Balancing Hormones | Low Estrogen 

Estrogen is an amazing hormone and one that has gotten a lot of bad press over the last 10 or so years, and with justified reason. Most likely, we all know someone who has weathered the storm of breast or uterine cancer. Going through a health challenge of that magnitude and the correlation of those conditions to excess estrogen is certainly enough to create questions when it comes to supporting estrogen in our bodies.

But, estrogen is essential in male and female bodies for: 

  • Cardiovascular health

  • Bone health 

  • Immune robustness 

  • Glucose balance 

  • Fertility 

  • Brain/neural functions 

So, what about in the case that estrogen is too low? Just as too much estrogen can cause undesired symptoms or disease sequelae, so can insufficient estrogen. 

Symptoms of low estrogen: 

  • Anovulatory menstrual cycles 

  • Short cycles or amenorrhea (skipped cycles)

  • Perimenopausal symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats

  • Brain fog

  • Low libido

  • Pain with sex 

  • Depression 

  • Mood swings

  • Weight gain 

  • Insomnia

Conditions associated with low estrogen: 

  • Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (early onset perimenopausal symptoms/anovulation)

  • Infertility 

  • Hypothalamic dysfunction 

  • Osteoarthritis 

  • Frequent urinary tract infections 

  • Headaches, including migraines

  • Perimenopause/menopause

  • Thyroid disorders

Ways to support low estrogen: 

Lifestyle:

  • If you are or have recently been on hormonal birth control that could be the cause of lower estrogen in your body. Hormonal birth control lowers your body’s own production of estrogen and can cause the above symptoms. Consult with your provider about the best ways to balance your hormones if you’re on the pill or recently discontinued

  • Work with your provider to understand the underlying cause of why your estrogen may be low. Testing to know what your levels are is extremely helpful in directing the best ways to support your body

  • Find moderation with exercise. Excessive exercise, especially in female bodies, is correlated with lower estrogen and suppressed endocrine production of hormones

  • Support your endocrine system with stress management

Nutrition:

  • Eat well balanced meals and ensure you’re getting enough nutrients in the day. Of particular importance for healthy hormone production is healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, olives, etc.)

Herbal support:

  • Cimicifuga/Black Cohosh: this herb can help support estrogen pathways in the body 

  • Glycyrrhiza/Licorice: can help increase estrogen function in the body and has shown to restore menstruation in amenorrheic women 

  • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): this may be a great option to consult with a provider who specializes in this area. I have seen immense improvements in folks transitioning through perimenopause using BHRT. *This is not recommended if you are trying to conceive or want to get pregnant in the future.

Low estrogen may be the cause of symptoms you’d like to improve and there is so much that can be supported along the journey to well balanced hormones. If you’ve made it this far in the article, you’re amazing and the commitment you have to improving your health is evident! You deserve answers and support for your symptoms.

XO,

Dr. Stang

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Kelsey Stang