Estrogen is a hormone produced in the ovaries. It plays a major role in the female reproductive system.
Estrogen is a sex hormone that controls sexual development in females. It's also present in small amounts in males.
The Function of Estrogen
Estrogen is the hormone that's mainly responsible for sexual development in girls as they reach puberty.
Other functions of estrogen include:
- Initiates changes in breast tissue during teenage years and pregnancy
- Helps regulate menstrual cycles
- Helps regulate body weight by helping to control metabolism
- Involved in the development and growth of healthy bone tissue (prevents bone loss by promoting absorption and retention of calcium levels)
- Plan a role in promoting healthy cardiovascular ( heart and blood vessels) health rolepromoting
A number of different conditions can result in low estrogen levels in females.
Some causes include:
- Damage or removal of the ovaries, such as a complete hysterectomy—a surgical procedure removing the uterus and ovaries
- Excessive exercise
- Thyroid conditions
- Pituitary gland dysfunction
- Anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders
- Malnutrition
- Turner syndrome, a genetic defect in which a person has only one X chromosome, instead of two sex chromosomes, which causes developmental abnormalities and infertility
- Genetic defects that cause premature ovarian failure
- Autoimmune conditions
- Chronic (long term) kidney disease
- Perimenopause, the time before menopause, during which estrogen levels fluctuate
- Menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, with very low estrogen
- Effects of chemotherapy
Risk Factors
Age is the number one risk factor for low estrogen. As a female approaches age 47—perimenopause age—she experiences fluctuating estrogen levels for several years until full menopause.
A family history of hormonal problems is also a risk factor for low estrogen.
Symptoms
There are several effects of low estrogen. Many of these mimic the symptoms of menopause.
Symptoms of low estrogen may include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Amenorrhea
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Worsening migraines
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Infertility
- Painful sex due to a decrease in vaginal lubrication
- Osteoporosis, which is the weakening of bones that can lead to fractures
- Impaired sexual development and sexual function
Food
1. Soybeans
In one study on soy and those with breast cancer, researchers found that a higher soy intake was linked to a lower risk of breast cancer death. This may be due to the estrogen-like benefits of phytoestrogens.
More extensive research is needed on soy and its effects on estrogen levels in the body.
2. Flax seeds
Flax seeds also contain high amounts of phytoestrogens. The primary phytoestrogens in flax are called lignans, which are beneficial in estrogen metabolism.
One animal study from 2017 demonstrated that a flaxseed-rich diet was able to reduce ovarian cancer severity and frequency in hens. More human research is still needed.
3. Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are another dietary source of phytoestrogens. Another animal study from 2014 investigated the impact of soybean and sesame oils on rats with estrogen deficiency.
The researchers found that a 2-month diet supplemented with these oils was able to improve bone health markers. This research suggests a positive estrogen-like effect of both sesame and soy seeds, although further human research is needed.
Vitamins and minerals
4. B vitamins
B vitamins play an important role in the creation and activation of estrogen in the body. Low levels of these vitamins can lead to reduced levels of estrogen.
In one study researchers compared levels of certain B vitamins to breast cancer risk in premenopausal women. Results indicated that higher levels of vitamins B-2 and B-6 were associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, which may be due to the impact of these vitamins on estrogen metabolism.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D functions as a hormone in the body. One study explains that both vitamin D and estrogen work together to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The link between these hormones is due to the role that vitamin D plays in estrogen synthesis. This indicates a potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation in low estrogen levels.
6. Boron
Boron is a trace mineral that has a variety of roles in the body. It’s been researched for its positive benefits on reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Boron is also necessary for the metabolism of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen.
Researchers believe that boron influences estrogen receptors by allowing the body to more easily use the estrogen available.
7. DHEA
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a naturally occurring hormone that can be converted to estrogen and testosterone. Within the body, DHEA is first converted to androgens and then further converted to estrogens.
One study also found that DHEA may be able to provide similar benefits in the body as estrogen.
Herbal supplements
8. Black cohosh
Black cohosh is a traditional Native American herb that has historically been used to treat a variety of conditions, including menopause and menstrual issues.
9. Chaste berry
Chaste berry is a traditional herbal treatment that’s most well known for its use in gynecological conditions, such as PMS.
In one study researchers reviewed the available literature for the Vitex species, which includes chaste berry. They found that it was able to exhibit estrogenic effects at the dosages of 0.6 and 1.2 grams/kilogram of body weight.
These benefits most likely come from a phytoestrogen in chaste berry called apigenin.
10. Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a traditional herbal remedy that contains high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, making it a popular supplement for conditions such as PMS and menopause. There’s very little recent research on the benefits of evening primrose oil for estrogen.
However, one study found that of over 2,200 women that used EPO after discontinuing hormone replacement therapy, 889 reported EPO as useful for controlling the symptoms of low estrogen with menopause.
11. Red clover
Red clover is an herbal supplement that contains a handful of plant compounds called isoflavones that may act like estrogen in the body. These isoflavones include:
- biochanin A
- formononetin
- genistein
- daidzein
One review study examined the impact of red clover on hot flashes and hormone levels in women. The researchers found four studies that showed a significant increase in estrogen levels with red clover supplements.
12. Dong quai
Dong quai is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly taken for the symptoms of menopause. Like the other herbal supplements above, dong quai contains compounds that function as phytoestrogens.
In one study, researchers examined the possible estrogenic compounds in 17 popular herbal supplements. They found two possible compounds in dong quai that exhibit estrogenic activity.
Low estrogen levels can impact many aspects of overall health and wellbeing, including physical, emotional, and sexual health. They may also increase the risk of serious conditions, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and obesity.
Functional foods, vitamins and minerals, and herbal supplements are all natural ways to boost estrogen in the body.
If natural methods aren’t enough to boost your estrogen levels, visit your doctor to discuss other treatment options, such as hormone replacement therapy.
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