Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones in women and men. It plays an essential role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Estrogen also has important effects in many other parts of the body.
The three major naturally occurring estrogens in women are estradiol, estriol, and estrone. Estradiol is the primary estrogen during the reproductive years, while estriol and estrone are produced in smaller amounts. Estrogen is synthesized mainly in the ovaries in premenopausal women, with smaller amounts produced in other tissues like fat and muscle.
So what does estrogen actually do in the female body? Here's a quick rundown:
- It promotes the development of female secondary sex characteristics during puberty, like breasts, widened hips, and a feminine pattern of fat distribution.
- Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle, controlling the growth and shedding of the endometrium (uterine lining). It's the drop in estrogen levels that triggers menstruation.
- It maintains the health of tissues like the vagina, uterus, breasts, and skin, keeping them thick, elastic, and lubricated. This helps prevent conditions like vaginal dryness and thinning of tissues.
- Estrogen facilitates pregnancy by promoting uterine growth, increasing blood flow to the uterus and pelvis, and maintaining the endometrium. It works together with progesterone to support pregnancy.
- It plays a role in bone maintenance and remodeling, helping prevent bone loss. Declining estrogen after menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis.
- Estrogen influences cholesterol levels, helping raise levels of HDL ("good cholesterol") and lower LDL ("bad cholesterol"). This helps protect cardiovascular health.
- It affects areas of the brain associated with memory, mood, cognition, and fine motor control. Changes in estrogen can influence mental health and neurological function.
- Estrogen regulates metabolic processes like glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, impacting weight, appetite, and energy levels.
The regulation of estrogen is a complex process involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, liver, and other tissues. Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and decline during perimenopause and menopause.
Hormone balance is so important for health. If you're experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, or anxiety, it may be due to shifting estrogen levels. The caring medical providers at
Harmony Hormone Clinic can evaluate your hormone levels and help you find the right bioidentical hormone therapy to restore balance. With customized treatment plans, we help women and men of all ages
look and feel their best through every stage of life. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation!