The Effects of a Decrease in Estrogen Hormones

What causes a Decrease in Estrogen Hormones?

A decrease in estrogen hormones can be caused by a number of different things however menopause is one of the most common. On average menopause occurs when women are around the age of 52, due to the slowing down of women's menstrual cycles. The ovaries begin to shut down and there is a decrease in estrogen hormones. Rather unpleasantly an imbalance between a woman's estrogen and progesterone hormone levels can cause many unpleasant side effects.

What are the different effects of a decrease in Estrogen Hormones?

A decrease in estrogen hormone can have many different effects on menopausal women, for example:

Hot flashes
Hot flashes occur when there is a decrease in estrogen hormones, which control the body's temperature regulator. When there is a decrease in estrogen hormone levels the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the body's temperature, no longer works accurately. Women then begin to experience hot flashes.

Hot flashes can leave women flushed, hot, and feeling sweaty. There are a number of steps women can take to avoid hot flashes such as:

- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet, but avoid spicy food and hot soups.
- Wear layers of thin clothes that can be easily removed
- Reduce the consumption of caffeine and alcohol

Night Sweats
Night sweats are similar to hot flashes and also occur due to a decrease in estrogen hormones and a fault in the body's internal heat regulator. Night sweats can cause women to wake in the night feeling hot, unhygienic, and sweaty, There are a number of steps women can take to avoid night sweats such as:

- Sleep in breath-easy pajamas
- Keep a glass of water next to the bed
- Avoid spicy foods and hot soups before bed
- Keep a hand fan nearby

Loss of Libido
A loss of libido is one of the common effects when there is a decrease in estrogen hormones. A loss of libido can cause rifts in women's personal relationships, and can be extremely upsetting. However there are a number of steps women can take in an attempt to increase their libido.

- Take up exercises such as yoga, which help to relax women and relieve stress.
- Regularly do Kegal exercises, which strengthen pelvic muscles and increase the blood flow to the area.
- Try eating foods such as oysters (full of zinc) and almonds (full of magnesium).

However if a decrease in estrogen hormones is beginning to affect women's everyday lives there are different prescribed medications available that can help. Menopausal women do not have to endure a decrease in estrogen hormones without any assistance. Click here for more information about a decrease in estrogen hormones and treating adverse menopause symptoms.