Estrogen Deficiency

Estrogen deficiency may lead to menopause in women. Let us take a look at the importance of estrogen hormone for women and problems associated with its deficiency.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. In this articleWhat is estrogen?Why is estrogen important?What are the consequences of estrogen deficiency?Is it possible to restore estrogen deficiency naturally?Which disorders can be caused due to estrogen deficiency?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 behaviour (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.Is it possible to restore estrogen deficiency naturally? Estrogen deficiency can be restored with the help of some natural remedies. The diet of women should be rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Women with estrogen deficiency must include foods rich in nutrients like Vitamin E, Zinc, Magnesium etc. Vitamin E is very helpful in restoring the balance between progesterone and estrogen. It is also known to stabilize the menstrual cycle of women as well as boost her libido. Zinc helps to stimulate estrogen production. Magnesium stimulates pituitary gland which in turn releases the hormones which help in balancing the production of estrogen and progesterone. It also helps in coping with some of the common symptoms experienced due to deficiency of estrogen.Including foods rich in phytoestrogens or plant based estrogen can also help in naturally dealing with estrogen deficiency. These phytoestrogens can be easily transformed into estrogen in the human body. These groups of foods which are a rich source of phytoestrogens include foods like lentils, flax seeds, soy, barley, millet, kidney beans, chickpeas, lima beans, fennel, clover, rye etc.Other foods like mushrooms, apples, brown rice, carrots, cauliflower, beets, celery as well as all types of legumes, seeds and beans are a good source of phytoestrogens which can be included in the diet.Which disorders can be caused due to estrogen deficiency?Estorgen deficiency in child bearing age can cause problems like infertility. Apart from menopause, deficiency of estrogen can also increase the risk of heart diseases, decrease in libido, migraine, trauma, urinary tract infections etc.Other than including foods rich in phytoestrogens it is also a must to avoid eating foods and drinks that can reduce the estrogen levels in the body. Such foods include junk food, fried foods, caffeinated drinks, alcohol etc. Your doctor may prescribe you appropriate supplements for dealing with estorgen deficiency. You must follow your doctor’s advice on coping with this problem.