Estrogen deficiency - Restore Hormone Clinic

What is Estrogen Deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency, also known as estrogen insufficiency or hypoestrogenism, occurs when the body does not produce adequate levels of the sex hormone estrogen. This can happen for various reasons, including:

• Menopause - Estrogen levels naturally decline as women go through menopause, typically in their late 40s or early 50s. This drop in estrogen leads to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.
• Premature ovarian failure - Also known as primary ovarian insufficiency, this condition causes estrogen deficiency in women under 40. It happens when the ovaries stop working normally.
• Hysterectomy - Surgical removal of the uterus causes estrogen levels to plummet. This especially occurs if the surgery also removes the ovaries.
• Cancer treatments - Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy for cancers like breast cancer can all affect estrogen production.
• Disorders affecting estrogen production - Conditions like Turner syndrome or pituitary gland disorders can disrupt the body's ability to produce estrogen.

Some key signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:

Physical Symptoms	Emotional Symptoms
Hot flashes and night sweats	Mood changes like depression and anxiety
Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse	Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
Decreased sex drive (libido)	Irritability and mood swings
Breast changes like shrinkage and tenderness	Sleep disturbances
Thinning hair and skin	Fatigue and low energy levels

Estrogen plays many important roles in the female body beyond just reproductive health. It is involved in maintaining bone density, heart health, brain function, skin elasticity, and more.

When estrogen levels drop too low, it can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Some major health risks include osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

Fortunately, there are treatment options available to help manage estrogen deficiency:

Treatment	Description
Hormone therapy	Estrogen supplements like pills, patches, gels, rings, or creams can effectively treat symptoms. Progestin may be recommended as well to prevent uterine cancer if the uterus is still intact.
Vaginal estrogen	Localized low-dose estrogen applied directly to the vagina manages urogenital symptoms very effectively.
Lifestyle changes	Diet, exercise, stress management, and proper sleep can all help lessen discomfort from estrogen deficiency.
Herbal remedies	Phytoestrogens from foods like soy, flax seeds, and legumes may provide mild estrogen-like effects for some women.

Restore Hormone Clinic - Our caring medical team specializes in customized hormone therapy plans for women experiencing estrogen deficiency. We offer integrative treatment approaches to address symptoms and long-term health.

Do not hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional if you think you may be estrogen deficient. There are many ways to evaluate your hormone levels through blood and saliva tests. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most women find great symptom relief and improved wellbeing. You owe it to yourself to optimize your estrogen levels and get back to thriving!