Treatment For Low Estrogen
One way to prevent symptoms of low estrogen is to replenish your estrogen supply. You can increase the levels of estrogen in your body through estrogen replacement therapies. At the Center for Womens Health, our team, led by Sharon Breit, MD, diagnoses and assesses your estrogen levels and symptoms in order to prescribe the best options for your issues.
Hormone replacement therapy comes in many forms, including pills, creams, patches, and injections, and with the hormone progestin or estrogen-only. Another option is BioTe® Hormone Pellet Therapy, which contains bioidentical hormones derived from plant extracts.
For more information on how estrogen affects your body and what you can do about it, call us at the Center for Womens Health in Wichita, Kansas, or make an appointment online.
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What Is An Estrogen Test
Estrogen tests detect a deficiency or excess of estrogens, usually in a woman. Estrogen tests help diagnose a range of problems related to an imbalance of estrogens in the body. They also help determine the timing of ovulation, and during pregnancy, help in monitoring the health of the baby and the placenta.
We frequently hear about estrogen levels during pregnancy, estrogen levels in menopause. Now, many will have a doubt of How to test estrogen Levels?
The estrogen levels can be tested in a blood or urine sample estrogens can also be tested in saliva.
Estrogens, also called female sex hormones, are a group of hormones that promote and maintain the female characteristics, reproductive functions such as the growth of breasts, uterus and regulate the menstruation cycle. Both men and women produce estrogens but play a key role in the female reproductive system. In men, estrogen is produced at low levels and it is found to affect the sperm count.
There are 3 main types of estrogen that are commonly tested
- Estrone, also known as E1, is produced by women after menopause
- Estradiol, also called E2, is produced by nonpregnant women
- Estriol, also called E3, increases during pregnancy
How Does Flaxseed Balance Hormones
The two primary ways that flax seeds assist in maintaining a healthy hormonal balance are: In the first place, lignins in the gut bind to estrogen, guaranteeing that the estrogens are expelled in the stool. This interferes with the livers ability to reabsorb estrogen into the bloodstream. In this way, there is a decrease in total estrogen levels. Those who suffer from estrogen dominance will benefit significantly from this. It has also been shown that lignans promote the livers synthesis of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin . Estrogen binds more tightly to SHBG the more of it we have in our blood, increasing the likelihood of estrogen-dominance symptoms.
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How To Increase Oestrogen And Progesterone
We have talked about various superfoods, herbs, and medical ways to increase oestrogen in the female body. These scientifically proven ways maintain sufficient levels of oestrogen in the body.
However, another hormone, one that is equally important for the female body, is progesterone. Your progesterone levels may be lowered due to low levels of oestrogen. This happens during menopause because as women age, many hormones in the body drop severely.
Again, there are medical ways like medicines and creams to increase hormones. However, there are also various natural ways to maintain progesterone. Some of them include:
- Consuming chaste berry as a supplement
- Eating vegetables, nuts, and whole grains
- Getting enough sleep
- Reducing stress
Beware Of Medications And Birth Control
Are you aware of your medications side effects? Some can disrupt your hormone balance, leading to side effects like fatigue, appetite changes, altered sleeping patterns, low libido, sadness and even depression.
Some medications that can mess with your hormone balance include corticosteroids, stimulants, statins, dopamine agonists, rexinoids and glucocorticoids. Beware of your medications, talk to your doctor about the side effects and research natural alternatives whenever possible.
Birth control is another medication that alters hormone levels. The pill is a type of hormone therapy that raises estrogen levels to levels that can cause many complications.
