Role of Estrogen Hormone | What is high and low-level estrogen | Food to Eat
Table of Contents
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is the main female sex hormone, but somehow it is present in both male and female.
However, females tend to have higher levels of estrogen hormone, while males have more testosterone, which is the main male sex hormone.
In females, estrogen plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.
In males, it is important for sexual function. Male and females can develop high and low levels of estrogen, which can affect overall health and sexual function of a human body.
What is the normal range of estrogen level?
A normal level of Estradiol [E2] for menstruating women ranges from 15 to 350 Picograms per milliliter [pg/ml]. For postmenopausal women, the normal level of estrogen should be lower than 10 pg/ ml.
When is estrogen level called low?
When the level of estrogen, below 10 pg/ml it said to be the low level of estrogen in an individual. When estrogen levels are low, it can have several effects on the body.
Women who have eating disorders, such as anorexia, are at a higher risk of having low estrogen levels.
What are the symptoms of low estrogen level?
Estrogen is an essential hormone so the effects can be quite wide-ranging.
Some of the symptoms of low estrogen are:
- Irregular period: As estrogen is the hormone that plays an important role in the menstrual cycle thus low estrogen or may lead to missed or irregular menstrual periods.
- Infertility: low rate of estrogen hormone may lead to prevention of ovulation which can be a cause to difficulty in pregnancy or infertility.
- Weak bones: Estrogen also plays an important in strengthening the bones so with the loss of estrogen the bones to get weak. Increased risk of bone fractures and the development of osteoporosis
- Painful Intercourse: Estrogen can affect vaginal lubrication. If levels become too low, vaginal dryness can occur, which often leads to painful sex.
- Depression: It is said that estrogen increases serotonin, which is a chemical in the brain that boost the mood. The decline in the level estrogen will lead to loss of serotonin hormone in the brain that may contribute to mood swings or depression.
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What makes the estrogen level low?
Estrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries so, anything effecting ovaries will eventually affect the estrogen production.
We may experience a low level of estrogen due to:
- Excessive exercise
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia
- Chronic kidney disease
- A low-functioning pituitary gland.
- premature ovarian failure, which can result from genetic defects, toxins, or an autoimmune condition
In women over age 40, low estrogen can be a sign of approaching menopause. This transition time is called perimenopause.
What is high Estrogen level?
High levels of estrogen can develop naturally, but too much estrogen can also result from taking certain medications. If you have estrogen levels that are abnormally high relative to your progesterone levels, it’s known as estrogen dominance.
Causes of high Estrogen level:
High levels of estrogen can develop naturally, but too much estrogen can also result from taking certain medications. For example, estrogen replacement therapy, a popular treatment for symptoms of menopause, may cause estrogen to reach problematic levels.
Your body may also develop low testosterone or low progesterone levels, which can upset your hormonal balance. If you have estrogen levels that are abnormally high relative to your progesterone levels, it’s known as estrogen dominance.
Symptoms of high Estrogen level:
When your body’s estrogen and testosterone level is not balanced, you may start developing certain symptoms. In women, potential symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Swelling and tenderness in your breast
- Decreased sex drive
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Increased symptoms of PMS
- High mood swings
- Headache
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Cold hands and feet
- Trouble in sleeping
- Sleepiness or fatigue
- Memory problems
Diet for to eat to balancing Estrogen Hormone Level
A diet that one should be taken by an individual to balance hormones:
It is necessary to have a perfect and balanced diet to balance the hormones and avoid any kind of issues related to health.
Here are some important things to be kept in mind while fixing your diet chart in order to balance the hormones:
Eat 20 -30gram Protein at Every Meal. Consuming an adequate amount of protein is extremely important.
- Avoid Sugar and Refined Carbs
- Engage yourself in Regular Exercise/Yoga
- Learn to Manage Stress
- Consume Healthy Fats
- Avoid Overeating and Undertreating
- Drink Green Tea
- Eat Fatty Fish Often.
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