Estrogen deficiency

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency occurs when estrogen levels in the body are too low. As women age, estrogen production often declines leading to an estrogen deficient state. This can cause various symptoms including:

• Hot flashes


• Night sweats


• Vaginal dryness


• Mood changes like depression or anxiety


• Difficulty sleeping


• Decreased bone density

Estrogen helps regulate many vital processes in the body so having low levels can increase risk for certain diseases. For example, estrogen helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. So estrogen deficiency is associated with higher “bad” LDL cholesterol and lower “good” HDL cholesterol. It also contributes to bone loss leading to conditions like osteopenia or osteoporosis.

"Having enough estrogen is crucial for women as they age. Get your estrogen checked, especially if you're experiencing concerning symptoms."

There are a few root causes of estrogen deficiency:

• Menopause - estrogen levels naturally decline as women approach menopause usually in their late 40s or early 50s. Periods become irregular and eventually stop.


• Surgical menopause - removal of the ovaries causes a rapid drop in estrogen production leading to sudden menopausal symptoms.


• Primary ovarian insufficiency - when the ovaries fail before age 40 leading to low estrogen. Causes include genetics, autoimmune disorders, or damage from surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.


• Hypothalamic amenorrhea - when the hypothalamus stops signaling the ovaries leading to lack of ovulation and low estrogen production. Often triggered by stress, weight loss or excessive exercise.

If you suspect you have estrogen deficiency, its important to have lab testing done by your doctor to confirm. There are several options to help manage symptoms and risks of low estrogen:

• Hormone therapy - supplemental estrogen progestogen are commonly prescribed


• Tibolone - a synthetic steroid hormone used outside the US


• Selective estrogen receptor modulators like raloxifene help bones without stimulating the uterus


• Lifestyle changes - maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, eating soy foods, exercising, and more!

Are you dealing with low estrogen? The medical team at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center can help diagnose the underlying cause and create a customized treatment plan involving bioidentical hormones, nutrition and stress reduction. Book an appointment today

Hope this overview helped explain what estrogen deficiency is! Let me know if you have any other questions.