Estrogen deficiency - Renew Hormone Clinic

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency occurs when the body does not produce enough of the hormone estrogen. This often happens around menopause as women's ovaries stop making as much estrogen, but it can occur at any age.

Some symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Mood changes like depression or irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Bone loss leading to osteoporosis

Long term estrogen deficiency can also increase risks for various health conditions like heart disease and stroke.

What causes estrogen deficiency?

• Menopause - As women approach menopause, typically in their late 40s or early 50s, estrogen levels start to fluctuate and decline. After menopause, the ovaries greatly reduce estrogen production.
• Oophorectomy - Surgical removal of the ovaries leads to a sudden drop in estrogen levels.
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency - Some women experience early menopause or ovarian failure before age 40, halting normal estrogen production.
• Other Medical Conditions - Issues with the pituitary gland or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt normal hormone regulation. Some medications also influence estrogen levels.

Treatments for Estrogen Deficiency

If women experience moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, hormone therapy may help relieve issues like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood changes related to shifting estrogen levels. Treatments can include:

• Low-dose oral estrogen therapy
• Vaginal estrogen creams or tablets
• Skin patches that supply estrogen through the skin
• Pellet therapy - small pellets implanted under the skin that release estrogen over months

It's important women talk with their healthcare provider to determine if hormone therapy makes sense for their health history and needs.

Lifestyle adjustments can also help manage some symptoms of estrogen deficiency:

• Staying cool at night
• Using vaginal lubricants or moisturizers
• Practicing stress-relieving activities
• Avoiding triggers like alcohol, hot drinks or spicy foods

In addition, getting adequate calcium and vitamin D, exercising regularly, and not smoking can help protect bone health.

If you're experiencing symptoms that might relate to shifting hormone levels, I encourage connecting with the exceptional practitioners at Renew Hormone Clinic. They specialize in customized bioidentical hormone therapies to help women smoothly transition through perimenopause and menopause while optimizing health, energy and vitality.