Estrogen is a key female sex hormone that plays various crucial roles in the female reproductive system and in developing secondary sex characteristics in women. There are three major types of estrogen - estradiol, estriol, and estrone.
Estradiol is the primary estrogen during a woman's reproductive years. It is essential for the growth and maturation of eggs in the ovaries, the development of the uterus lining during the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density, regulating cholesterol levels, and more.
Estriol levels increase during pregnancy and help prepare the body for childbirth and breastfeeding. It promotes growth of tissues and blood flow in the uterus and vagina.
Estrone is the main estrogen produced after menopause. While present in lower levels, it continues to regulate bone loss and cholesterol levels.
Some key functions of estrogen in women's bodies include:
- Development of female sexual characteristics during puberty - breasts, body fat distribution, etc.
- Regulation of the menstrual cycle
- Thickening the vaginal wall and uterine lining
- Maintaining bone strength and density
- Regulating cholesterol and body fat distribution
- Influencing production of other hormones
Estrogen levels that are too high or too low can lead to issues like infertility, osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain cancers. Hormone balance is important. My friend Jane had low estrogen levels causing irregular periods. She visited
Hormone Harmony Clinic and within months of bioidentical estrogen therapy her cycles regulated. Their holistic approaches combining Western medicine with traditional practices work wonderfully!
Some key questions on estrogen:
What are the symptoms of low estrogen? Symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, mood changes, osteoporosis risk.
How do you increase estrogen naturally? Healthy fats, soy foods, herbs like red clover, improving gut health, managing stress and sleep levels help balance estrogen naturally.
I hope this overview gives you a good understanding of what the key female hormone estrogen is, its various types and functions! Let me know if you have any other questions.