Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone that comprises a group of compounds, including estrone, estradiol and estriol. It is the main sex hormone in women and is essential to the menstrual cycle. Although estrogen exists in men as well as women, it is found in higher amounts in women, especially those capable of reproducing.

Estrogen contributes to the development of secondary sex characteristics, which are the defining differences between men and women that don’t relate to the reproductive system. In women, these characteristics include breasts, a widened pelvis, and increased amounts of body fat in the buttock, thigh and hip region. Estrogen also contributes to the fact that women have less facial hair and smoother skin than men.

Estrogen is an essential part of a woman’s reproductive process. It regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy by enriching and thickening the endometrium. Two hormones, the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), help to control how the body produces estrogen in women who ovulate.

Estrogen is manufactured mostly in the ovaries, by developing egg follicles. In addition, estrogen is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary, as well as by the placenta. The liver, breasts and adrenal glands may also contribute to estrogen production, although in smaller quantities.

Estrogen can be broken down into three distinct compounds: estrone, estradiol and estriol. During a woman’s reproductive life, which starts with the onset of menstruation and continues until menopause, the main type of estrogen produced is estradiol. Enzymatic actions produce estradiol from androgens. Testosterone contributes to the production of estradiol, while the estrogen estrone is made from andostenedione.

Estrogen is important to a woman’s health, not only as it relates to her reproductive cycle. Although it can cause women to retain fluid, and early exposure through early menses can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, estrogen has its benefits. It can contribute to increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered the “good” cholesterol, and lower the low density lipoprotein (LDL), which is the “bad” cholesterol.

After menopause, women experience a reduction in estrogen. This can lead to vaginal dryness, memory problems, hot flashes, fatigue, irritability and possibly one of the most devastating problems, a decrease in bone density. Although estrogen replacement therapy has been controversial, with medical professionals debating its safety and effectiveness, menopausal women should consult with a doctor for the safest and most effective way of dealing with the loss of estrogen.

Symptoms of estrogen dominance

If you experience any of the following symptoms associated with estrogen dominance, or are being

treated for any of the medical conditions listed, supplementing with natural progesterone cream may

help:

• Acceleration of the aging process

• Adrenal exhaustion

• Allergy symptoms (asthma, hives, rashes, sinus congestion)

• Autoimmune disorders (lupus erytherometosis, thyroiditis, possibly Sjögren’s disease

• Breast cancer

• Breast tenderness

• Cervical dysplasia

• Cold hands and feet as a symptom of thyroid dysfunction

• Depression with anxiety or agitation

• Dry eyes

• Early onset of menstruation

• Endometrial (uterine) cancer

• Endometriosis

• Fat gain, especially around the abdomen, hips, and thighs

• Fatigue

• Fertility

• Fibrocystic breasts

• Fibromyalgia

• Foggy thinking

• Gallbladder disease

• Hair loss

• Headaches

• Hypoglycemia

• Increased blood clotting (increasing risk of strokes)

• Infertility

• Irregular menstrual periods

• Irritability

• Insomnia

• Magnesium deficiency

• Memory loss

• Mood swings

• Osteoporosis

• PMS

• PCOS

• Post-Natal Depression

• Premenopausal bone loss

• Premature Births

• Prostate cancer (men)

• Protection against reproductive cancer

• Sluggish metabolism

• Thyroid dysfunction mimicking hypothyroidism

• Tubal Ligation (tubes tied)

• Uterine cancer

• Uterine fibroids

• Water retention, bloating

• Zinc deficiency

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects include enlargement or tenderness of the breasts (both sexes), swelling of the ankles and legs, loss of appetite, weight changes, retention of water, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and feeling of bloatedness. The estrogen patch can cause skin rash, irritation, and redness at the patch site.

Less common side effects are bleeding gums, breakthrough vaginal bleeding, vaginal spotting, changes in menstrual flow, painful menstruation, pre-menstrual syndrome, no menstrual period during and after estrogen use, enlargement of uterine fibroids, vaginal infection with Candida, a cystitis-like syndrome, mild diarrhea, jaundice or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, rash, loss of scalp hair, and development of new hairy areas. Lesions of the eye and contact-lens intolerance have also been associated with estrogen therapy. You may experience migraine headache, mild dizziness, depression.

Rare side effects include stroke, blood-clot formation, dribbling or sudden passage of urine, loss of coordination, chest pains, leg pains, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, and vision changes. Men who receive large estrogen doses as part of the treatment for prostate cancer are at a greater risk for heart attack, phlebitis, and blood clots in the lungs.