Understanding Estrogen

Understanding Estrogen

When it comes to hormones, estrogen is often overlooked—until something goes wrong. Whether you're struggling with mood swings, weight gain, irregular periods, or low libido, estrogen could be the missing piece in your health puzzle.

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into high and low estrogen, explaining the causes, symptoms, long-term effects, and how to restore balance, step by step. From historical breakthroughs in hormone science to modern diagnostic and treatment methods, this guide is your complete resource to understanding how estrogen truly affects your body and mind.

What Is Estrogen?

Estrogen is one of the primary female sex hormones, though it’s present in both sexes.

It plays a vital role in:

Development of female secondary sex characteristics

Regulating the menstrual cycle

Bone health

Cardiovascular function

Skin and hair quality

Mood regulation

There are three main types of estrogen:

Estradiol (E2) – the main estrogen during reproductive years

Estrone (E1) – the main estrogen after menopause

Estriol (E3) – produced during pregnancy

🔵 Historical Perspective

Ancient Medicine: Ancient Greeks recognised menstrual changes but had no concept of hormones.

1920s: Scientists isolated estrogen from the urine of pregnant women. Estrone was the first to be identified.

1940s–1950s: Synthetic estrogen was created (e.g., DES), but later found to cause birth defects.

Modern Era: Blood and saliva tests can measure hormone levels accurately; HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) evolved for menopause, fertility, and transgender health.

🟠 What Causes Estrogen Imbalance?

➤ High Estrogen (Estrogen Dominance)

Causes:

Obesity (fat tissue converts testosterone to estrogen)

Birth control pills

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Liver dysfunction (estrogen is cleared by the liver)

Exposure to xenoestrogens (plastics, cosmetics)

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Tumours (e.g., estrogen-producing ovarian tumours)

➤ Low Estrogen (Estrogen Deficiency)

Causes:

Menopause (natural or surgical)

Eating disorders or extreme dieting

Over-exercising

Premature ovarian failure

Pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction

Certain chemotherapy/radiation treatments

🟡 Symptoms

🔺 High Estrogen:

Bloating

Mood swings, anxiety, depression

Heavy periods

Weight gain (especially hips/thighs)

Breast tenderness

Low libido

Fatigue

Sleep disturbances

🔻 Low Estrogen:

Irregular or no periods

Vaginal dryness or pain during sex

Hot flashes, night sweats

Dry skin

Loss of breast fullness

Mood swings or depression

Memory issues

Osteoporosis risk

🟢 Health Risks

High Estrogen:

Increased risk of breast and endometrial cancers

Blood clots or a stroke

Insulin resistance

Thyroid dysfunction

Low Estrogen:

Bone loss / Osteoporosis

Heart disease

Infertility

Cognitive decline

🔵 Diagnosis (Step-by-Step)

Clinical history – Symptoms, menstrual cycle, weight changes

Physical exam

Blood test (Serum Estradiol E2)

Normal Estradiol ranges vary with age and sex:

Women (premenopausal): 30–400 pg/mL

Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mL

Men: 10–50 pg/mL

FSH/LH tests – for ovarian/pituitary function

Thyroid panel – to rule out thyroid causes

Pelvic ultrasound – for PCOS, ovarian tumours

Bone density scan (DEXA) – if low estrogen is suspected.

🔴 Treatment Options

High Estrogen:

Lifestyle: Lose excess fat, avoid alcohol and xenoestrogens, reduce stress

Supplements: DIM (diindolylmethane), Calcium D-glucarate

Medication: Aromatase inhibitors (Anastrozole), progesterone supplementation

Surgery: Tumour removal (if estrogen-producing)

Low Estrogen:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): pills, creams, patches

Bioidentical hormones

Diet & exercise to support hormones

Herbal support: Black cohosh, phytoestrogens (flaxseed, soy)

🟣 Estrogen in Men

Men also produce estrogen via testosterone conversion (via the aromatase enzyme)

High estrogen: gynecomastia, ED, mood swings, fat gain

Low estrogen: joint pain, low libido, bone loss

Balance is key – testosterone therapy is often monitored with estrogen blockers (e.g., Arimidex)

🟤 Prevention & Natural Support

Avoid plastic containers (especially with BPA)

Eat fibre-rich foods (supports estrogen excretion)

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) help detox excess estrogen

Moderate alcohol and caffeine

Regular exercise

Manage stress (cortisol affects hormones)

🔹 Balancing Estrogen: A Key to Lifelong Health

Estrogen plays a crucial role in your reproductive health, bone strength, mood, and overall vitality—whether you're a woman or a man. An imbalance, whether too high or too low, can silently disrupt your well-being.

The good news? With awareness, proper testing, and a personalised plan, you can bring your hormones back into harmony. Whether through lifestyle changes, medical therapies, or natural support, taking control of your estrogen levels is a powerful step toward feeling your best, inside and out.

If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, consult a healthcare provider and take the next step in prioritising your long-term health.