Estrogen is an important hormone that responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. It has an important role in formation of feminine body structure, pubic and armpit hair growth, development of breast and regulation of menstrual cycle. Many health problems can arise due to lack of estrogen, which has many effects on sexual life, pregnancy, birth and menopause.
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Estrogen (female hormone) is one of the two main hormones women have. It is the main hormone responsible for the formation of women’s physical characteristics and reproduction. It is also found in men, but the amount is very low. The estrogen released from the ovaries is also released from adrenal glands and adipose tissue in small amounts. The hormone that passes through the blood transmits messages to various tissues and cells in the body.
It mediates the initiation of sexual development. Female hormone that works with progesterone hormone regulates the menstrual cycle. Provides the formation and continuity of reproductive functions. In puberty, the ovaries secrete estrogen in parallel with the menstrual cycle. Its level increases suddenly during an ovum release cycle. After ovulation, levels decrease sharply.
Estrogen testing measures the level of female hormones in blood or urine. Blood is usually taken for testing. Sometimes 24-hour urine can be collected and tested. There are three types of estrogen hormone measured by this test:
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Estron (E1) | Estradiol (E2) | |
Pre-puberty | uncertain – 29 pg / mL | uncertain – 20 pg / ml |
Adult | 10–200 pg / mL | uncertain – 350 pg / ml |
Premenopause (before menopause) | 17–200 pg / mL | 15-350 pg / ml |
Postmenopause (after menopause) | 7–40 pg / mL | <10 pg / ml |
Estron (E1) | Estradiol (E2) | |
Pre-puberty | uncertain– 16 pg / ml | uncertain – 13 pg / ml |
Puberty | uncertain – 60 pg / ml | uncertain –40 pg / ml |
Adult | 10–60 pg / ml | 10–40 pg / ml |
Because the female hormone is produced in the ovaries, many conditions that affect the ovaries can lead to estrogen deficiency. Causes in women:
Long-term estrogen hormone deficiency makes bone fracture easier. Bone minerals decrease and bone pain occurs. Some untreated patients may experience infertility.
Women who are between 25 and 50 years of age are deficient in estrogen hormone are given a high dose of estrgen. With this treatment, the risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and hormonal imbalance decrease. Methods of estrogen therapy:
Sometimes, long-term treatment may be required even after hormone levels return to normal. Estrogen therapy can also reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms and the risk of fracture. Prolonged estrogen therapy is primarily recommended for women who are in premenopause and who also have hysterectomy.
In all other cases, estrogen therapy is recommended for only one to two years. This is because this type of treatment can increase your risk of cancer.
Estrogen and progesterone hormone are included in the contraceptive pill. Many women take low-dose birth control pills containing 20 to 50 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) aims to eliminate some menopausal symptoms by normalizing female hormone levels. Menopause causes a significant reduction in your estrogen and progesterone levels. Treatment can be provided only as estrogen hormone or as a combination of estrogen and progesterone. HRT may have side effects such as bloating, headache and vaginal bleeding.
HRT can be taken by oral, topical, vaginal, injection or subcutaneous pellets. The dose administered depends on the individual. Usually, doctors prescribe the lowest dose that relieves symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy may not be suitable for women who are at risk of stroke, heart attack or high blood pressure. If you are thinking about HRT, talk to a qualified doctor about the benefits and risks.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is performed only in women who have undergone menopause and hysterectomy. The reason for this is that ERT is associated with uterine cancer, but this effect does not occur after hysterectomy. ERT is effective in preventing menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and colon cancer.
Some foods contain phytoestrogens that may affect levels of estrogen in the body. Phytoestrogens are a natural compound found in plants and plant-based foods. Some of the phytoestrogens are:
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There are many reasons leading to the increase of estrogen. It may rise naturally or may increase after taking some medications. For example, it has been observed that can reach high levels after estrogen replacement therapy given to decrease menopausal symptoms.
For males, healthy estrogen and testosterone balance should be established for sexual maturation and development. The sexual development and functions may be impaired as a result of the inbalance of hormones.
To manage high estrogen, your doctor can prescribe medications, recommend surgery, or tell you to adjust your diet.
If you are receiving hormone replacement treatment, your doctor will change your treatment plan to provide a better hormone balance.
In addition, drugs such as Goserelin and Löprolid, which prevent the production of estrogen, can be given to ovaries.
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If you have estrogen-sensitive cancer, your doctor may recommend oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). The ovaries are the main production site of estrogen. Increased estrogen levels can be prevented by the removal of the ovaries. Oophorectomy can also be recommended when your risk of breast or ovarian cancer is too high.
Certain foods may reduce the body’s estrogen levels. These are:
In addition, loosing weight may decrease the estrogen levels in overweighted individuals as fat cells produce extra estrogen.
Menopause is a period in which fertility and menstrual cycles end and is the result of a decrease in estrogen levels. With the advancement of age and the number of eggs, the release of estrogen and progesterone hormones is reduced. As a result, egg excretion from the ovaries slows down and ends completely after a while.
References: 1- Estrogen, 2- HRT and Estrogen, 3- What is Estrogen?
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