Estrogen deficiency occurs when a woman's body does not produce enough of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is essential for many bodily functions and low levels can lead to various symptoms and health issues.
Some key facts about estrogen deficiency:
- Estrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries. It peaks during a woman's reproductive years and declines with age, especially around menopause.
- Low estrogen levels can be caused by primary ovarian insufficiency, surgery to remove the ovaries, or certain medications. Some health conditions like thyroid disorders can also impact estrogen.
- Symptoms of low estrogen include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, increased urinary tract infections, loss of bone mass, anxiety, fatigue, and reduced sex drive.
- Long term estrogen deficiency can lead to conditions like osteoporosis. It is also associated with heart disease and stroke risk.
- Treatment options for low estrogen include hormone therapy with estrogen alone or combined with progesterone. This can effectively relieve symptoms and prevent bone loss.
- Lifestyle changes like eating soy, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol may help manage estrogen deficiency symptoms. Phytoestrogens from foods like soy, flax seeds, and beans may provide mild estrogen-like benefits.
- Vaginal estrogen creams or tablets specifically treat vaginal dryness and discomfort from low estrogen. This localized treatment prevents absorption into the bloodstream.
- For women who cannot take estrogen therapy, other medications like bisphosphonates or raloxifene can help strengthen bones and prevent fractures.
At Balance Hormone Center, we specialize in effectively diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances like estrogen deficiency in women. Our experienced physicians will conduct necessary tests and assessments and work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan to get your hormone levels balanced and restore wellbeing. We offer bioidentical hormone therapy including estrogen creams, gels, patches and pills to safely and effectively treat symptoms of low estrogen. Contact us today to schedule an appointment - we are committed to getting you feeling healthy, energized and back to yourself!