Signs of Low Estrogen in Women: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment Options

At Nirva Health, we inspire women to take charge of their health by equipping them with in-depth knowledge about their bodies. In this comprehensive guide, we step you through the signs of low estrogen levels in the body so you can identify the symptoms and work towards improving your overall health.

At Nirva Health, we inspire women to take charge of their health by equipping them with in-depth knowledge about their bodies. In this comprehensive guide, we step you through the signs of low estrogen levels in the body so you can identify the symptoms and work towards improving your overall health.

Signs Of Low Estrogen In Women

Your body is continuously giving signals about your inner workings. Once estrogen levels drop, these signals can present themselves in different forms, occasionally unclear and at times more evident. Knowing when to expect things like periods and occasional shifts in mood greatly aids in managing daily routines.

Most of the signs of low estrogen might already be familiar to you, so let’s explore how they could impact your health.

1. Erratic Menstrual Cycles 

A low estrogen level will always be suspected in the case of a change in the menstrual cycle pattern. Estrogen is like the conductor of your hormonal orchestra—it helps in regulating ovulation and keeps the cycles in check. With a decline in estrogen levels, periods may become irregular, lighter or heavier than usual, causing undue worry and perplexity. 

• Absent periods – Spending months without a cycle only to have it come back out of the blue.
• Irregular cycle lengths – One month, it’s 24 days, the other, it is 40. 
• Alteration in the intensity of flow—Some months, you do not need a pad, while in others, you feel lighter than ever. 

If you are nearing menopause, these changes are pretty common; however, even younger women face the issue of irregular periods due to hormonal imbalance.

2. Sudden Hot Flashes And Sweating At Night

Think of being seated in an air-conditioned room and suddenly getting hit by a surge of heat – your neck gets sweaty, your heart races, and your face turns red. That is what hot flashes feel like. When this occurs at night while soaking your sheets in sweat, it is referred to as night sweat.

• These surges of heat are some of the most recognisable symptoms which signify extremely low estrogen levels, especially during perimenopause and menopause.
• An intense and sudden feeling of heat is usually felt in the chest first and then spreads to the head, which causes discomfort.
• Extreme Sweating - You might be over-sweating to the extent that your clothes or bedsheets become soaking wet.
• Sleep Interruption – Recurrent awakening several times during the night, feeling discomfort and restlessness, which prevents you from falling back asleep.
• Night sweats can become exceptionally irritating, preventing you from getting the precious sleep you need and leaving you fatigued and in a daze the next day.

3. Mood Swings And Anxiety

If you’ve been feeling uncharacteristically short-tempered or teary over what would seem to be mundane issues, the reason for that might very well be low estrogen. Estrogen is not intended only for reproduction. It concerns many other aspects, too, such as brain chemistry and, in particular, serotonin and dopamine, the two powerful neurotransmitters responsible for mood.

• Uncontrollable mood swings- One moment, you are fine; the next, all your patience has been exhausted, and you snap at your family members and significant other.
• Exaggerated levels of anxiety - Experiencing a sharp rise in anxiety, which makes coping with previously normal day-to-day activities unbearably difficult.
• Sadness or a sudden dip in motivation - Like doomsday has come and is now lurking around, waiting to take control over your day.

Many women describe this as feeling like they are emotionally off balance. The good news is that recognising this symptom is the first step to relief.  

4. Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort  

Estrogen is vital for the health of vaginal tissues, which are normally lubricated and elastic. If estrogen is decreased, the vagina becomes dry, making intimacy uncomfortable or painful.  

• A dry feeling that is persistent – Itchy or even irritated even when sexual intercourse is not taking place.  
• Pain during intercourse – Stinging or burning sensations that previously were not present.  
• Reduced libido – This may occur not from loss of interest but from discomfort.  

Women suffer silently and often do not understand that it is completely normal to experience such symptoms due to changes in hormonal balance.  

5. Osteoporosis  

For most people, bone health is not an urgent consideration until they reach advanced years of life, but estrogen is crucial to the strength of bones. Reduced levels of estrogen lead to the weakening of bones over a period of time, heightening the chances of developing osteoporosis and fractures.  

