Women may not often think about their estrogen levels prior to menopause. However, during menopause, when estrogen levels become erratic, they can cause an onset of uncomfortable — and potentially dangerous —symptoms. Continue reading to determine if you’re suffering from low estrogen levels.
How Your Body Reacts to Low Estrogen Levels
During menopause, the female body ceases production of eggs within the ovaries. This leads to the end of monthly menstrual cycles. Since estrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries, when egg production slows, so does the production of estrogen. The drastic drop in estrogen levels may cause women to suffer from a host of physical and mental conditions.
Physical Symptoms of Low Estrogen
- Headaches and migraines
- Vaginal infection
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Joint pain
- Vaginal Dryness
- Loss of libido
- Rapid heartbeat
- Bloating
- Low back pain
- Weight gain
- Tingling extremities
- Changing body odor
Mental Symptoms of Low Estrogen
Depression- Panic attacks
- Low self-esteem
- Mood swings
- Memory lapses
- Difficulty concentrating
Because the symptoms of low estrogen levels range in severity from minor irritations and annoyances to serious health risks, women commonly misdiagnose their symptoms. It is important to consult with your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms caused by low estrogen levels. Click here to read more about estrogen and menopause or continue reading below to learn about how estrogen levels fluctuate over time.
Estrogen Levels: How Low Do They Go during Menopause?
It is normal for a woman’s estrogen levels to fluctuate over time as the result of major life changes, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause. The table below indicates average estrogen levels for women according to age. All measurements are in pictograms per milliliter (pg/ml):
- Ages 20-29: 140pg/ml
- Ages 30-39: 210pg/ml
- Ages 40-49: 152pg/ml
Women experiencing low estrogen levels generally have a reading of 10-20 pg/ml.
Recommendation:
Maintaining balanced levels of estrogen is important to your health. The best way to prevent and manage low estrogen levels is to combine a healthy diet and exercise regimen with alternative medicines. If left untreated, low estrogen can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Consult with your doctor if you think you may be suffering from low estrogen levels.
Hutchinson, Susan M.D. “The Stages of a Woman’s Life: Menstration, Pregnancy,Nursing, Perimenopause, Menopause..Dr. Love, Susan, and Karen Lindsey. Dr. Susan Loves Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.BMJ Group. Menopause: What is it? Patient Leaflet. 2007.
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