Estrogen: what it is, features, and because it is low or high

Estrogen is the main sex hormone of the woman, it is responsible for the development of the physical, and the sexual organs of female. This is a hormone that is produced primarily in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and adipose tissue.

In males, estrogen is also produced in small amounts by the testes, performing important functions in the male reproductive system, such as the regulation of the sex drive, erectile function, and the production of sperm.

Changes in the levels of estrogen, it can indicate problems such as ovarian failure, or hypogonadism, it is recommended to consult an endocrinologist, a gynecologist (for women) or a urologist, in the case of men, for to confirm the diagnosis and to start the appropriate treatment.

Key features

The main functions of estrogen are:

• Regulate the reproductive cycle of the female , thus stimulating the development of the uterus;
• To encourage the development of breasts, and female sexual organs , especially during puberty;
• To promote the maturation of the oocyte , prior to their release;
• To promote the growth, maturation, and bone health , protect against the development of osteoporosis;
• The increase in the accumulation of fat in certain parts of the body such as the buttocks and upper thighs, and that is a characteristic of the appearance of the female;
• Improve the look and feel of your skin , which tends to be more soft and smooth on the woman.
• Adjust the amount of water and minerals in the body , especially during pregnancy, causing retention of sodium and water.

In addition, in males, estrogen is also involved in the regulation of the sexual drive, erectile function, and the production of sperm, as well as in bone health and the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates.

Where is it produced

In women, estrogen is produced primarily by the ovaries, and is also produced in smaller quantities in the adrenal glands, and adipose tissue. In addition to this, during the pregnancy, this hormone begins to be produced also by the placenta.

Already in men, estrogen is produced mainly by the testicles, bone cells, fat tissue, and the adrenal glands, although in much smaller quantities than in the female.

In addition to the production of the body certain foods may be a source of estrogens, which are known as phyto-oestrogens or oestrogen-natural, such as soy, flax, yams, or love, and that will increase the amount of estrogen in the body. Here are the top foods that are rich in phytoestrogens.

Types of estrogen

The main types of estrogen produced is:

Estrone (E1)

The estrone is produced in the ovaries, adipose tissue, and the adrenal, and although it’s a less “powerful” than the other, an estrogen, is the type produced in postmenopausal women. Here’s what to estrone, and what it’s for.

Estradiol (E2)

Estradiol is produced primarily in the ovaries, and estrogen is the most “powerful”, and is found in higher levels in women of child-bearing potential who are not pregnant.

This is an estrogen plays an important role in sexual development, varying in their levels throughout the menstrual cycle. After the menopause will have a lower concentration, but it is constant. Get a better understanding of what is estradiol, and their functions.

Estriol (E3),

The estriol is a type of estrogen that is produced, especially during the pregnancy, by the placenta. This is an estrogen promotes the growth of the uterus and prepare the body gradually to the woman, giving birth and breastfeeding.

The relationship between estrogen and progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone are female hormones are most important. Both of which are produced in the ovaries and, in addition, control of the menstrual cycle, showing an increase or decrease in its concentration in accordance with the phase of the business cycle.

In the phase of ovulatory menstrual cycle, the estrogen level reaches its maximum, and a progestin, it is hardly produced after ovulation.

After ovulation, it is possible to note an increase in the production of estrogen, primarily progesterone, that the work in preparing the uterine lining for implantation of the embryo in pregnancy. To learn more about the phases of the menstrual cycle.

Reference values

The amount of estrogen in the body is to be measured primarily by the amount of estradiol in the blood. As the man is, the amount of estradiol that is considered normal is 20.0 to as 52.0 pg/mL, in women, the amount may vary according to the menstrual cycle:

• Follicular phase: 1.3 a 266,0 pg/mL.
• Half of the menstrual cycle: 49,0 the 450,0 pg/mL.
• Luteal phase: 26.0 to 165,0 pg/mL.
• Menopause: 10 to 50.0 pg/mL.
• Menopause has been treated with hormone replacement: a 10.0 on the 93,0 pg/mL.

In the event of changes in the levels of estrogen, it is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist, a gynecologist (for women) or a urologist, in the case of the men, in order to make an evaluation.

If you want to set up an appointment, it is possible to find a endocrinologist near you by using the tool below:

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Your doctor may also suggest other tests, such as the dosage of the hormones FSH and LH in the blood, and ultrasound of the abdomen, in order to identify the causes of changes, and to indicate the most appropriate treatment.

That may be a few mins on high

Estrogen is high, it may be due to early puberty, perimenopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy and the presence of a tumor on the ovary or in the suprarrenal, for example.

In addition, women with obesity could also produce higher amounts of estrogen from the adipose tissue.

The symptoms of low estrogen, high

When estrogen levels are high, it is possible to notice symptoms such as:

• The increase in the weight of every one:
• Changes in your menstrual cycle, such as bleeding, light-heavy, and the irregularity in the cycle;
• Exacerbation of the symptoms associated with PMS,
• Nodules are benign breast;
• Fibroids fibroids;
• Burning;
• Decreased libido;
• Pain in the breast;
• It difficult to get pregnant.

In men, estrogen is high, it can cause side effects such as erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, male infertility, and the development of the breasts, called gynecomastia in men. Find out what is a human being, and how to identify them.

That may be a few mins to low

Estrogen is low, it is common during the menopause, which is a natural condition of life, of the woman, the ovaries stop producing this hormone, but it can also be caused by ovarian failure, the use of oral contraceptives (e hipopituitarismo, for example.

The symptoms of low estrogen, low

Estrogen is low, it may cause side effects, such as:

• The absence of a menstrual period, or periods, and less frequently;
• Night sweats;
• It hard to fall asleep, so there may be insomnia;
• Dryness of the vagina;
• Decreased libido;
• Mood changes;
• The pain in his head;
• Burning;
• Difficulty with attention and memory impairment;
• Your skin is dry.

The low estrogen can also increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, especially in the menopause, it can be given hormone replacement therapy. Find out how to hormone replacement therapy.

In addition, in men, and estrogen is low, it may cause side effects such as fluid retention in the body, and the accumulation of abdominal fat, loss of bone density, irritability, depression, anxiety, or exhaustion.