Symptoms of Low Estrogen and Menopause

Updated: Jun 18, 2020

As women enter middle age, estrogen levels begin to decline and hormones become unbalanced. Most women attribute this transition to menopause but don't realize their estrogen levels are declining. Common symptoms of low estrogen include irregular or missed periods, which normally occur in the years leading up to and during menopause.But what are the causes of low estrogen and what symptoms are associated with this change? Read on to learn about the symptoms of low estrogen during menopause.

How Do I Know If I Have Low Estrogen?

Symptoms of Low Estrogen and Menopause-1

As menopause approaches, hormones levels become unbalanced as progesterone, estrogen and testosterone levels decline. During the reproductive years, estrogen helps the uterus to receive a fertilized egg, but estrogen has other effects as well. When estrogen levels decline these effects become apparent leading to noticeable physical and emotional changes. To determine if you have low estrogen, it's important to recognize the symptoms of low estrogen. These symptoms include;

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood swings
  • Memory lapses
  • Dry eyes
  • Dry skin
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Collagen loss
  • Decreased libido
  • Constant fatigue and lethargy
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Unexplained weight gain

How Does Low Estrogen Affect Bone?

The most well known symptom of low estrogen is osteoporosis or bone loss. Lack of estrogen inhibits the body's ability to absorb calcium and vitamin D. Known as “sun therapy” vitamin D is necessary for the body to effectively absorb calcium. Without this essential vitamin calcium levels decrease leading to decreased strength and mineral density in bone.

Symptoms of Low Estrogen and Menopause-2

The body is able to absorb calcium most efficiently when iron, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin C are also present. To get an effective supply of these vitamins, medical professionals suggest consuming a multi-vitamin and a vitamin-D supplement to ensure bones continue to receive adequate supplies of calcium. Specialized health supplements containing plant estrogens have found to be more effective due to the increase in dietary estrogenic compounds. These counteract the symptoms of low estrogen when the ovaries cease functioning during menopause.

Before menopause strikes learn to recognize the symptoms of low estrogen and talk to your doctor about methods to help increase your estrogen. Click here to read more about estrogen.

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