Studies show that the health risks of taking them, especially long term, may include issues like:
- Breakthrough bleeding between cycles
- Increased risk of uterine bleeding, blood clotting, heart attack and stroke
- Breast tenderness
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Estrogens In Blood And Urine
Collection of serum and urine samples was attempted to occur during the midluteal phase . However, due to scheduling problems, 14% and 24% of visits in BEAN1 and BEAN2, respectively, occurred outside the luteal phase. Based on the available information, it was not possible to estimate the exact cycle day. In BEAN1, timing was determined using ovulation kits and confirmed retrospectively by serum progesterone levels, while in BEAN2 the cycle day was estimated based on the last menstruation date and confirmed by the onset date of the next menstruation obtained via telephone contact with participants. All specimens were stored at 80°C after aliquoting. Using validated radioimmunoassays, 5 repeated serum samples for BEAN1 and 3 samples for BEAN2 were analyzed for E1 and E2 in 0.5 mL serum. Based on blinded samples, the interassay coefficients of variations were 17.7% for E1 and 11.2% for E2 in BEAN1 and 15.0% for both E1 and E2 in BEAN2.
What Causes Low Estrogen Symptoms
Low estrogen levels occur when the ovaries become less active and produce less of the hormone. This happens naturally over a period of months or years running up to menopause .
Estrogen and progesterone can also become unbalanced in younger women. More commonly this results in there being a relative excess of estrogen so-called estrogen dominance . However, hormones can become unbalanced in a way that causes a relative deficiency of estrogen, too .
Menopause is the biggest reason for low estrogen levels. Other causes include :
- Eating disorders that can deprive the body of nutrients required to make estrogen
- Genetic conditions, including Turner syndrome and Fragile X syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders that attack the ovaries and inhibit their ability to produce estrogen
- Medical treatments, including chemo and radiation therapy for cancer
- Disorders of the pituitary gland
- Extreme over-exercising
Below is a table showing the symptoms of low estrogen versus high estrogen. Its worth noting theres some overlap.
When considering if or how to increase estrogen levels, you might want to talk to your practitioner about blood tests that can help determine snapshot levels of various forms of estrogen in your body . Other types of testing, such as DUTCH or ZRT Labs menstrual mapping , may provide a more comprehensive picture of hormone levels throughout an extended period of time, such as a whole menstrual cycle .
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Ways You Can Boost Estrogen Naturally
Estrogen and progesterone are foundational hormones for sexual and reproductive development in women. Working together, these hormones help womens sexual characteristics to mature during puberty as well as manage fertility and menstruation up to menopause.
Estrogen also keeps cholesterol under control, encourages bone health, and balances moods, heart function, and skin tissues. Low estrogen is usually a sign of the change women go through during menopause.
Symptoms can include mood swings, dry skin, trouble sleeping, irregular periods, low libido, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
Thankfully, there are a number of reliable natural remedies to increase estrogen in the body. Either by directly creating estrogen or by replicating the effects of estrogen.
Read on, for 7 of the most natural ways to increase estrogen.
Take Herbal Supplements That Contain Phytoestrogens
Some herbal supplements may be able to help increase your estrogen levels, such as:
- Black cohosh â Black cohosh is an herb that has historically been used in Native American traditions to treat menstrual and menopausal issues.
- Red clover â Red clover contains isoflavones, which are the same type of phytoestrogens found in soy. Some research indicates that red clover supplementation may increase estrogen levels.
- Dong quai â Don quai is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat menopause. Some research has shown that dong quai may stimulate estrogen production.
- Chasteberry â Chasteberry is another traditional treatment that may be able to help with PMS symptoms. Chasteberry contains the phytoestrogen known as apigenin. In certain doses, chasteberry has been shown to induce estrogenic effects in the body.
Keep in mind that many herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Before you start supplementing with any over the counter supplements, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider.
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Animal Data: Disruption Of Brain Sexual Differentiation
In the rat, genistein readily crosses the placenta and in the fetal brain, the bioactive aglycone form is present at levels comparable to circulating levels in the dam . In addition, the transfer of genistein to the brain from systemic circulation appears to be more efficient in prenatal animals than adults indicating that it and other isoflavone phytoestrogens could interfere with the organization of estrogen sensitive neuroendocrine signaling pathways. Hormone mediated architectural and functional changes within the HPG axis occur during a series of well defined critical periods spanning gestation through puberty, resulting in sex specific physiology and behavior in the adult animal . Interference with the hormone-sensitive formation of these pathways could result in irreversible developmental defects, potentially making development one of the most susceptible periods for phytoestrogen and EDC exposure over the lifespan.
