Estrogen is one of the key female sex hormones that is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. Estrogen also plays an important role in other areas of the body including the heart, bones, brain, skin, liver and muscles.
There are 3 major naturally occurring forms of estrogen in women - estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Estradiol is the predominant and most potent one before menopause while estrone becomes the predominant one after menopause.
Some of the major functions of estrogen include:
- Development of female secondary sexual characteristics during puberty - growth of breasts, widening of hips, development of pubic hair etc.
- Regulation of the menstrual cycle - estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle causing cyclical changes in the uterus and ovaries. It causes thickening of the uterine lining during the follicular phase to prepare for pregnancy.
- Maintaining bone strength and density - estrogen promotes bone formation and prevents excessive bone loss. This is why post-menopausal women are at higher risk of osteoporosis due to low estrogen levels.
- Regulation of cholesterol levels - estrogen increases HDL (good) cholesterol while decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol. This provides cardioprotection in premenopausal women.
- Influences brain function and behavior - estrogen modulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine influencing mood, cognition, memory and more.
- Promotes vaginal lubrication and elasticity.
- Has protective antioxidant effects on the skin.
The major natural source of estrogen is the ovaries which produce estrogen from cholesterol through a process called aromatization. However, smaller amounts are also produced by other tissues like fat cells and adrenal glands.
Estrogen production starts during puberty stimulated by GnRH from the hypothalamus and FSH/LH from the pituitary gland. It peaks during the reproductive years and starts declining in the late 30s as women approach menopause, causing irregular cycles and menopausal symptoms.
While estrogen has many beneficial effects, an excess of estrogen or estrogen dominance can cause issues like breast tenderness, fluid retention, mood swings, weight gain and cancers if unopposed by progesterone. This is why it's crucial to maintain a healthy estrogen to progesterone ratio.
If you're dealing with estrogen dominance or hormonal issues, the caring doctors at Hormone Harmony can help get to the root cause with advanced testing and provide personalized solutions with bioidentical hormone therapy, supplements, diet and lifestyle changes. Book a consultation today to get your hormones balanced and restore optimal wellbeing!