What is estrogen deficiency?

When there is a lack of estrogen, the estrogen level in the body is too low. This condition is physiological during perimenopause and menopause, when the ovaries stop functioning and estrogen production slows down. Estrogen deficiency can also occur if there is maldevelopment or restricted function of the ovaries or if the ovaries have been surgically removed. Excessive exercise and competitive sports can also lead to estrogen deficiency. The cause here is the often low body fat percentage, the not insignificant physical stress and inflammatory reactions in the body. A low body fat percentage, even as a result of being underweight, leads to an estrogen deficiency, as estrogens are partly formed in fatty tissue and enzymes from the fatty tissue in turn promote the formation of sex hormones. Chronic stress and inflammation caused z.B. Sports, deadline pressure, high workloads, psychologically demanding situations or environmental stimuli affect cortisol production in the adrenal glands. This has an impact on the ratio of sex hormones and can lead to adrenal fatigue in the long term. These in turn are responsible for the production of the precursors of sex hormones such as DHEA. Estrogen deficiency can also be caused by taking and stopping the pill.

What are the symptoms of estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen receptors are found in a variety of tissue types, u.a. in the skin cells. External symptoms of an estrogen deficiency can include dry skin or premature aging of the skin with the formation of wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity. If there is a lack of estrogen, problems can also occur in the hair and nails, such as thin hair, hair loss, brittle nails, etc. Other symptoms of estrogen deficiency are u.a. Missed period or ovulation, irregular cycle, vaginal dryness, vaginal infections or urinary tract infections. During menopause, hot flashes, sleep disorders or weight gain are common symptoms of estrogen deficiency.

What is DHEA?

DHEA (dehhydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogens. The production of sex hormones from DHEA occurs in the female body using the enzyme aromatase, mainly in the ovaries and fatty tissue. However, aromatase is also present in many other cells, u.a. in the skin cells. In this way, the formation of estrogens can be regulated directly in the skin cells when there is a lack of estrogen. The estrogens bind to receptors in the skin and influence various processes there such as z.B. Skin aging or skin renewal.