Estrogen is a hormone that plays a vital role in the female reproductive system, as well as in the development and function of many other organs and tissues in both males and females. It is a type of steroid hormone that is primarily produced by the ovaries in women, and by the testes and adrenal glands in men.
Estrogen is responsible for a variety of physiological processes in the body, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females, such as breast growth and the widening of the hips during puberty. It also plays a key role in the menstrual cycle, helping to regulate ovulation and preparing the uterus for potential pregnancy.
In addition to its reproductive functions, estrogen is also important for bone health, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. It has been shown to promote bone growth and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in both men and women, as well as to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is the good stuff... Healthy reproductive function, soft skin, good bone density, etc.
There are three main types of estrogen: estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen and is produced mainly by the ovaries. Estrone is produced in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands, while estriol is the weakest form of estrogen and is produced mainly during pregnancy. When the 3 forms behave the way they are supposed to, this is also the good stuff!
Estrogen levels in the body can be affected by a variety of factors, including age, stress, diet, exercise, and certain medical conditions. Women typically experience a decline in estrogen levels as they approach menopause, which can cause a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Men can also experience a decline in estrogen levels as they age, which can contribute to a loss of muscle mass and bone density, as well as erectile dysfunction. Now we start to get into some not so good stuff.... Declining hormone levels, and symptoms that start to show up because of that.
Estrogen levels can also be affected by medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and certain types of cancer. This is more of the bad stuff... When estrogen levels are out of balance (high or low or imbalanced relative to Progesterone). If we progress into cancer, this is where things can turn ugly. Many forms of cancer like breast, uterine, etc. are considered estrogen driven, which means that high levels of estrogen can feed these types of cancer. I would certainly put those things into the ugly category.
Thankfully, there are many options when it comes to balancing hormone levels naturally. Knowing where your levels are is very important if you feel like you are having issues. Testing can be done to help you determine that, so that a proper solution can be crafted to address your individual situation.
If you have questions about your specific condition, please reach out for a complimentary discovery call so we can chat!
To your health,
Dr. Jeni
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