Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones that is essential for sexual and reproductive development. It is primarily produced in the ovaries of females, but smaller amounts are also produced in other tissues like fat, brain, bone and skin cells in both men and women.
Functions of Estrogen
Some of the main functions of estrogen in females include:
- Development of female sex characteristics during puberty like breast growth, distribution of body fat, and growth spurt
- Regulation of the menstrual cycle
- Thickening the endometrium (uterine lining) during the follicular phase in preparation for potential pregnancy
- Maintaining bone strength and bone mineral density
- Regulating cholesterol levels
- Influencing skin health and moisture levels
- Regulating mood and cognition
In males, while estrogen is produced in smaller concentrations, it is still essential for:
- Bone growth
- Sperm production
- Distribution of fat
- Libido
- Prostate health
Estrogen Imbalance
An imbalance in estrogen levels can occur due to various factors like menopause, hormonal birth control use, pregnancy, thyroid disorders or even stress. Some signs and symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Heavy/painful periods
- Infertility
- Poor concentration and memory
- Depression or anxiety
- Loss of muscle mass and osteoporosis
If you suspect an
estrogen imbalance, get your hormone levels tested and speak to your healthcare provider about
hormone replacement therapy. This can help mitigate symptoms and reduce your risk for conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis.
Expert Hormone Care
I hope this gives you a helpful overview explaining what estrogen is, its functions in the body, signs of imbalance, and where to turn for expert hormone care if needed. Let me know if you have any other questions!