About Low Estrogen
Low estrogen, or estrogen deficiency, is when your body doesn’t produce enough estrogen, an important hormone for many bodily functions, especially in women.
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced in your ovaries. Your endocrine system produces hormones, which are chemical messengers released into your blood to control different bodily processes. While estrogen is largely associated with women, men also produce smaller quantities of it in their testes, liver, and body fat, among other places.
For women, estrogen is an important hormone that:
- Regulates menstrual cycles
- Develops reproductive organs
- Maintains bone density
- Promotes collagen production and reduces dryness
- Influences mood
While estrogen’s role isn’t as extensive in men, it’s important for the production of healthy sperm and to maintain bone density. Regardless of gender, estrogen levels can decline with age and are affected by a number of factors that vary based on the individual.
Causes of Low Estrogen
Aging will cause your ovaries to naturally produce less estrogen, leading to menopause. Surgical removal of your ovaries or treatments like chemotherapy can also significantly reduce your estrogen levels, while certain medical conditions—like autoimmune diseases, eating disorders, and pituitary gland disorders—can disrupt hormonal balance. Some medications, chronic stress, and poor lifestyle factors can also contribute to low estrogen levels.
Low Estrogen Symptoms
Low Estrogen Symptoms in Women
Symptoms of low estrogen in women include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
Diagnosing Low Estrogen
Diagnosing low estrogen involves a comprehensive evaluation where your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and reproductive history. They may also conduct a physical examination to identify possible outward signs of low estrogen. Similar to diagnosing low testosterone, a blood test measures your estrogen levels, as well as other hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone.
Treatment Options
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is a treatment used to increase your estrogen levels, alleviating symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
We offer ERT at TheraPellET, using Dr. Virden’s patented method of hormone pellet insertion. Virden Method™ is an innovative technique that delivers a steady, controlled release of estrogen to improve your overall quality of life.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VIRDEN METHOD™
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low estrogen and want to know more about your options, schedule a consultation with our team today.
frequently asked questions
If I Had a Hysterectomy, Should I Receive Estrogen Therapy Replacement?
Yes, if your ovaries have been removed, you are considered in menopause. Estrogen replacement therapy will help with these symptoms and work to prevent osteoporosis.
What Happens When Your Estrogen is Low?
A number of symptoms can occur as a result of low estrogen levels, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and lower libido.
Can You Get Pregnant with Low Estrogen?
Yes, you can. At TheraPellET, we do not treat infertility. If you are struggling with pregnancy or infertility, please contact your doctor.
Can Low Estrogen Cause Nausea?
If you have other symptoms and are nauseous, you may consider scheduling a consultation for hormone therapy. It’s important to know that nausea isn’t a sole symptom of low estrogen.
Can Estrogen Cause Weight Gain?
Estrogen can cause weight gain as it proliferates your cells, but as women age, your metabolism is affected and weight gain can occur.
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960 Caughlin Crossing
Suite 101
Reno, NV 89519