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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