What Tests Will Be Done To Diagnose Low Estrogen
There are three types of estrogen that your body makes. An estrogen test can measure all three: estrone , estradiol and estriol . Your provider will do a simple blood draw and send it to a lab for analysis.
- Estrone is the primary hormone your body produces during menopause and postmenopause. Its a weaker form of estrogen than estradiol .
- Estradiol is the primary hormone your body produces in your reproductive years.
- Estriol is the primary hormone your body makes during pregnancy.
Estrogen can be assessed when your provider is unsure about the status of your hormones . That being said, only a couple of conditions are FDA-approved for hormone replacement therapy.
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Swap Carbs For Healthy Fats
Foods that balance hormones include a variety of fat-containing foods that provide short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Your body needs various types of fats to create hormones, including saturated fat and cholesterol.
Not only are these essential fats fundamental building blocks for hormone production, but they keep inflammation levels low, boost your metabolism and promote weight loss.
Healthy fats have the opposite effect of refined carbohydrates, which lead to inflammation and can mess with the balance of your hormones.
My four favorite sources of anti-inflammatory, healthy fats include coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter and wild-caught salmon.
- Coconut oil uses are plentiful. For example, coconut oil has natural antibacterial and fat-burning effects.
- Avocado benefits include improving heart health, lowering inflammation, controlling your appetite, and contributing to your daily intake of fiber and nutrients, such as potassium.
- Salmon nutrition is also impressive. Its one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to lower inflammation and help with cognitive functions. Omega-3 fatty acids are a large component of brain-cell membranes and are important for cell-to-cell communication in the brain. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids help protect against hippocampal neuronal loss and reduce pro-inflammatory responses.
Womens Health: 5 Incredible Food Sources To Boost Estrogen Levels Naturally
Estrogen is a hormone that holds a significant role in sexual and reproductive health. It is present in both men and women of all ages, however, huge volumes are found in women in their reproductive age. Estrogen carries out several functions in the female body including regulating the menstrual cycle, responsible for sex characteristics, reproduction and the development of breasts.
During menopause estrogen level naturally decline in women which can result in symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and negatively impact your mood, sexual desire and bone health. Phytoestrogens are known as dietary estrogen that are naturally present in plant compound which works in a way very similar to that of estrogen.
Read on, to gain insight into how phytoestrogens work and know about the food sources that can facilitate the enhancement of estrogen levels.
Soybeans
Soybeans are protein-packed legumes that are processed into several plant-based products like tofu, tempeh and edamame, . The plethora of nutrients present in soybeans offer a ton of health benefits. They are bestowed with phytoestrogens isoflavones that exhibit estrogen-like effects in the body that maintains the female reproductive system and also helps to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Berries
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Summing Up On How To Increase Oestrogen
In this article, you will find several ways how to increase oestrogen naturally.
- You can consume a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.
- Taking supplements is one way to keep the level of oestrogen balanced in the body.
- Exercising and getting enough sleep is also key to keeping your hormonal balances in place.
- Various herbs and tea can help increase the oestrogen levels in the body.
The most important thing for an overall healthy life is maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What Foods Are High In Estrogen
The food you eat can impact the way your body produces hormones or even contain hormones. Different vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, animal products, and even herbs have chemicals in them that contain, engage with, or imitate hormones.
Phytoestrogen is a common compound that imitates estrogen in foods. This is because phytoestrogens are essentially the plant version of estrogen. Human bodies will process them the same way as regular estrogen, but it is weaker than synthetic or natural estrogen.
