What are the Symptoms of Low Estrogen?
Estrogens are the group of hormones produced by the ovaries that are responsible for sexual development in females and the maintenance of the reproductive system. Like other hormones, they are chemical transmitter agents that deliver information from one cell to another. As curriers, they move freely in the bloodstream and attach themselves to receptors located in the brain and uterus. They also interact with other cells located in the heart, liver, tissues and bones.
The primary symptom of low estrogen levels in the female body is irregular or missed periods which occurs during the years leading up to menopause. Since estrogen’s paramount role in the female reproductive system is to prepare the uterus to receive the fertilized egg, the lack of it can result to no production in the uterus leading to irregular menstrual periods.
There are, however, other effects of estrogen that can affect the different organs. Physical and functional manifestations on these organs are usually symptomatic to low estrogen levels in the body.
The Skin
One common symptom of low estrogen levels is dry skin. According to the North American Menopause Society, the estrogen hormone plays an important role in skin health. Low estrogen levels following menopause is usually the cause of the decline in collagen and thickness of the epidermis. As a result the skin can become very dry for some or can develop acne for others.
An especially odd effect to the skin is formication, which a condition described by a feeling of ants crawling around and under the skin. It is not an allergy and antihistamines often prove to be ineffective in relieving it. Although this may not affect the entire body, the troubling feeling can be very uncomfortable and disturbing.
The Vagina
Low estrogen starves the genitourinary tissues. This usually leads to the fragility and dryness of the vagina and infections such as yeast infections or repeated urinary tract infections. In cases like this, the vagina becomes excessively tight and the labial tends to itch. During sexual intercourse the woman may experience vaginal bleeding and in worse cases, incontinence occurs where the female genital leaks of urine involuntarily when laughing or sneezing. Prolepses in the vaginal are also a symptom of low estrogen levels.
The Bones
One of the most common symptoms of low estrogen is bone loss or osteoporosis. Lack of estrogen inhibits the body's ability to absorb calcium and vitamin D. Since Vitamin D is necessary for the body to effectively absorb calcium, absence of which can lead to bone loss or bone density depletion. It has been advised by the North American Menopause Society that a vitamin D supplement be taken by women who have very low estrogen levels The latest United States Recommended Daily Allowances (USRDA) suggests that vitamin D supplements should be taken by anyone over the age of 50.
The Brain
Scientists have discovered that the hormone estrogen plays a pivotal role in how the brain processes works. Whether it is pertaining to the limbic system, brain stem or the cerebrum, the estrogen hormone is always contributory to the maintenance of the brain’s balance. It for this reason that when estrogen levels are very low, the brain gets confused and symptomatic brain conditions become noticeable.
Depressions: Low estrogen can cause the disruption of the neurotransmitter and brain receptor to function properly. Many women with low estrogen become listless, depressed, isolated, indifferent, unenergetic, weak or anxious. Emotionally unstable, they become very moody, hair-triggered, prone to fits of tears for no obvious reason, irrational and impatient. Women with low estrogen levels may experience difficulties in breathing, palpitations or anxiety attacks.
Sleep Disturbance: According to the Mayo Clinic, low estrogen in women can cause sleep problems, such as hot flashes or excessive sweating at night. As a result women who have very low estrogen experience psychological symptoms related to their lack of sleep. Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, difficulty coping and forgetfulness are the usual symptoms associated to this hormonal dysfunction.
Loss of hearing: Recent discovery reveals that estrogen plays a central role in how the brain extracts and interprets auditory information. The increase of estrogen levels in the brain regions that process auditory information causes heightened sensitivity of sound-processing neurons. Preventing brain cells from producing estrogen within auditory centers, on the other hand, causes the auditory process to shut down.
Memory Loss: The usual symptom for low estrogen relative to its relation to the brain is memory loss. The absence of memory becomes alarming when the patient manifests immediate forgetfulness, where names, subjects and specific events can be easily lost just after the information was inputted. Although this is not Alzheimer, the possibilities of developing Alzheimer are high for patients who show symptoms of low estrogen.
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