Estrogen deficiency - Renew Health Clinic

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency, also known as hypoestrogenism, occurs when estrogen levels in the body are lower than normal. This hormone imbalance is quite common, especially among women going through perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

Causes

The leading causes of low estrogen levels include:

• Ovarian failure or oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries)
• Impaired pituitary function
• Low body fat percentage
• Excessive exercise training
• Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

Symptoms

Some notable signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased libido
• Emotional changes (mood swings, irritability, depression)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia
• Osteoporosis (bone loss)

The manifestations can range from mild to severe depending on the degree of the deficiency.

Risks

If left untreated for prolonged periods, lack of estrogen can lead to some major health concerns down the line:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Neurocognitive impairment and dementia
• Adverse body composition changes
• Impaired quality of life

So it's important not to ignore this issue and get to the root cause with proper medical testing.

Diagnosis

To diagnose hypoestrogenism, physicians may order blood tests to evaluate levels of estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Pelvic exams, hormone challenge tests, and imaging scans could be warranted as well based on the clinical presentation.

Treatment

• Hormone therapy - Estrogen replacements and combined hormone therapy with progestin
• Lifestyle modifications - Healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management
• Targeted relief for specific symptoms - Vaginal lubricants/moisturizers

The treatment plan can be customized after weighing the benefits versus potential risks. Close monitoring under a doctor's supervision at Renew Health Clinic is vital.

I tried to provide a helpful overview touching on key aspects related to low estrogen levels. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!