What is Estrogen Deficiency?
Estrogen deficiency occurs when estrogen levels in the body become too low. This drop in estrogen is quite common among women undergoing menopause. However, younger women can also experience low estrogen levels for various reasons.
Some key signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or irritation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes like depression or anxiety
- Decreased sex drive (libido)
- Brain fog and memory problems
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Fatigue
- Bone loss over time (osteoporosis risk)
What causes low estrogen? In perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, estrogen levels decline naturally as the ovaries produce less of this hormone. But other factors can also lead to low estrogen at any age, such as:
- Ovarian failure or surgery
- Pituitary gland problems
- Overexercising or low body weight
- High stress levels
- Some medications or chronic illnesses
The most common treatment is hormone therapy with estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin. This can effectively relieve menopausal symptoms and prevent bone loss. Lifestyle changes like eating a nutritious diet, exercising moderately, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep also help manage hormone deficiency.
For younger women with low estrogen, treating any underlying condition may help restore normal hormone levels. Your doctor at Renew Health Clinic can recommend the best treatment approaches based on your symptoms, medical history, and lab test results.
In summary, estrogen deficiency develops when the body cannot produce or maintain adequate estrogen levels. It causes unpleasant vasomotor and urogenital symptoms in the short term. Over years, low estrogen also weakens bones and increases fracture risk. Consulting a doctor to determine the cause and discuss treatment options is important for both relieving symptoms and reducing future health risks.