Estrogen is a female hormone responsible for female sexual development and reproductive function. It is found in greater amounts in females than males. Estrogen deficiency leads to menopause.
What is estrogen
Estrogen is commonly defined as "any
family of steroid hormones that regulate and sustain female sexual development
and reproductive function". Estrogens are steroid hormones, made
primarily in the female ovaries and the male testes in humans and animals.
Known as the female hormones, estrogens are found in greater amounts in
females than males.
Why is estrogen important
These essential molecules influence
growth, development and behavior (puberty) regulate reproductive cycles
(menstruation, pregnancy) and affect many other body parts (bones, skin,
arteries, brain etc.)
Modern scientists also define estrogens
as materials that stimulate tissue growth by:
Promoting cell proliferation
DNA synthesis and cell division in female sex organs breasts, uterus)
Promoting hypertrophy or increasing
a cell size, such as which occurs in female breast and male muscle during
puberty and initiating synthesis of specific proteins.
The principal functions of estrogen
are to control and regulate the following: uterus and external sexual organs,
fallopian tubes, breasts, skeleton, protein deposition, bone density, metabolism
and fat deposition, hair distribution and skin.
What are the consequences
of estrogen deficiency
The major clinical consequences of
the post-menopausal period may be attributed to the estrogen deficiency.
The 'menopausal syndrome' refers to a group of physical and psychological
symptoms commonly experienced in the climacteric period due to estrogen
deficiency. But as these symptoms often predate menopause, they are
also a result of relative estrogen deficiency as well as to fluctuating
levels of ovarian hormones.
Name:
steph
Country: India
it is fun to no want is india.
Name:
ucha Agwu
Country: United Kingdom
i agree with the articles
Name:
ncbcwoman
Country: U.S.A.
i am 53 post-menopausal and stopped hrt last spring. within 45 days i had leg pain which has gotten progressively worse. today, after seeing postings abous muscle stiffness associated with menopause, i have asked and been put back on my hrt> i am hoping that this is the answer. i know hrt has it own issues but i pray that i can continue on it. i am taking lowest doze possible.
if your pain starting post hrt, think about trying it again. i will do my best to post my progress.
Name:
rina
Country: India
how the hrt is useful or useless.
Name:
carol
Country: Ireland
i am 52 and ithink i am starting the menopause i have occasional hot flushes and extreme muscle pain and back pain i feel i will not be able to walk when i wake in the mornings. i would be grateful for any advice
Name:
Linda
Country: U.S.A.
i'm 51 and haven't had a period in 14 months. i have very few hot flashes but i pain in most of the muscles in my joints. do i need estrogen?
Name:
Tricia
Country: england
i've been going through the menopause for the last few years and made the decision not to take hrt. i've tried several herbal remedies and found some to be very helpful. i'm taking meno-herbs 2 from victoria health. no more hot flashes, mood swings, headaches etc. i'd recommend it.
Name:
lee
Country: middleeast
i started menopause 2 yrs ago. i have recently had a iud fitted, which has helped my periods and incredible feeling of being out of control. maybe this would help? i have no periods now, and am beginning to feel well again, much to my familys relief.
Name:
WORRIED
Country: india
my menopause started at the age of 44 by surgicaly. i suffer from serve back ache and also to through aphase of hotflesh. please advise me what should i do
Name:
Grace
Country: usa
i am 65 yrs old. i stopped taking hormones after being on them for 15 years. i am suffering miderably from host flashes and muscle aches and pains. i have been off hormones for 7 months.
Name:
donna
Country: other
my friend is going through some rough times right now she is locking herself in the bedroom , diarrea , mood swings what kind of advise i can tell her. her periods are bad. she is 46 years old.
Name:
Pru
Country: australia
since discontinuing hrt after 8 years my hot flushes came back with a vengeance. to my horror, at the same time i started to experience continual muscle stiffness/soreness as if i had run a marathon the day before. i have decided to put up with the flushes and not whinge about them, but am alarmed by the muscle problem. does anyone else have this, and is it permanent or just a stage to endure? what causes this? i hate to think that i am just a weak old crock.
Name:
neelam chawla
Country: india
my menopause started at rhe age of 45.it effected me phisically as well as emotionally.now it had been ten yrs since i am takinging those harmones.but is still get my periods at right time at right time at the age of 55.
Name:
Rohini
Country: india
my menopause started at the age of 45. i suffer from severe back ache and also go through a phase of depression.
