Estrogen deficiency - Renew Wellness Clinic

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency occurs when a person's body produces low levels of the hormone estrogen or when estrogen levels fall below the normal range. This typically happens during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause in individuals with ovaries and uteruses. It can also occur at other stages of life due to conditions affecting hormone levels.

Some key signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Mood changes like depression or anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Joint pain
• Decreased bone density (osteoporosis risk)

Causes and risk factors for low estrogen levels include:

• Menopause - Estrogen levels naturally decline as ovulation ends
• Surgical menopause - Removal of ovaries causes abrupt estrogen drop
• Premature ovarian failure - Ovaries stop functioning properly before age 40
• Excessive exercise and low body weight
• Other hormonal or endocrine disorders

The most common treatment is hormone therapy with estrogen, often combined with progestin. This can effectively relieve symptoms and reduce the long-term health risks associated with estrogen loss after menopause.

Lifestyle changes may also help manage effects of estrogen decline:

• Staying active to reduce bone loss
• Practicing stress management
• Avoiding triggers for hot flashes like alcohol, caffeine, heat, and stress
• Using vaginal moisturizers and lubricants

It's important to discuss significant or prolonged estrogen deficiency symptoms with a healthcare professional to explore potential causes and determine if treatment could help minimize risks to bone, brain, heart, and metabolic health. Tracking perimenopause changes, managing risk factors, and adjusting lifestyle habits can also ease this transition.