Low Progesterone
When estrogen levels are too high, there may be a build-up of the uterine lining, which can cause intense, stabbing pains during period, and heavy menstrual bleeding with dark clots.
Due to the stagnation in the reproductive organs, you may feel bloated in the abdomen, have swollen and painful breasts, or experience pain one to two days before your period. ;
Since progesterone deficiency often accompanies estrogen dominance, you may experience similar symptoms if your progesterone levels are low. But the strength is likely to be weaker.
For example, you may have more of a dull pain or dragging sensation in the lower abdomen, which is often relieved by pressure or massage. The color of your menstrual blood is not as dark, and the amount of your bleeding is also less.
As you can see, though similar, the signs of estrogen dominance versus symptoms of progesterone deficiency differ in intensity and strength.
Here are a couple simple questions to ask yourself when faced with mixed signs: Do my overall symptoms suggest excess or deficiency? Do I feel robust or weak?
If you feel weak and have more of the symptoms of deficiency, you might want to focus on supporting progesterone. Review the 7 common causes of progesterone deficiency and learn how to use natural supplements to increase your progesterone production naturally.
I hope you find this post helpful. As always, please leave a comment to share your questions, thoughts and experiences.
Also Check: Who Needs Hormone Replacement Therapy
The Role Of Luteinizing Hormone
Luteinizing hormone, or LH, is a reproductive hormone that plays an important role in regulating your menstrual cycle and triggering ovulation. It can also be used to predict the time of ovulation.
The gradual rise of LH triggers the start of your most fertile days. Before the release of an egg, a.k.a. ovulation, LH surges dramatically. OPKs and digital fertility trackers detect this LH surge to let you know when your body is going to release an egg so you can plan to have sex or avoid sex .
What To Look Out For
Oftentimes, you may notice your mood changing before you have any physical symptoms. A few things to watch out for are unexplained irritability, depression, and mood swings. You might find that you just cant seem to get out of bed, or even the smallest things get to you more easily than they used to. Feeling constantly tired and not being able to sleep are also clues that something isnt quite right.
Some or all of these are typically paired with physical changes. Another sign that something is wrong is that your period becomes lighter or less frequent. Though your period may not be the most enjoyable experience, you should definitely question changes like lighter flow or irregular menstruation. Finally, youre likely familiar with the next symptoms: hot flashes and night sweats.
Having even one of these symptoms can make life difficult. The bottom line is, if you are seeing sudden changes in your mood or body, you should visit your womens health clinic. If you do have low estrogen, a doctor can help you find a solution to start feeling great again.
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Is Having A Hard Time Concentrating And Being Forgetful A Normal Part Of Menopause
Unfortunately, concentration and minor memory problems can be a normal part of menopause. Though this doesnt happen to everyone, it can happen. Doctors arent sure why this happens. If youre having memory problems during menopause, call your healthcare provider. There are several activities that have been shown to stimulate the brain and help rejuvenate your memory. These activities can include:
- Doing crossword puzzles and other mentally stimulating activities like reading and doing math problems.
- Cutting back on passive activities like watching TV.
- Getting plenty of exercise.
Keep in mind that depression and anxiety can also impact your memory. These conditions can be linked to menopause.
What Do Estradiol Levels Mean
High levels of estradiol indicate that you might have a problem with your ovarian reserve. It could also mean that the estradiol is suppressing FSH. Either of these things could mean that you will have more trouble getting pregnant, more trouble ovulating ,;and reduced success with IVF. In rare cases, high levels of estradiol could indicate an ovarian tumor or hyperthyroidism.;
If your estradiol levels are low, it can indicatepolycystic ovary syndrome or hypopituitarism. Women with eating disorders or;who practice;extreme endurance exercising may have low levels of estradiol. After menopause, estradiol levels are also low.;
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Low Estrogen Symptom #: Light Or Irregular Periods
A light period is one that has just one or two normal flow days with very light bleeding or spotting thereafter.
This may seem like a gift from God, especially if youve ever dealt with heavy periods. But light periods are actually a sign of low estrogen.
If you remember from middle school health class, our monthly bleeds are actually the shedding of our uterine lining. If our uterine lining is thick, well have a normal or heavier period. But if its thin, our periods will be light.
Estrogen actually causes this uterine lining to grow and thicken in preparation for implantation of a fertilized egg. When your estrogen is low, your uterine lining wont be as substantial. This leads to lighter, shorter periods.
Low estrogen levels can also go as far as causing you to miss a period altogether.
In fact, amenorrhea is one of the best clinical indicators for having significantly low estrogen.
If this is you, getting your estrogen levels checked as the cause of your light or missing periods is a great next step.
Did you know I have a free training dedicated to helping women regain their periods without birth control? If youre not getting a period or are dealing with irregular cycles, learn how you can get it back naturally without the pill!
When To See Your Doctor
Its common to experience a change in mood occasionally or to go through a short period of feeling elated or blue. But if your behavior is unpredictable for a number of days or longer, it may be a sign of something more serious.
You may feel grumpy one minute and happy the next. You may also have emotions that can cause damage to your life.
For example, you may:
- be so excitable that you find yourself unable to control urges to spend money, confront people, or engage in other uncontrollable or risky behaviors
- feel like you want to harm yourself or end your life
- be unable to visit friends, get enough sleep, go to work, or even get out of bed
Patterns of these types of mood shifts may be symptoms of a more serious health condition. You should schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your feelings. They can work with you to determine why you feel this way and what you can do to resolve it.
If youre currently in a crisis, or considering self-harm or suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
In many cases, shifts in mood are a symptom of a more serious health issue. They can occur due to mental health conditions, hormonal changes, or substance use problems, among other things.
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Youre Having Trouble Sleeping And Feel Fatigued
Yale Medicine notes that estrogen has been linked to protective effects against sleep apnea, which is a condition where your oxygen flow gets blocked as you sleep. Because your oxygen flow is blocked, you wake up a bunch of times, sometimes imperceptibly, throughout the night, meaning you’re unable to access deep, restorative sleep.
Is Estrogen Deficiency Really A Thing
The catchall term plays into a cultural notion that estrogen is what makes a woman a woman
Estrogen deficiency is a common phrase. It is often used to describe people who are one year or more beyond their last period. However, estrogen deficiency has been diagnosed in 13- or 14-years-olds who have just experienced their first period. Or in a thin or stressed university student whose menstruation suddenly stopped. It could also be found in a teenager who is eventually diagnosed as having polycystic ovary syndrome after persistent adolescent acne, unwanted facial hair and irregular periods. Finally, someone with estrogen deficiency might be having irregular or skipped periods as a perimenopausal 35-plus-year-old.
Odd, isnt it, that so many people lack estrogen?
Estrogen deficiency can be a serious condition in cisgendered women. It is linked to serious diseases like osteoporosis and heart attacks. A teenager whose period has stopped has low estrogen levels; she is losing bone density and risks later life fractures. Women living with PCOS are also at increased risk for diabetes, heart attacks, and endometrial and ovarian cancers as well as infertility. The typical perimenopausal woman develops high ;cholesterol and may be at increasedrisk for heart attacks. Menopause itself is linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis and heart attacks, as well as vaginal dryness and decreased interest in sex.
Does estrogen deficiency even exist?
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