Hormones are powerful, naturally occurring chemicals in our bodies that send signals through the bloodstream to keep our bodily systems working together with rhythm and harmony. While some of these hormone levels may begin to decline as we age, Estrogen (most prevalent in women, but also present in men) levels will typically ebb and flow throughout a woman’s life.
While it is perfectly natural for your Estrogen levels to be high or low at different times in your life, there are certain points at which low Estrogen levels may be indicative of a greater health issue. We will discuss what the possible effects of Estrogen deficiency might be, what may cause them, and how to seek appropriate treatment if your levels are too low.
Should I Be Worried About Low Estrogen Levels?
Estrogen is the hormone most associated with women, although it is also present in men. While it plays an essential role in multiple bodily systems, it is crucial for female sexual development and helps to maintain a woman’s reproductive system. Estrogen will rise and fall along with other hormone levels in sync with a woman’s menstrual cycle. But having Estrogen levels that are always low, or do not raise by a certain age for a young woman, may indicate an issue that requires medical intervention.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Estrogen?
It is quite normal for a woman’s estrogen levels to fall during her menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause years. However, low Estrogen levels in young women may delay puberty, or potentially slow and prevent her sexual development.
Some signs and symptoms of low Estrogen levels include:
- Fatigue
- Moodiness and irritability
- Tender breasts
- Weak or brittle bones
- Trouble concentrating
- Dry skin
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vaginal dryness
- Periods that are irregular or non-occurring
- Unexplained gain of belly fat
- Headaches before or during your period
- Decreased libido and painful intercourse
What Can Cause Low Estrogen Levels?
Age
The most common reason for falling Estrogen levels is age. During menopause, a woman’s Estrogen levels will naturally fall as her body stops producing Estradiol (which is produced in the ovaries) and begins to produce Estrone (which is produced by fat cells).
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia can wreak havoc on a woman’s body. The lack of nutrients in her body may cause her hormones, including Estrogen, to become imbalanced.
Genetic Conditions
Certain genetic conditions like Turner syndrome and Fragile X syndrome may both cause low Estrogen levels. Turner syndrome is a congenital problem affecting the X chromosome and is the most common sex-chromosomal abnormality that affects girls and women. Fragile X syndrome is an inherited condition that causes intellectual disabilities, learning & behavioral issues, physical abnormalities, ADHD, anxiety, autism, and chronic low Estrogen levels in females.
Autoimmune Disease
Since female Estrogen is created in the ovaries, any autoimmune disorder that affects the ovaries may have them produce Estrogen in abnormally lower levels.
Premature Menopause
Women who experience premature menopause have ovaries that stop producing eggs before they turn 40. As a result, her body goes through early menopause, during which her ovaries stop producing eggs and Estrogen.
Medical Treatments that Impact the Ovaries
There are certain medical intervention procedures that may impact the ovaries. In turn, this will impact a woman’s naturally produced Estrogen levels. Radiation therapy for cancer, and an oophorectomy (removal of one or both ovaries) are two such medical procedures that may impact a woman’s ovaries and her body’s ability to produce Estrogen.
Conditions that Affect Her Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland controls many, but not all, of our hormones. For a woman’s ovaries to begin producing Estrogen, the pituitary gland must first secrete its own hormones to signal the ovaries. If there is an issue where the pituitary gland fails to function properly or does not signal her ovaries, they will not begin their normal cycle of Estrogen production.
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
There are certain stressors that may cause a woman’s hypothalamus (located in the brain) to secrete its own hormones to signal her ovaries to begin producing Estrogen. Although many stressors affect the woman’s hypothalamus, excessive exercise has been well-documented as a potential cause. Because of this, high-level female athletes are particularly susceptible to hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Treatment of Lowered Estrogen Levels
If you experience any symptoms that you believe may be linked to abnormally low Estrogen levels, there is no reason to fear. Hormone Replacement Therapy is a common treatment for low Estrogen. MixMyRx makes the process extremely easy and affordable through their membership.
Consider speaking with one of our fully trained staff of medical professionals, trained clinicians, and pharmacists. Our team can counsel you on the most appropriate Hormone Replacement Therapy to get your Estrogen levels back to where they should be. MixMyRx can send your medications directly to your door quickly and discretely.
Membership Benefits with MixMyRx
Aging and dealing with hormone imbalances can be difficult enough to manage. So, at MixMyRx we make the treatment aspect of Estrogen Replacement Therapy as simple as possible. Some of the many benefits of becoming a member of MixMyRx are:
- Up to 80% discount on some medications
- Standardized pricing of either $19 or $29 (depending upon the medications)
- Easy access to counseling for your prescription
- Access to a wide variety of pet medications and veterinary prescriptions
- Access to most common generic medications
- Access to a team of experienced clinical physicians, with may specializing in Hormone Replacement Therapy
- A fast, nationwide mailing service that delivers your prescriptions directly to you
Don’t allow age or hormonal imbalances to slow you down or spoil your Golden Years. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hormone imbalance, become a member of MixMyRx to gain access to all these benefits. Get on the path to reclaiming your life!