Low Estrogen Levels

Keeping in mind that stable estrogen levels play a major part in maintaining overall physical and psychological health, it is clear that low estrogen levels can and do have a harmful effect on the body. Low estrogen levels are often accompanied by any number of negative side effects, including osteoporosis, heart disease, difficulty lactating, and blood clots.

Keep reading to learn more about the causes and symptoms of low levels of estrogen.

Causes of Low Estrogen Levels

There are several causes of low estrogen levels in women, ranging from natural causes like menopause to induced procedures such as hysterectomy and in some cases, more serious treatments like chemotherapy. However, the most common trigger of low estrogen levels is , in fact, menopause because during this stage in a woman´s life hormone levels vary drastically.

Natural Causes of Low Estrogen Levels

Many women going through menopause will experience a range of symptoms related to this transition such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. Low estrogen levels during menopause are often linked to hormonal imbalances caused by this transition and most of the time women suffer symptoms that they cannot separate from those of menopause. While such symptoms are often non-related and can begin earlier than menopause, they can also be a result of low estrogen levels and fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones.

During a woman´s lifetime her eggs are used through her monthly period and a decline in the number of eggs leads to a consequent decline in the secretion of estrogen, until menstruation finally ceases at which point menopause occurs and unpleasant symptoms usually commence.

Other Causes of Low Estrogen Levels

In addition to menopause or perimenopause, other causes of low levels of estradiol include:

• Lifestyle
• Diet
• Stress
• Eating disorders
• Extreme exercise
• Pituitary diseases

For young women in particular the following can all prompt low estrogen levels:

• Genetic disease, such as Turner syndrome (which leads to short stature and lack of ovulation, normal female development and menstruation)
• Chemotherapy or radiation
• Thyroid disorders
• Insufficient body fat
• Delayed development and lack of menstruation (amenorrhea)

Click on the following link to read more information about causes of low estrogen levels, or continue reading below to learn more about the symptoms of low estrogen levels.

Symptoms of Low Estrogen Levels

During postmenopause, low levels of estrogen can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

Although not primarily caused by low estrogen levels, the conditions listed in the table below indicate insufficient estrogen production. These can be divided into both physical conditions and psychological symptoms.

Symptoms of low estrogen levels
	Physical Conditions • Artherosclerosis • Headaches / Migraines • Vaginal Infection • Arthritis • Fatigue • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Joint Pain • Vaginal Dryness	• Dry Skin • Loss of Libido • Thinning tissues • Rapid heartbeat • Bloating • Thinning hair • Headaches • Weight gain • Low back pain	Mental Conditions • Depression • Panic Attacks • Low Self Esteem • Mood swings • Memory Lapses • Difficulty concentrating

Click on the following link to read more information about symptoms of low estrogen levels.

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