Estrogen deficiency occurs when a person's body produces too little of the hormone estrogen. This can happen for various reasons - most commonly from menopause in middle-aged women, removal of the ovaries due to illness or surgery, or inadequate estrogen production.
Symptoms of low estrogen levels can vary between individuals, but often include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or pain during sex
- More frequent urinary tract infections
- Mood changes - like depression or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia
- Irregular periods or missed periods (in younger women)
Over the long-term, estrogen deficiency can lead to some serious health issues if not properly addressed. The lack of estrogen speeds up
bone loss, putting a person at higher risk for developing
osteoporosis. It also increases the chance of heart disease in postmenopausal women.
Diagnosing an estrogen deficiency usually begins with a doctor reviewing symptoms and medical history. A physical exam and blood tests measuring hormone levels can help confirm low estrogen production.
If caught early, there are treatment options available to help minimize symptoms and long-term effects. The most common treatments are
hormone therapy with estrogen, often combined with progestin. The dosage and method - oral pill, patch, vaginal ring, etc. - depends on the individual case and doctor's recommendation.
Making appropriate
lifestyle changes can also help manage issues tied to low estrogen:
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Quitting smoking
- Finding healthy ways to cope with stress
At
Balance Hormone Clinic, our caring medical team specializes in hormonal issues like estrogen deficiency. We offer comprehensive testing and treatments tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is helping women maintain healthy, balanced hormone levels at any age or stage of life. Schedule a consultation to learn more about our personalized care plans and cutting-edge therapies for supporting women's wellness.