What are the effects of low estrogen?
estrogen is a collective name given by a number of sex hormones. Although estrogen is produced in both male and female bodies, it is most often referred to as one of the female hormones. If estrogen levels are not in the correct balance, different effects on the body are possible. The effects of low estrogen include menstrual irregularity, high cholesterol and osteoporosis.
Estrogen surge during the menstrual cycle affects the ovaries and uterus, causing ovulation and reinforcement of the uterus lining in preparing for the acceptance of a fertilized egg. Reducing estrogen levels towards the end of the cycle causes the lining of the uterus to shed, which is a process known as the menstrual period. If a woman suffers from low levels of estrogen, her ovaries and the uterus may not respond correctly, leading to the absence of ovulation and possibly menstruation. For this reason, women who are planning pregnancy can find that estrogen imbalance leads to fertility problems. Older women can shade estrogen when menopau beginzu, stop menstruation.
low estrogen also affects the liver and its production of cholesterol. The correct estrogen balance affects the liver to form lipoprotein with high density (HDL) and lipoprotein with low density (LDL). Too many LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque formation in the main arteries of the body, as LDL can stick to the walls of these vessels. HDL, often called good cholesterol, does not stick to arteries and can prevent plaque formation at all.
As women age, they are more susceptible to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by fragile bones. Estrogen usually works with vitamin D and calcium to keep the bones strong, healthy and resistant to breaking. Low estrogen levels, such as menopausal and postmenopausal women, can lead to a loss of up to 20 percent of total bone mass. This loss of matter weakens the bone, making it more prone to fracture. Broken bones are in olderPatients do not heal so easily, so such injury is even more dangerous.
low estrogen levels can be treated with drugs. Estrogen supplements can be administered orally or through patches, gels or creams. This treatment, also known as hormone substitution therapy, is not suitable for all patients. Some women who should not undergo hormone substitution therapy for low estrogen include women with a history of blood clots or heart diseases, as well as those that had breast cancer.