Another source of estrogen in foods is animal estrogen. Products like eggs or milk contain high estrogen levels because they are produced in parts of the animals body that regulate its hormones.
Eating high estrogen foods can help people who suffer from various conditions related to low estrogen levels. Conversely, there are some health scenarios in which eating foods high in estrogen can be harmful. Knowing what foods are high in estrogen helps either situation limit or increase your intake of those foods intentionally.
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It May Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Tempeh is traditionally made from soybeans, which contain natural plant compounds called isoflavones.
Soy isoflavones have been associated with reduced cholesterol levels. One review looked at 11 studies and found that soy isoflavones were able to significantly decrease both total and LDL cholesterol .
Another study looked at the effects of soy protein on cholesterol levels and triglycerides. In the study, 42 participants ate a diet containing either soy protein or animal protein over a 6-week period.
Compared with animal protein, soy protein decreased LDL cholesterol by 5.7% and total cholesterol by 4.4%. It also decreased triglycerides by 13.3% .
Though most available research focuses on the effects of soy isoflavones and soy protein on blood cholesterol, one study did focus specifically on tempeh.
A 2013 animal study examined the effects of nutrient-enriched soybean tempeh on mice with liver damage. It found that tempeh had a protective effect on the liver and was able to reverse damage to liver cells.
Additionally, tempeh caused a decrease in both cholesterol and triglyceride levels .
Summary
Tempeh is made from soybeans, which contain soy isoflavones. Studies show that soy isoflavones and soy protein may decrease blood cholesterol levels.
25 ).
Other studies have found that supplementing with soy isoflavones may have a favorable effect on several health conditions associated with oxidative stress.
What Questions Should I Ask My Provider
- How will I know that I need an estrogen test?
- Are my low estrogen levels a sign of a condition?
- What lifestyle changes can I put into place to manage low estrogen symptoms?
- Do I need to increase my estrogen levels to manage my symptoms?
- Would you recommend hormone replacement therapy for me? What are the risks?
- What foods, vitamins or supplements would you recommend to prevent or treat hormone imbalances?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Many people shrug off the symptoms associated with low estrogen as an unpleasant part of getting older. But you should address symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. If youre noticing bothersome signs of low estrogen, see your provider and discuss the hormonal and non-hormonal ways to manage your symptoms.
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How Does Low Estrogen Affect The Body Of A Man Or Amab Person
People assigned male at birth with too much estrogen may experience sexual dysfunction. Still, they need some estrogen for their reproductive health and overall health. Research has shown that low estrogen levels may cause:
- Reduced sex drive.
- Bone loss and osteoporosis.
For transgender women or nonbinary people with penises, low estrogen levels may prevent their bodies from having the physical appearance theyd like. If this is the case, feminizing hormone therapy may be an option. This treatment involves taking estrogen to develop secondary sex characteristics like softer facial features, less body hair, breasts and hips.
How To Eat Wheat Bran
There are many ways to add wheat bran to your diet.
When it comes to baked goods, this versatile product can be added or replace some of the flour to boost flavor, texture and nutrition.
You can also sprinkle wheat bran on smoothies, yogurt and hot cereals.
Adding too much wheat bran to your diet too quickly could cause digestive distress due to its high fiber content. Therefore, its best to start out slow, increasing your intake gradually and allowing your body to adjust.
Also, be sure to drink plenty of fluids as you elevate your intake in order to digest the fiber adequately.
Summary
Wheat bran can be mixed into baked goods or sprinkled on smoothies, yogurts and cereals. When adding wheat bran to your diet, do so gradually and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
Wheat bran is highly nutritious and an excellent source of fiber.
It may benefit digestive and heart health and could even reduce breast and colon cancer risk.
However, its unsuitable for people with gluten or fructan intolerances, and its phytic acid content may inhibit the absorption of certain minerals.
For most individuals, wheat bran provides a safe, easy and nutritious supplement to baked goods, smoothies and yogurts.
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