Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones in women. It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. There are three major types of estrogen - estradiol, estriol, and estrone.
Estradiol is the predominant and most potent estrogen during the reproductive years. It is produced mainly by the ovaries and promotes the growth of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle. Estriol is the estrogen produced during pregnancy and helps maintain pregnancy. Estrone is produced after menopause and has weaker estrogenic effects compared to estradiol.
Some of the major functions of estrogen in women are:
- Stimulates growth and development of female reproductive organs like the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina during puberty
- Controls menstrual cycle and maintains the uterine lining through the menstrual cycle
- Causes breast development during puberty and maintains breast tissue
- Responsible for fat deposition on the hips, buttocks and thighs giving the feminine body shape
- Regulates cholesterol levels and maintains bone strength
- Plays a role in cardiovascular health
The production of estrogen starts at
puberty and peaks during the reproductive years, after which it starts declining. At
menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness etc.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing estrogen may help relieve menopausal symptoms. However, HRT also has risks like increased chance of heart disease, stroke and breast cancer. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, practicing stress management can help manage symptoms without medication. At Vitality Health Center, we provide customized
bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help women smoothly transition through menopause. Our expert physicians carefully evaluate each patient to create a treatment plan using bioidentical hormones that are tailored to the patient's unique hormonal needs and symptoms. Contact us today to learn more!
To summarize, estrogen is the key female sex hormone that controls many essential reproductive functions in women. Declining estrogen levels at menopause leads to various symptoms that can be managed through lifestyle changes, HRT or bioidentical hormones. Proper evaluation and monitoring by hormone specialists is advised before starting any kind of hormone therapy. Vitality Health Center provides safe and effective bioidentical hormone replacement customized to each woman's needs.