How Estrogen Affects Your Body: From Puberty to Menopause

 

Estrogen is a vital hormone in both men and women, controlling reproductive and other bodily functions. Primarily associated with women, it influences development from puberty through menopause. Abnormal estrogen levels can have serious effects on reproductive and overall health, making it important to recognise the signs of an imbalance and seek medical treatment. In this blog, we will delve into what estrogen is, how it affects the body in the different stages of development, and the potential side effects of estrogen imbalances.

What is Estrogen? 

Estrogen is a sex hormone produced by the ovaries, fat tissue, and adrenal glands. While both men and women have estrogen, it is found in greater quantities in women. Estrogen plays a central role in the development of physical attributes, reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and other bodily functions. It also plays a key role in puberty, menstruation cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.

 

There are three main types of estrogen. These include:

 

1. Estrone

Estrone is a weaker form of estrogen. It is present after menopause and can be converted into other forms of the hormone if necessary.

 

2. Estradiol

The estradiol hormone is the primary form of this hormone in women during reproductive years. Estradiol is crucial for reproductive health, bodily functions, and mental health. An excess of this hormone can cause low sex drives, acne, depression, osteoporosis, and uterine and breast cancer in extreme cases. A lack of estradiol can lead to cardiovascular disease or weight gain.

 

3. Estriol

This form of estrogen is particularly important during pregnancy. Its levels rise to help prepare the body for childbirth and support the growth of the uterus.

 

What Does Estrogen Do? 

Estrogen plays an important role in the development of reproductive organs and functions and primary and secondary sexual characteristics. It stimulates the growth of egg follicles in the ovaries, regulates uterine mucus secretions, maintains the thickness of the vaginal wall, and enhances the uterine lining. Estrogen also contributes to breast tissue development.

 

Beyond reproduction, estrogen influences various non-reproductive functions. It helps regulate the skeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems and impacts blood sugar, cholesterol levels, circulation, brain function, bone density, muscle mass, and collagen production.

 

How Does Estrogen Affect The Reproductive Stages in Women? 

Estrogen’s effects influence sexual and reproductive health. It’s also responsible for various changes and processes in the body, including mood regulation.

 

1. Puberty

Puberty changes in girls typically begin between the ages of 8 and 13, during which estrogen levels rise, resulting in physical changes such as breast development, changes in body shape, acne, and the onset of menstruation.

 

Estrogen also acts as a mood regulator and can enhance the effects of serotonin. However, low estrogen can also lead to some side effects. Common low estrogen side effects include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and decreased serotonin levels.

 

2. Menstrual Cycles

Estrogen plays a central role in female menstrual cycles. The pituitary gland produces progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinising hormone (LH), which, along with estrogen, regulate the reproductive system and menstrual cycle. They ensure that periods happen regularly. Estrogen is also involved in determining when the ovaries release an egg and in thickening the lining of the uterus.

 

3. Fertility

Estrogen is essential for fertility in both men and women. In women, low estrogen levels can hamper follicle growth or suppress other hormones that stimulate ovulation. On the other hand, excess levels of estrogen can inhibit uterine blood flow, making implantation more difficult. This can lead to infertility, anxiety, irregular periods, migraines, and fibroids.

 

Estrogen levels tend to peak during the days leading to ovulation. The hormone causes the cervical mucus to become thinner, making it easier for the egg to become fertilised and increasing the chances of pregnancy.

 

4. Menopause

Menopause typically occurs when women reach the age of 40 to 50 years. The term refers to the end of periods and the menstrual cycle in women. Perimenopause occurs right before menopause. During this period, estrogen levels tend to drop, and ovulation no longer occurs. Decreases in estrogen can also lead to hot flashes, night sweats, emotional changes, and vaginal dryness.

 

What Factors Can Affect Estrogen Levels? 

Estrogen levels can fluctuate throughout an individual’s lifetime. Some factors that affect estrogen levels can include:

 

– Puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause

– Old age

– Obesity

– Extreme dieting, extreme exercise, and strenuous training

– Using certain medications

– Conditions like diabetes, PCOS, or high blood pressure

 

Imbalanced estrogen levels can cause fertility issues, reproductive problems, and other health conditions. Individuals experiencing signs of imbalanced estrogen levels, such as no periods, fertility problems, or mood problems, should consult a doctor for guidance. For accurate estrogen testing, visit Dr Lal PathLabs today!

FAQs 

1. Is estrogen present in men?

Yes, estrogen is present in men in lower amounts than in women.

2. At what point do estrogen levels peak in women?

Estrogen levels peak during the days leading up to ovulation.

3. What are 5 physical changes during puberty in females?

During puberty, females experience breast development, the onset of menstruation, growth of body hair, widening of the hips, and skin changes like acne.