Estrogen deficiency occurs when the body does not produce adequate amounts of the hormone estrogen during perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen is essential for regulating the reproductive system, maintaining bone density, supporting heart health, and managing cholesterol levels.
Some key signs and symptoms of estrogen deficiency include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Mood changes like irritability, anxiety, and depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of bone density, increasing risk of osteoporosis and fractures
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Brain fog and memory problems
Estrogen levels begin to decline up to 10 years before a woman reaches menopause. Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause when estrogen production becomes irregular. The average age of menopause is 51, but it can occur earlier due to surgery, chemotherapy, or genetics.
Managing an
estrogen deficiency requires balancing your
hormone levels through lifestyle changes and possibly hormone therapy. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and reducing stress can help ease menopausal symptoms. For more severe cases, low-dose prescription
estrogen therapy, sometimes combined with progesterone, may be recommended by your doctor.
At Vitality Hormone Clinic, our physicians specialize in effectively diagnosing and treating
menopause and
perimenopause. We provide customized
bioidentical hormone therapy including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA to help women find relief from troublesome symptoms. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and lab testing to evaluate your
hormone levels. We'll design an integrated treatment plan to help you feel healthy, balanced, and vibrant during this transition.