Is Fatigue One Of The Effects Of High Estrogen Levels
Sometimes, people exhibit low levels of energy due to this hormone. If you are not sleeping well, you feel more fatigued and you need to bring your energy levels back to go on with your day. Feeling tired is normal for any human being after a difficult task but if you are exhausted more than usual and often showing low levels of energy without any reason then the effect of high estrogen may be the reason behind it.
Exacerbation Of Mental Health Problems
Estrogen is believed to have a protective effect on the brain. It appears to positively impact brain chemicals , cognition, and the ability to withstand stress. Dropping estrogen levels appear to be associated with an increased risk of psychosis. The age of menopause is associated with a second peak of schizophrenia onset in women. Results of preliminary research suggests selective estrogen receptor modulators may improve cognition and other symptoms in women who have psychiatric disorders. They may even reduce the frequency of manic episodes in women who have bipolar disorder. However, these drugs are not without potential risks. See your doctor if you believe decreasing estrogen levels are contributing to serious mental health symptoms.
Read Also: Nugenix Estro Regulator Review
Whats The Difference Between Progestin And Estrogen In Birth Control Pills
When considering which oral contraceptive is right for you, two medical terms you might come across are progestin and estrogen. These refer to two female sex hormones that are used in birth control products. Outside of their use in contraceptives, estrogen and progesterone are naturally produced in the female body and play key roles in regulating certain body functions in women throughout puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
As two common hormones found in oral contraceptives, understanding the differences between combination pills and progestin-only pills can help you select one that fits your needs and lifestyle. In this article, we will look at the major differences between progestin and estrogen as it relates to birth control, and why the pill is not one size fits all.
Recommended Reading: Estrogen And Testosterone Therapy For Menopause
What You Need To Know About Progestin
Progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone, which is a female hormone found in a womans body. As a naturally occurring hormone, progesterone is released from the ovaries to prepare the body for pregnancy. Progesterone also plays an important role during pregnancy. It contributes to maternal breast tissue growth while also preventing lactation, and prepares the body for labor by strengthening the wall muscles around the pelvic area.
Some common uses for progestin in products outside of contraception include treating abnormal uterine bleeding, severe premenstrual syndrome , and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy.
Do progestin products have any adverse side effects? When taking oral contraceptives that contain progestin, some women may experience side effects including ovarian cysts, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and hair thinning.
Other studies analyzing other side effects, such as the impact on sex drive and development of mood disturbances, are limited in terms of evidence and may offer conflicting views.
If youre experiencing any adverse side effects when taking oral contraceptives, make sure to talk to your doctor.
Youre Having Trouble Getting Pregnant
If youâre trying to get pregnant and you have low estrogen, it could be a challenge to conceive. This is connected to symptom #1 â if you donât have enough estrogen in your body for it to grow a thick uterine lining, you wonât have enough nourishment to grow a baby. Similarly, if youre not ovulating, your body isnt releasing an egg, meaning theres nothing for sperm to fertilize.
You May Like: Does Nugenix Have An Estrogen Blocker
Read Also: How To Naturally Boost Your Testosterone
More About Estrogen Patches
References
1. Auerbach R, Mittal K, Schwartz PE “Estrogen and progestin receptors in an ovarian ependymoma.” Obstet Gynecol 71 : 1043-5
2. Julian TM “Pseudoincontinence secondary to unopposed estrogen replacement in the surgically castrate premenopausal female.” Obstet Gynecol 70 : 382-3
3. “Product Information. Climara .” Berlex Laboratories :
4. “Product Information. Estrace .” Warner Chilcott Laboratories :
5. Nash HA, AlvarezSanchez F, Mishell DR, Fraser IS, Maruo T, Harmon TM “Estradiol-delivering vaginal rings for hormone replacement therapy.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 181 : 1400-6
6. Cerner Multum, Inc. “Australian Product Information.” O 0
7. “Product Information. Yuvafem .” AvKare Inc :
8. “Product Information. Estradiol Vaginal Insert .” Teva Pharmaceuticals USA :
9. Boston Collaborative Drug Surveilance Program “Surgically confirmed gallbladder disease, venous thromboembolism, and breast tumors in relation to postmenopausal estrogen therapy.” N Engl J Med 290 : 15-9
10. Crane MG, Harris JJ “Estrogens and hypertension: effect of discontinuing estrogens on blood pressure, exchangeable sodium, and the renin-aldosterone system.” Am J Med Sci 276 : 33-55
11. Crane MG, Harris JJ, Winsor W 3d “Hypertension, oral contraceptive agents, and conjugated estrogens.” Ann Intern Med 74 : 13-21
12. Rosenberg L, Slone D, Shapiro S, Kaufman D, Stolley PD, Miettinen OS “Noncontraceptive estrogens and myocardial infarction in young women.” JAMA 244 : 339-42
How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me
Estradiol-17 belongs to the class of medications known as estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is a female hormone produced by the ovaries. Once menopause is reached, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone , and symptoms of menopause can occur.
