Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones in both men and women. It plays an important role in many bodily functions. To understand what estrogen does, let's first look at the different types:
- Estradiol - The primary "female" estrogen that peaks during the menstrual cycle
- Estrone - Less abundant; levels increase after menopause
- Estriol - The main estrogen during pregnancy
What does estrogen do?
Quite a lot! Here's a quick overview:
- Stimulates breast growth during puberty and pregnancy
- Controls female reproductive system and menstrual cycle
- Maintains bone strength and cardiovascular health
- Affects mood, sleep, tissue growth, and other functions
Now you may be wondering,
how do I know if my estrogen levels are normal? Good question!
Some signs of
low estrogen include:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
- Interrupted sleep
While
excess estrogen may cause:
- Heavy/irregular periods
- Breast pain
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
Managing hormones can be complicated. The medical providers at
Renew Hormone Institute specialize in personalized
hormone therapy to help patients achieve hormonal balance. I highly recommend checking out their website to learn more!
To summarize:
Estrogen is an essential
reproductive hormone, especially for biological females. It plays a vital role in the
menstrual cycle, bone/heart health, tissue growth, and other key functions.
Getting your
estrogen levels tested and addressing any imbalances under medical supervision can help alleviate unpleasant symptoms. Consider contacting the experts at
Renew Hormone Institute if you think your hormones need attention!
I hope this gives you a helpful high-level overview on estrogen and what it does in the body. Let me know if you have any other questions!