Estrogen
What is estrogen?
Estrogen chemical structure
Estrogens, comprised of Estradiol, Estriol, Estrone and are the main sex hormones in women. They are responsible for the development of sexual, reproductive, and physical characteristics mainly in women. Click here for information on Menopause
How does estrogen work?
Estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries. However, the adrenal gland also makes a small amount of estrogen. Estrogen moves through blood and acts in every part of the body.
Types of estrogen
Different types of estrogen chemical structures
Types of Estrogen
The body makes 3 types of estrogen
| Estrone (E1) | The weakest form of estrogen and is the only form of estrogen present in women after menopause |
|---|---|
| Estradiol (E2) | The most common type found in women at childbearing age responsible for all gynecological problems |
| Estriol (E3) | This type of estrogen is made in pregnancy; least potent |
Functions of estrogen
Estrogen not only plays a role in the sexual development of women, but also affects other parts of the body. Estrogen works in the brain to regulate the part linked with sexual development. It also has a role in temperature control of the body. It affects the brain for changing moods; that’s why an increase or decrease in estrogen levels may cause mood swings in females.
Timeline of a woman’s life
The Physical Appearance of Women
Estrogen is responsible for all the physical changes that turn a girl into a woman at the age of puberty like; narrow shoulders, a broader pelvis, the growth of breasts, pubic hair, and armpit hair. It influences body hair to become thin and less prominent while making the hairs on the head more permanent. Estrogen helps give females their distinct high pitched voice by making the voice box smaller and vocal cords shorter.
Regulating menstrual cycles
Estrogen is responsible for the female reproductive system. It regulates the menstrual cycle and controls the uterine lining during the first part of the cycle. If the egg is fertilized, it works with progesterone to stop ovulation during pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized the estrogen level decreases and menstruation begins.
Uterine cycle and hormone level of the menstrual cycle
Pregnancy and lactation
Estrogen partially controls lactation after pregnancy and eventually stops the flow of milk when an infant is no longer feeding.
Woman breast feeding her child
Animated bone
Bones and Skin
Estrogen helps to support the bones health. An estrogen deficiency causes both the early and late forms of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. (1)* Estrogen also improves the thickness of your skin and suppresses oil-producing glands reducing acne in females.*
Heart and Liver
Estrogen also has a role to play in protecting the heart, liver, and arteries. (2)* It also regulates cholesterol production in the liver. (3)*
Animated heart and liver
Potential Problems with Estrogen Production
Excess estrogen may cause many problems such as weight gain, menstrual problems, fibrocystic breasts, fatigue, loss of sex drive, and mood swings.* The amount of estrogen considerably reduces in women after menopause. Some symptoms of low estrogen may include hot flashes, lack of sleep, low sexual desire, dry skin, and mood swings.
The FDA recommends the lowest dose of HRT for the shortest duration needed to achieve treatment goals. Due to the risk posed by this therapy, it is advised to be followed under the supervision of a medical professional.
Accurate, affordable blood spot, saliva, and saliva + blood test kit
At Coast to Coast Compounding, we can provide you with an at-home testing kit which can allow you to test your own hormone levels. Speak with one of our knowledgeable pharmacists or your healthcare provider for more information on using one of these testing kits. Click here for more information on how to get your hormones tested.
Disclaimers:
You should always consult your health care provider before starting any herbal supplements or products. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
