Low Estrogen Levels: Symptoms & Treatment

Hormones have a way of influencing your body quietly, and estrogen is one of the most important among them. When estrogen levels dip, the changes don’t always announce themselves clearly. Instead, they manifest as subtle signs of constant fatigue, mood changes, irregular menstrual cycles, or sleep disturbances that are easy to overlook or attribute to a busy lifestyle.

Many women brush these symptoms aside, not realising they may be linked to low estrogen. Understanding what your body is trying to tell you is crucial. Paying attention to these early symptoms can help you seek timely care and protect your long-term health, including hormonal and reproductive well-being.

This blog talks about signs of low estrogen and why it shouldn’t be avoided.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a class of hormones primarily responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system, although it affects both men and women. Estrogen is essential for maintaining healthy bone density, supporting pregnancy, and regulating women’s menstrual cycles.

It also impacts skin elasticity, cholesterol levels, and cognitive function. Estrogen promotes cardiovascular health and prevents osteoporosis by maintaining healthy bones and regulating cholesterol levels. It helps regulate testosterone levels and supports sperm production in males. All things considered, estrogen is essential for both general and reproductive health.

Signs of Low Estrogen

There are no obvious signs of low estrogen levels. When they appear, they could be mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses. It is therefore difficult to make a diagnosis based solely on symptoms. However, it is important to pay attention to the following six indicators of low estrogen levels:

1. Missed or irregular periods

Period irregularities or absence may result from low estrogen levels interfering with the regularity of the menstrual cycle. You will observe that your periods are less frequent, lighter, or heavier than usual.

Why It Matters:

Hormonal abnormalities that could affect fertility and general reproductive health could be indicated by irregular or absent periods. One of the primary causes of irregular or absent periods is low estrogen levels.

2. Night sweats and hot flashes

The body’s ability to control its temperature is impaired by low estrogen levels, which also cause excessive perspiration and unintended warmth. This is one of the causes of hot flashes. Sweating and spells of extreme heat will be common, especially at night.

Why It Matters:

These symptoms can interfere with sleep and daily activities and frequently indicate the start of menopause or hormonal changes.

3. Emotional shifts and mood swings

Estrogen influences mood and emotions by altering neurotransmitters in the brain. Depression, anxiety, or irritability may result from a decline in estrogen. You may notice sudden changes in your mood, such as feelings of sorrow, worry, or increased irritation.

Why It Matters:

Unmanaged mood swings can have a detrimental impact on a person’s relationships, mental health, and quality of life; thus, they must be addressed to prevent long-term problems.

4. Uncomfortable and dry vagina

Estrogen helps maintain the vaginal tissues’ flexibility and moisture. Low estrogen can lead to pain, thinning, and dryness. Low estrogen levels are a major contributing factor to vaginal dryness, itching, or pain in the vagina during sex.

Why It Matters:

Untreated vaginal discomfort can result in infections and other problems, and it can have an impact on sexual health and general well-being.

5. Exhaustion and sleep issues

Low estrogen levels affect the sleep-wake cycle, potentially creating sleep issues that can lead to exhaustion and insomnia. Even after obtaining enough sleep, you may still feel exhausted, have trouble falling or staying asleep, and experience fatigue during the day.

Why It Matters:

Effective intervention is necessary for improved sleep management, as chronic exhaustion and inadequate sleep can have a substantial impact on daily functioning, mental stability, and overall physical health.

6. Reduced bone density

By regulating the synthesis and breakdown of bone, estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone strength. Rapid bone loss is accelerated by low estrogen. You can be more susceptible to bone pain, height loss, or fractures.

Why It Matters:

If therapy is not administered, low bone density can result in osteoporosis, which raises the risk of fractures and irreversible damage. It’s critical to regularly assess the condition of your bones.

How is Low Estrogen Diagnosed?

• Detailed review of symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, or vaginal dryness.
• Discussion of medical history, age, pregnancy history, and medication use
• Blood tests to measure estrogen (especially estradiol) levels
• Hormonal panel tests to assess FSH, LH, progesterone, and thyroid hormones
• Evaluation of menstrual cycle patterns and ovulation history
• Bone density tests if long-term deficiency is suspected
• Pelvic ultrasound or imaging to assess the ovaries and uterus when needed
• Diagnosis is confirmed by correlating test results with symptoms
  

How is Low Estrogen Level Treated?

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used when clinically indicated and safe
• Estrogen creams, tablets, or patches for symptom-specific relief
• Treatment of the underlying cause, such as thyroid disorders or ovarian issues
• Lifestyle modifications, including stress reduction and regular exercise
• Dietary changes with estrogen-supporting foods and healthy fats
• Nutritional supplements like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-complex
• Management of menstrual or fertility concerns with personalised treatment plans
• Regular monitoring and follow-ups to adjust treatment safely

Causes of Low Estrogen

Here are some of the main causes behind having low estrogen:

• Age- With age comes menopause, and it is followed by a drop in estrogen levels. At this moment, your body’s main source of estrogen changes from oestradiol, which is mostly produced in your ovaries, to oestrone, which is mostly created in body fat.

