strogens are a group of steroid compounds mainly produced by follicles in the ovaries during a woman’s reproductive years. Estrogen is responsible for the “feminine” features of women and has action in 300 tissues of the body. Some of the things estrogen controls include:
- Feminine body shape
- Vaginal lubrication
- Memory and mental calculation
- Skin tone
- Maintenance of healthy bones
- Strength of the bladder and vaginal walls
When does estrogen production decrease?
Estrogen production in women is usually well maintained until menopause. Once menopause happens, the symptoms of estrogen deficiency typically develop.
Symptoms of
Estrogen Deficiency
- Fatigue
- Menstrual irregularities
- Pain with intercourse
- Depression
- Muscle/joint aching
- Pale skin/loss in tone
- Low libido
- Incontinence
- Shrinking or sagging breasts
- Poor memory
- Frequent bladder infections
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
There are three major naturally occurring estrogens in the body that are worth mentioning in greater detail: Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3).
Estrone (E1)
is mainly produced after menopause. It is the most harmful estrogen and higher levels of it are linked to increased risk of breast and uterine cancer. It comes from the liver, adrenal glands, fat tissue and breasts. It has the potential to convert to Estradiol giving relief from menopausal symptoms. If suffering from either adrenal fatigue and/or liver stress, however, symptoms can worsen as your body is not producing adequate levels. This estrogen is not used in BHRT Canada preparations.
Estradiol (E2)
is the main female sex hormone, produced mainly in women . It is the main driver of body shape development, including breast development. Estradiol also affects bone density, skin elasticity and firmness, and growth of the reproductive organs. Estradiol levels can be used to check the function of the ovaries and adrenal glands. This is the main hormone that gives relief from menopausal symptoms.
Estriol (E3)
is produced in extremely small quantities normally. However, during pregnancy Estriol becomes the most produced hormone. Unlike Estrone (E1), it cannot convert to Estradiol. Research shows higher levels of Estriol are associated with decreased risk of breast cancer.
