Signs of a Lack of Estrogen

Updated: Jun 18, 2020

Signs of a Lack of Estrogen
estrogen lack

Drops in estrogen levels can manifest themselves in numerous ways. Whether it is individual symptoms such as joint pain, night sweats, or dry skin, or a group of symptoms that come as a cluster, the warning signs of a lack of estrogen and hormonal imbalance are always uncomfortable. A fall in estrogen levels can often be a pretty clear sign that menopause is on the way, and it is worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with what to expect. The following paragraphs have a more specific overview on the general signs of a lack of estrogen.

Signs and Symptoms of a Lack of Estrogen

Because symptoms of a lack of estrogen can be so subtle and vary so widely, women will often not even recognize that they are suffering from a deficiency of estrogen. Symptoms are often broadly similar to those most typically identified with menopause, such as night sweats and hot flashes. In addition to that, the primary symptoms of low estrogen can be identified by irregular or missed periods, as occurs in the years leading up menopause.

This is because estrogen's primary role during a woman's reproductive years is to prepare the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. Research has also shown that estrogen has other effects on a woman's body as well, which is why estrogen replacement therapy is sometimes recommended to relieve unwanted symptoms associated with menopause and aging.

The Most Common Signs of a Lack of Estrogen

Dry skin

Hormones play an important role in skin health. The symptoms of low estrogen following menopause include a reduced amount of collagen and thickness, particularly in the years just after menopause. Some women notice that their skin is dryer, and some women will develop acne, though chances of this are greatly increased if they suffered from acne during adolescence.

Bone loss

Bone loss and osteoporosis are some of the most common symptoms of low estrogen levels. This is because a lack of estrogen inhibits the body's ability to absorb calcium and vitamin D.

Sexuality problems

Vaginal dryness and thinness are believed to be the symptoms of low estrogen levels after menopause. This is accepted because the skin on other parts of the body also loses elasticity and thickness. Unfortunately, because vaginal dryness and thinness can cause painful intercourse, women can experience a decreased sex drive as a result.

Psychology changes

While there is no conclusive evidence as to what exactly causes mood swings, memory loss, and anxiety during menopause, at least one study indicates that estrogen improves the ability of the receptors in the hypothalamus to receive and transmit signals, so when estrogen levels decrease, certain psychological symptoms can arise.

Treatments for Lack of Estrogen

estrogen lifestyle

Even though the symptoms of your low estrogen are nothing to be concerned about, it is still a good idea to have some information on how best to deal with them and the core problem of estrogen deficiency.

Please note that any serious symptoms should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible. Aside from that, sometimes a simple change in habit or lifestyle can nourish estrogen production and provide significant relief.

The best practical step in dealing and overcoming the problems of low estrogen is through maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. This is because the body needs to be healthy in order to have the best chance of maintaining stable hormonal levels.

There are also a range of pharmaceutical and alternative medicine remedies that help to overcome the problems associated with a lack of estrogen. Specified treatments can often target better the issue of a lack of estrogen, and thus can prove effective in dealing with the consequences of hormone imbalance.