• Eating disorders- Anorexia and bulimia are two eating disorders that can deny your body the nutrition it needs to maintain hormone balance.

• Genetic disorders- Low estrogen is a symptom of both Turner syndrome and fragile X syndrome.

• Autoimmune conditions- Your ovaries may not produce enough estrogen if they are affected by autoimmune diseases.

• Premature menopause- It is another name for primary ovarian insufficiency. Your ovaries cease to produce eggs before the age of forty if you have this disorder. As a result, your body experiences early menopause. Your estrogen levels drop and your periods stop.

• Treatments that affect your ovaries- Chemotherapy and radiation are two cancer treatments that can harm your ovaries. Your ovaries may not be able to secrete normal amounts of estrogen as a result of the injury. Low estrogen can also result after an oophorectomy, which is the removal of one or both ovaries.

• Conditions that impact your pituitary gland- Hormones secreted by your pituitary gland instruct your ovaries to begin producing estrogen. If your pituitary gland doesn’t release enough of these hormones, your body may create low levels of estrogen.

• Hypothalamic amenorrhoea- Hypothalamic amenorrhoea can occur when your body is under stress (such as from excessive activity) and not receiving adequate nutrition. Your brain doesn’t release enough of the hormone that triggers your ovaries to produce estrogen when you have hypothalamic amenorrhoea.

Effects of Estrogen Level in the Body

Estrogen is essential for controlling several bodily processes, particularly in females. It is necessary for fertility, aids in ovulation, and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Additionally, by reducing bone loss and controlling cholesterol, estrogen promotes heart health. Mood, memory, and mental health are all impacted by its effects on brain function. Maintaining healthy estrogen levels supports vaginal health, hair growth, and skin suppleness. The distribution of fat and metabolism are also influenced by estrogen. Excessive or insufficient levels of estrogen can cause long-term health issues, weariness, mood swings, and irregular periods.

Low Estrogen Level in Men vs Females

Menopause and maternity-related subjects may give people the impression that women are more likely than men to experience low estrogen symptoms.

But that’s untrue.

Although low estrogen symptoms are more common in women, they can also occur in men, albeit they usually manifest differently.

Let’s look at how low estrogen affects men and women differently.

Category	Women	Men
Age	Women aged between 40-50, especially those who are going through perimenopause & menopause periods.	It happens to men after the age of 50 because testosterone naturally declines.
Reproductive Sexual Health	Sexual and reproductive health is disrupted by irregular or nonexistent menstruation.	Affects libido and sexual function in the body.
Bone & Cardiovascular Health	Fractures, back pain, and osteoporosis are all more likely to occur with low bone density.	Decreased bone density and an increased risk of heart problems.
Metabolism & Weight	Typical symptoms include a slower metabolism and the buildup of abdominal fat.	Increased overall body fat with reduced muscle mass.
Skin, Hair & Physical Appearance	Thinning hair, dryness, and reduced elasticity.	Rarely has such an effect.
Urinary & Vaginal/Prostate Health	Increased risk of UTI, genital itchiness, and discomfort during intercourse.	It may have an indirect effect on the reproductive system.

How to Manage or Increase Estrogen?

A balanced diet, lifestyle changes, and medical attention can all help you control or raise your estrogen levels. Eating a balanced diet that includes foods rich in estrogen-promoting nutrients, such as soy, flaxseeds, almonds, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, can be beneficial. It’s critical to maintain a healthy weight because extremely low body fat can result in reduced estrogen production. Hormonal equilibrium is supported by regular exercise, although overdoing it should be avoided. Hormone regulation is also aided by stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or getting sufficient sleep. Following a thorough review, doctors may occasionally suggest hormone therapy or supplements.

Take Away

The physical and mental health of a woman can be greatly impacted by low estrogen levels. Effective management begins with an understanding of the causes and symptoms. Hormonal balance and overall health can be improved by implementing natural lifestyle and dietary modifications, even without the need for medical interventions like hormone replacement therapy.

Consult a healthcare professional for situation-specific advice and help if you are worried about your estrogen levels.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of low estrogen levels in the body?

Some of the common symptoms of low estrogen levels in the body are absent or irregular periods, brain fog (difficulty focusing), mood changes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, loss of sexual desire (libido), and more.

 

How to increase estrogen levels naturally?

You can naturally increase estrogen levels by consuming phytoestrogen-rich foods, such as soy, flaxseeds, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, while maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep also help support balanced estrogen levels.

 

Can low estrogen affect fertility?

Yes, low estrogen can affect fertility by disrupting ovulation, thinning the uterine lining, and making it harder for pregnancy to happen.

 

Can low estrogen be caused due to PCOS?

Yes, low estrogen can be caused due to PCOS since it results in irregular periods.

 

What are the foods to avoid in low estrogen?

Avoid highly processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol, and very low-fat diets, as they can further disrupt hormone balance.

 

What are the reasons for low estrogen levels in females?

Low estrogen may be caused by menopause, low body weight, excessive exercise, ovarian dysfunction, stress, or certain medications.