Estradiol-17 is an estrogen replacement hormone used to manage menopausal symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, hot flashes, sweating, and chills.
It may also help to prevent osteoporosis for women when combined with diet, calcium, vitamin D, smoking cessation, and exercise. The decision to use this medication should be weighed against other options available for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
Women who have not had a hysterectomy must also take a progestogen while they are taking this medication.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Read Also: Symptoms Of Lack Of Estrogen
Possible Side Effects Of Ais
The most common side effects of AIs are:
- Bone and joint pain
AIs tend to have side effects different from tamoxifen. They don’t cause uterine cancers and very rarely cause blood clots. They can, however, cause muscle pain and joint stiffness and/or pain. The joint pain may be similar to a feeling of having arthritis in many different joints at one time. Options for treating this side effect include, stopping the AI and then switching to a different AI, taking a medicine called duloxetine , or routine exercise with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . But the muscle and joint pain has led some women to stop treatment. If this happens, most doctors recommend using tamoxifen to complete 5 to 10 years of hormone treatment.
Because AIs drastically lower the estrogen level in women after menopause, they can also cause bone thinning, sometimes leading to osteoporosis and even fractures. If you are taking an AI, your bone density may be tested regularly and you may also be given bisphosphonates or denosumab , to strengthen your bones.
Less Common Types Of Hormone Therapy
Some other types of hormone therapy that were used more often in the past, but are rarely given now include:
- Megestrol acetate , a progesterone-like drug
- Androgens , like testosterone
These might be options if other forms of hormone therapy are no longer working, but they can often cause side effects.
You May Like: How To Have More Testosterone
What Is Estradiol And How Does It Work
Estradiol is a female hormone . It is used by women to help reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause . These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. When treating only vaginal symptoms of menopause, products applied directly inside the should be used first. Estrogens that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected may have greater risks of side effects due to more estrogen being absorbed.
Estradiol is available under the following different brand names: Estrace, Vivelle-Dot, Delestrogen, DepoEstradiol, Divigel, Elestrin, Alora, Estrace Cream, Estraderm Transdermal, estradiol topical, Estradot, Estrasorb, Estrogel, Evamist, Femtrace, Menostar, Minivelle, Vivelle, and Climara.
Increased Estrogen Can Cause Depression
Depression is a more complicated condition than people believe. Several mechanisms of action can pave the way to depression, and excess estrogen in men is one of them.
One study found that depressive symptoms were associated with depression in men, regardless of their BMI. This isnt such a surprise if we consider that as men age, they experience low testosterone , and estrogen increases.
Depression is often a common symptom of testosterone imbalance, including mood swings, irritability, among other things.
Also Check: Does Increasing Testosterone Cause Hair Loss
Treatment Given Where It’s Needed
You can insert the Vagifem® 10 mcg insert with the slim applicator while standing up or lying down. You dont need to wash and reuse the applicator just dispose of it after use, as you would a tampon applicator. Learn more about how to take it, or read the complete instructions for taking Vagifem® in the Patient Information.
How To Avoid Estradiol Side Effects
Read Also: Which Hormones Make You Look Younger
What Influences Appetite And Weight
When Estrogen Drops, Hunger Increases
A decrease in estrogen levels during a womans monthly cycle may trigger mood changes in some women. Some females may reach for comfort foods that are high in fat, calories, sugar, and salt in an effort to feel better. Sadly, eating these foods backfires and makes women feel worse. Sodium increases water retention and bloating. Sugar, excess fat and calories will lead you to pack on the pounds. Falling estrogen levels also affect leptin, a hormone that inhibits hunger. Combat hormonal weight gain by adopting a healthy diet and exercise plan. Stick to lean meats, healthy fats, complex carbs, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables to help prevent PMS and encourage healthy blood sugar levels and weight loss.
Why Does Your Estrogen Level Matter
Estrogen is a hormone. Although present in the body in small amounts, hormones have big roles in maintaining your health.
Estrogen is commonly associated with the female body. Men also produce estrogen, but women produce it in higher levels.
The hormone estrogen:
- is responsible for the sexual development of girls when they reach puberty
- controls the growth of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle and at the beginning of a pregnancy
- causes breast changes in teenagers and women who are pregnant
- is involved in bone and cholesterol metabolism
- regulates food intake, body weight, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity
Girls who havent reached puberty and women approaching menopause are most likely to experience low estrogen. Still, women of all ages can develop low estrogen.
