Estrogen deficiency occurs when estrogen levels in the body become too low. As women enter perimenopause and menopause, their ovaries gradually produce less estrogen over time. This drop in estrogen leads to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and sleep troubles for many women.
Estrogen plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle and keeping the vagina lubricated and elastic. This hormone also impacts the health of bones, skin, hair, metabolism, and cognition. When estrogen levels decline significantly during the transition to menopause, it can disrupt these processes and lead to:
The timing and severity of estrogen deficiency symptoms depends on factors like lifestyle, genetics, and overall health. The process can start years before periods actually stop as the ovaries prepare to transition out of their reproductive phase.
If you're noticing potential low estrogen issues like painful sex, osteoporosis, or menopause before age 40, please see your doctor to check hormone levels. They can provide personalized advice for hormone therapy options that could help address deficiencies. For example, bioidentical hormones from Optimal Hormone Solutions can safely supplement estrogen lost during this transition without elevating health risks. With an integrative plan tailored to your needs, you can find relief and balance your hormones again!
I hope this overview on what causes estrogen drops and how to recognize deficiency signs has been helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.