Estrogen deficiency - Vitality Renewal Clinic

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency occurs when a person's body produces too little of the hormone estrogen or when they cannot use estrogen properly. This can happen during perimenopause, menopause, or other times in a woman or man's life.

Some key signs and symptoms of low estrogen levels include:

• Hot flashes - sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often with sweating and reddening of the skin
• Vaginal dryness or irritation
• Mood changes like depression, anxiety, or irritability
• Sleep disruptions like insomnia or night sweats
• Bone loss, leading to conditions like osteoporosis
• Heart palpitations or increased heart rate

Estrogen helps regulate many essential body functions, so an imbalance can cause wide-ranging effects. It plays key roles in the menstrual cycle, fertility, maintaining bone density, skin and hair health, and more.

When estrogen levels decline, it signals your body that reproduction may be less important, which is why symptoms often start during the transition to menopause. However, deficiency can happen at other ages too.

Some underlying causes include:

• Natural menopause - Estrogen declines as women age and menstrual cycles become irregular and eventually stop. This natural transition typically begins in the late 40s or early 50s.
• Medical conditions - Certain disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pituitary tumors, or premature ovarian failure can disrupt normal estrogen.
• Medications - Drugs that block estrogen production are sometimes used for conditions like breast cancer or endometriosis. As a side effect, they also cause a deficiency.
• Surgery - Surgical removal of both ovaries causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels.

If you're experiencing potential low estrogen symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can run blood tests to check your hormone levels and determine if you have a true deficiency.

The great news is there are excellent treatment options available these days! At Vitality Renewal Clinic, our specialized medical team can provide custom hormone therapy, supplements, and lifestyle advice tailored to your unique needs. With an individualized plan to restore optimal estrogen, you'll be feeling refreshed andhealthy again soon.