Low estrogen symptoms

Estrogen is a female hormone that is produced by a woman’s ovaries. This hormone plays a vital role in a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. As a woman ages her estrogen levels begin to decline when she nears menopause. During the perimenopause stage, or just before menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels can fluctuate wildly. Since estrogen plays such and important role in the health of females, it is not surprising that when levels begin to fluctuate and decline the woman will have various symptoms that reflect her estrogen levels directly.

Certain well known low estrogen symptoms are common to women who are going through menopause. The common symptoms for women approaching or going through menopause are:

  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Sleep disorders
  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Crying spells
  • Rage
  • Bone loss
  • Night sweats

When low estrogen symptoms are related to menopause the woman’s skin is dry and prone to developing acne. Thinning of the bones begins to occur and can result in the development of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is itself a symptom of low estrogen levels. Vitamin D deficiency can also be counted amongst the low estrogen symptoms in menopausal women. This is because when a woman does not have enough estrogen her absorption of vitamin D is dramatically slowed down. Women should begin taking calcium supplements with vitamin D when they reach the age of 50 to help counter act bone loss.

Thinning of the walls of the vaginal is also listed amongst low estrogen symptoms. Estrogen plays a vital role in a woman’s sexual health. As a result, low estrogen levels can cause painful intercourse. Women who have gone through menopause may experience an increase in sex drive however. Low estrogen symptoms in older women can also include headaches, mental confusion, memory retention problems and trouble in concentration. Depression and suicidal thoughts are also common low estrogen symptoms in women who have gone through menopause. Dietary supplements and natural anti-depressants can help relieve these symptoms. Older women who are in the should be tested for low estrogen levels. Certain medications and creams can help restore hormone balances. There are also natural remedies have been found helpful to relieve these symptoms.

Low estrogen symptoms are experienced by younger women as well. However their symptoms are usually different than low estrogen symptoms in older women. When younger women do not produce enough estrogen in their body for one reason or another there are low estrogen symptoms that will be noted. Not producing enough estrogen for young women can also signal the presence of adrenal cancer or ovarian cancer. It is important that young women who are experiencing symptoms of low estrogen consult with her medical doctor since symptoms of low estrogen levels can signal other health problems as well. A doctor can order a blood test done to test for estrogen levels. A test for FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) can also help determine a woman’s estrogen levels. FSH levels are low if estrogen is low. Excessive exercise can lower a woman’s estrogen level. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa can also lower a woman’s estrogen level because of the reduction in body fat where small amounts of estrogen can also be produced.

Low estrogen symptoms in younger women include:

  • Lack of menstruation
  • Delayed development
  • Fatigue
  • Infertility
  • Frequent bladder infections
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Painful intercourse
  • Decreased sex drive

If you are experiencing low estrogen symptoms you do not have to suffer through them. There is help to relieve the symptoms. First of all, testing should be done to determine the cause of low estrogen. Then positives steps can be taken to relieve the symptoms.

Last updated on Aug 31st, 2010 and filed under Women's Health. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

1 Response for “Low estrogen symptoms”

  1. Meg says:

    Above, it notes that FSH is low if estrogen is low. That is untrue. My FSH is extremely high, at 105. My Estradiol was noted at less than 20. I have a diagnosis of Premature Ovarian Failure.

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