Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones that is essential for sexual and reproductive development. It is primarily responsible for developing feminine secondary sexual characteristics in women during puberty such as breast growth, widened hips, and menstrual cycles.
There are three major types of estrogen in women:
- Estrone (E1) - the lowest circulating estrogen after menopause
- Estradiol (E2) - the predominant estrogen during reproductive years
- Estriol (E3) - the main estrogen during pregnancy
What are some functions of estrogen?
- Plays a vital role in reproductive health and fertility in women
- Regulates the menstrual cycle
- Maintains the health of tissues in the vagina and uterus
- Contributes to bone strength and help prevent osteoporosis later in life
- Influences skin health and collagen production
- Affects heart health by increasing good HDL cholesterol
What causes shifts in estrogen levels?
Fluctuations or imbalances in estrogen levels can occur during:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Use of hormonal birth control methods
- Medical conditions like PCOS or ovarian cysts
If you are experiencing unpleasant
perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, or mood changes due to fluctuating estrogen levels, consider contacting
Hormone Harmony Clinic.
Our compassionate team of physicians and nurses can provide customized
hormone therapy treatments with
bioidentical hormones to help women alleviate discomfort during this transition and improve their quality of life. Schedule a consultation today to learn about our integrative therapies and supplements to promote hormone balance.
I hope this gives you a helpful overview explaining what the key female sex hormone estrogen is, its different forms, its functions in the female body, what life stages and factors influence shifts in levels, and how bothersome
menopausal symptoms can potentially be eased through expert care like that provided by Hormone Harmony Clinic. Let me know if you have any other questions!