Estrogen deficiency

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency occurs when a person's body produces too little of the hormone estrogen. This condition most commonly affects women during perimenopause and menopause, but can also occur at other times.

Symptoms of low estrogen levels can include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats


• Vaginal dryness or atrophy


• Increased mood changes or depression


• Difficulty concentrating


• Insomnia


• Osteoporosis and increased bone fractures


• Heart palpitations

There are a few potential causes of estrogen deficiency:

• Perimenopause - As women approach menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen


• Primary ovarian insufficiency - when ovaries stop functioning properly before age 40


• Oophorectomy - surgical removal of the ovaries


• Hypothalamic amenorrhea - lack of menstrual periods due to stress, weight changes, etc.

To diagnose estrogen deficiency, doctors measure hormone levels with blood tests. They may also evaluate symptoms and perform exams to rule out other conditions.

Treatments to address low estrogen levels can significantly improve quality of life. Options may include:

• Estrogen therapy - taking supplemental estrogen to boost hormone levels


• Managing conditions causing estrogen deficiency


• Lifestyle changes like proper sleep, nutrition, exercise

The specialists at Optimized Hormones can provide cutting-edge testing to accurately determine if estrogen deficiency is present. If so, we customize bioidentical hormone therapy using a natural plant-based estrogen perfectly matched to your body. Contact us today for a consultation!