Common symptoms of low estrogen include:
You May Like: Can Hormone Replacement Help With Weight Loss
How Is Low Estrogen Treated
Women who have low levels of estrogen may benefit from hormonal treatment. Hormonal treatment is the standard for low estrogen. There are non-hormonal options to help relieve symptoms. Non-hormonal options are preferred for women at high risk for breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, or liver disease.
Read Also: How To Check Your Estrogen Levels At Home
Is Taking Estrogen Bad For You
Estrogen side effects and risks The risk factors and side effects associated with estrogen use include: Blood clots: Estrogen increases your risk of blood clots, which can cause stroke, heart attack, and even death. Cancer: Estrogen may increase your risk of certain cancers, specifically breast cancer.
You May Like: Does Nugenix Have An Estrogen Blocker
Also Check: Are Bioidentical Hormones Covered By Insurance
Side Effects Of Progestogen
The main side effects of taking progestogen include:
- breast tenderness
- vaginal bleeding
As with side effects of oestrogen, these will usually pass after a few weeks.
If they persist, a GP may recommend switching to a different way of taking progestogen, changing the medicine you’re taking, or lowering your dose.
Major Health Risks Of Low Estrogen
Osteoporosis. Estrogen helps maintain strong bones by preventing calcium loss. Too little calcium can increase the risk of fractures in the spine, hips, and leg and arm bones. Women who drink a lot of alcohol, who smoke, who are not active, and who are thin or petite are at greater risk. A family history of osteoporosis may also increase risk.
Heart disease. Estrogen made by the body seems to protect against heart disease. It may do this by raising the level of HDL cholesterol in the blood. After menopause, the risk for heart disease rises sharply. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to protect your heart health.
You May Like: Melatonin For Dogs With Seizures
Amount Of Hormones In Low Dose Pills
The most commonly used combination birth control pills contain between 30-35 micrograms of estrogen.
These pills were actually once considered an extremely low dose because original formulations of birth control contained up to 150 micrograms of estrogen.
However, modern low dose and ultra-low-dose formulations of combination birth control pills contain 20 or less micrograms of estrogen.
These pills seem to be just as effective as regular birth control pills but cause fewer side effects from estrogen, such as bloating, tender breasts, and nausea.
Many formulations are available for progestin-only oral contraceptives. One formulation contains 75 mcg of norgestrel. Another has 350 mcg of norethindrone.
In 2019, a dosage of 4 mg of drospirenone was approved as a progestin-only oral contraceptive.
Estrogenic Side Effects Background
Estrogen side effects can refer both to the side effects that result from rising levels of Estrogen that originate from aromatization, or from estrogenic side effects that result from other causes that are not related to the rise in E2 . This is very important for the reader to understand, as Estrogen side effects can have numerous causes. The majority of the Estrogen side effects discussed here can all be treated with the use of anti-estrogens, which will be expanded upon a great deal in the next subsection of this article. The most common and prominent estrogenic side effects will be discussed here.
You May Like: How Do You Take Melatonin
How Much Does It Cost
- With insurance:Free under most plans
- Without insurance: The full price of the pill can range from $10 – $113 a month. Depending on your income, you may be able to go to a low-cost clinic to get it at reduced cost.
- Payment assistance: For brand-name pills, contact the manufacturers website for information about coupons and discounts. Or contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at 1-888-4-PPA-NOW or www.pparx.org. Also, check with your local family planning clinics and find out if they offer free or low-cost birth control pills .
The Effects Of Low Estrogen
Mood Swings
Low estrogen levels in women are usually heralded by a variety of menopause symptoms. Low estrogen levels, are usually manifested by symptoms which can include:
The importance of low estrogen symptoms is that while they may be grouped with normal hormonal changes and cycles, it can sometimes be an indication of more severe problems. Low estrogen can sometimes go unnoticed in many women and identifying the possible symptoms of low estrogen is of critical importance.
Some ailments are important in assessing if a woman is potentially suffering from low estrogen levels. These include: depression, panic attacks, atherosclerosis, low self esteem, and vaginal infections. This mixture of mental and physical problems can be a major upheaval for many women.
The upside of low estrogen symptoms is that once identified many of them can be easily treated.
Dont Miss: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy
Also Check: Caffeine And Cortisol And Weight Gain
What Are Warnings And Precautions For Estradiol
Warnings
Contraindications
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Estradiol?”
Long-Term Effects
- Increased risk of oral contraceptive use however human papillomavirus remains main risk factor for this cancer evidence suggests long-term use of OCs may be associated with increased risk.
- Increased risk of liver cancer with OC use risk increases with longer duration of use
- An increased risk of invasive breast cancer reported with estrogen plus progestin in WHI sub-study estrogens with or without progestins should be prescribed at lowest doses and for shortest duration
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Estradiol?”
Cautions
Pregnancy and Lactation
- Do not use estradiol in pregnancy
- The risks involved outweigh potential benefits
- Safer alternatives exist