On a warm spring afternoon, Aunt Li, a 50-year-old accountant, sat in a corner of a café and flipped through her recent medical report. Her brow furrowed, and her eyes revealed a hint of confusion and concern. The report, like a sudden wake-up call, revealed a problem she hadn't anticipated: low estrogen levels. Aunt Li has always thought that she is in good physical condition, except for the occasional feeling of tiredness and mood swings, she did not expect that behind these subtle changes, there is an important factor of low estrogen levels.
Estrogen, a key hormone in the body, not only plays a vital role in maintaining the normal functioning of the female reproductive system, but also affects many aspects such as health, bone density, and emotional balance. However, when estrogen levels fall below the normal range, its deficiency can trigger a range of health problems that cannot be ignored.
Causes of low estrogen levels
Natural Aging Process:As women age and enter menopause, the ovaries begin to produce fewer hormones, which naturally leads to a decline in estrogen levels. It is a universal biological phenomenon that affects all women.
Lifestyle factors:Daily habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive stress, and smoking and alcohol abuse can all interfere with hormone levels. In particular, high-fat and high-sugar diets, as well as chronic stress states, have been found to be directly linked to hormonal imbalances.
Certain Medical Conditions:Abnormalities of the endocrine system, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease, and ovarian surgery, chemotherapy and radiation**, can cause a drop in estrogen levels.
Abnormal body weight:Being underweight or obese can affect hormone balance. Women who are severely underweight may experience menopause because the body is unable to maintain normal estrogen levels; Obesity, on the other hand, also disrupts hormone levels due to hormone switching in adipose tissue.
Estrogen deficiency can not only lead to physiological problems, such as irregular menstruation, fertility problems, but also cause a series of phenomena that reduce the quality of life, such as sleep problems, mood swings, dryness, and loss of libido. In the long term, low estrogen may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and other diseases.
Three common signs when estrogen levels are low
1.The Secret of Menstruation: More Than Just the Chaos of the Cycle
The effects of estrogen on the female reproductive system are enormous, and maintaining a normal menstrual cycle is one of its key roles. When estrogen levels fall below the normal range, women may experience irregularities in their menstrual cycles, including changes in cycle length, increased or decreased menstrual blood flow, or even a complete absence. It's not just the chaos of cycles; It is a direct reflection of hormonal imbalances in the body and may affect a woman's fertility. In a study involving more than 1,000 women, about 20% of women reported experiencing menstrual irregularities when estrogen levels were low, highlighting the importance of estrogen for menstrual health.
2.Rollercoaster of emotions: not just mood ups and downs
Mood swings are another typical phenomenon when estrogen levels are low. Estrogen has a direct effect on mood-affecting chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. As a result, when estrogen levels drop, women may experience emotional states of low mood, anxiety, and even depression. This rollercoaster of emotions not only affects the quality of an individual's daily life, but can also have a long-term impact on relationships. Studies have shown that estrogen replacement** can alleviate mood problems caused by low estrogen levels to some extent, providing further evidence of a strong link between mood swings and estrogen levels.
3.Alarm of bones: more than just a sign of age
Decreased bone density is one of the long-term consequences of low estrogen levels, especially in postmenopausal women. Estrogen helps maintain bone health and conserves bone density by promoting bone formation and slowing bone resorption. Therefore, when estrogen levels are low, the risk of osteoporosis increases significantly. Osteoporosis not only increases the risk of fractures, but also causes physical pain and a high degree of disability. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 3 women over the age of 50 worldwide are affected by osteoporosis, highlighting the importance of paying attention to estrogen levels to maintain bone health.
Lifestyle adjustments: basic but effective
Eat a balanced diet:Phytoestrogen-rich foods, such as soybeans and flaxseeds, can help naturally regulate estrogen levels in the body.
Regular exercise: Helps maintain healthy weight and hormone levels while also enhancing bone health.
Medical intervention: precise and personalized
Estrogen replacement** (HRT):For some women, this can be an effective option to alleviate symptoms caused by low estrogen levels, but it must be done under the guidance of a doctor to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation: Specifically for bone health, these two nutrients are essential for maintaining bone density.
Psychological support:An indispensable part.
Psychological counseling or **:For women experiencing mood swings, seeking professional mental health services can be of great help.
Social Support:Joining a support group or talking to a friend who is going through a similar situation can provide emotional support and helpful coping strategies.