The hormone estrogen is well known for good reason as THE female sex hormone. It is not only responsible for the development of sexual characteristics and plays a major role in the menstrual cycle, but also has many other effects on women's health — both during the fertile years and after. The symptoms are not always clearly linked to estrogen levels.
Symptoms of estrogen deficiency
Estrogen deficiency can significantly affect fertility and a healthy menstrual cycle. During and after menopause, estrogen deficiency is responsible for the most common symptoms.
Contents:
Unfulfilled desire for children, cycle irregularities
Dry skin, premature skin aging
Depression and psychological effects
What can I do about symptoms of estrogen deficiency?
Unfulfilled desire for children, cycle irregularities
Women become aware of an unfulfilled desire for children. Estrogen deficiency impairs the maturation of the eggs, causes irregular cycles, and can also lead to the absence of menstruation—all factors that make pregnancy more difficult. Estrogens also influence the consistency of cervical mucus. In cases of estrogen deficiency, the mucus of affected women may be so thick that it becomes difficult or even impossible for sperm to travel through the uterus to reach the egg. Depending on the cause of the estrogen deficiency, progesterone production may also be reduced. This makes it even less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
Vaginal dryness
Estrogens are also responsible for maintaining a healthy vaginal lining and vaginal flora so that they can perform their functions. Estrogen deficiency disrupts the function of the lining cells. This can, for example, lead to vaginal dryness due to reduced secretion of vaginal fluid. This not only causes itching and irritation but also makes it difficult to enjoy a healthy sex life, which can become painful or unpleasant
Loss of libido
Discomfort in the vaginal area caused by vaginal dryness naturally also affects the mind, and thus arousal and libido can drop rapidly.
Urinary tract infections
Frequent urinary tract infections can be a symptom of estrogen deficiency. The lining cells and vaginal flora form an important barrier against pathogens such as bacteria and fungi. Regular vaginal yeast infections, vaginosis, or even urinary tract infections can therefore be signs of an estrogen imbalance.
Dry skin, premature skin aging
Estrogens are involved in maintaining healthy skin. They play a role in the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen. Estrogen deficiency can therefore lead to premature wrinkling and skin aging. Estrogen is also involved in sebum production. On the one hand, estrogen deficiency leads to dry, flaky skin with significant moisture loss and impaired regeneration. On the other hand, estrogen deficiency can enhance the effects of testosterone, which can lead to increased sebum production, skin blemishes, and acne.
Sleep disorders
Estrogens influence the effects of neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, noradrenaline, GABA) involved in the sleep-wake cycle, and deficiency can cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Estrogen deficiency can even shorten REM sleep and thus alter sleep structure, reducing the quality of rest during sleep.
Night sweats and hot flashes also occur during menopause due to estrogen deficiency and can significantly affect sleep quality.
Depression and psychological effects
As mentioned, estrogen affects the metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. A decrease in these neurotransmitters can lead to low mood, anxiety, irritability, loss of motivation, and lack of energy. Estrogen deficiency also reduces stress resilience, as estrogen regulates the effects of cortisol. Studies show that low estrogen levels during menopause are associated with increased sensitivity to negative emotions.
Other areas affected by estrogens
As mentioned, estrogens are not only important in the reproductive system. They also affect various other metabolic processes. For example, they play a role in the immune system and in T cells. T cells, in turn, are involved in bone formation. Estrogen deficiency leads to an increased breakdown of bone tissue mediated by T cells—osteoporosis is the result.
Furthermore, studies have shown that low or declining estrogen levels can affect energy metabolism and lead to long-term consequences such as excess weight, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes.
Skin problems, age-related vision problems, and cardiovascular diseases can also be symptoms of estrogen deficiency.
What can I do about estrogen deficiency?
If you are approaching menopause, you can support your hormone balance with a fresh, balanced diet. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cress, mustard, and radish can help support estrogen balance. Lignans, found in high amounts in foods such as flaxseed, also influence estrogen balance. To help prevent metabolic diseases, focus on foods with long-chain carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, seeds, nuts) and fiber. These also have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.
Try to reduce stress, incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine, and avoid substances such as alcohol, nicotine, refined sugar, caffeine, etc.
Dietary supplements containing dong quai or plants with phytoestrogens, such as red clover, rosemary, basil, or mugwort, can provide optimal support.
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