• Loss of height – This is sometimes due to weaker bones, resulting in spinal compression.
• Backache - Losing bone density can cause pain, discomfort, or aching.
• Easily fractured bones - Bone fractures can occur even from tiny falls.

This is why bone health should be important for every woman, no matter her age.

6. Fatigue And Sleep Problems 

Feeling constantly worn out is a symptom of low estrogen levels. When estrogen dips in the body, it can lead to restless sleep throughout the night and results in tossing and turning.

• Persistent fatigue regardless of caffeine consumption.
• Difficulties falling asleep or repetitive waking.
• Sustained sluggishness while completing mundane tasks, feeling like moving through molasses.

7. Weak Memory And Impaired Focus 

Low estrogen levels can impact one’s ability to focus and memorise. Losing focus and forgetting are a few symptoms of low estrogen. If you find yourself walking towards an area but not remembering why, low estrogen has started showing serious effects on your body.

• Misplacing important valuables, and forgetting names and events.
• Difficulty concentrating – Things that were easy to accomplish before now feel like a lot of work. 
• Mental exhaustion – Even after resting, my brain feels slow. 

8. Loss of Hair and Skin Moisture

Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining collagen and hydration in your skin and hair. With the decrease in levels, thinning can occur, and the skin loses its youthful elasticity. 

• Excessive hair loss – You are seeing more hair in your pillow or clogged up in the shower drain.  
• Skin that is dry and itchy – Your regular moisturisers are not working as well as they did before. 
• Fine lines and creases – Your skin no longer feels full and is more prone to sagging.

Your body communicates with you at all times, so being aware of these symptoms is crucial for understanding what is happening within. If you are noticing any of these changes, rest assured—there are solutions. 

Nirva Health aims to support and educate women on their hormonal health at every stage. Knowledge is powerful, and taking proactive steps can help achieve wellness.

Causes Of Low Estrogen In Women

There are many natural causes leading to lower estrogen levels, as well as many medical and external reasons. Managing your hormonal health becomes easier when you understand the reasons behind estrogen level changes.

Menopause

Every woman has to go through menopause, but no one feels ready for it. From the age of 50 onward, the ovaries stop producing eggs while estrogen levels continuously drop, meaning this change is completely natural. 

Hot flashes, mood swings, sweating, changes in emotions, and bone loss are among the many symptoms that can manifest during this stage of menopause. 

Perimenopause

The period before the actual menopause is known as perimenopause, which may begin anywhere from your late 30s to your early 40s. This phase follows a certain path. Estrogen levels don’t decrease; they fluctuate unpredictably. One day, you feel amazing, and the next day, you have to battle mood swings and irregular cycles.

Read Understanding Premenopause, Perimenopause, and Menopause for an in-depth understanding.

Medical Conditions

Hormone-related issues may arise from an illness or a health problem, and in some scenarios, the drop in estrogen levels may not simply be a phase.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This illness is well-known to disrupt hormonal balance. Women suffering from PCOS typically have further issues, such as acne, weight changes, and irregular menstrual cycles. Moreover, it isn’t about reproduction—PCOS affects one’s metabolism and digestion.

Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Have your workouts, stresses, and meals been too demanding lately? Stressful situations can also lead to skipping meals due to a hectic routine. All these causes can contribute to lower estrogen levels and, in turn, result in missed periods. Noticeable changes in weight also come alongside irregular cycles. If this sounds like you, try changing your coping methods and focus on your body’s body’s 

Premature Ovarian Failure: The phenomenon of premature ovarian failure occurs when the ovaries give up too early, before the age of 40. Early onset menopause includes irregular menstrual cycle, mood changes, and challenges with conceiving, which are more common symptoms. If these difficulties become part of your life, don’t put them aside. Seeking medical care from the right specialists facilitates a world of change.

Surgical Removal of Ovaries

Undergoing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) leads to drastic drops in estrogen, resulting in the onset of symptoms of menopause. Options like Hormone Replacement Therapy exist as a solution.

Certain Medications

Many medications, such as birth control, anti-seizure medications, and chemotherapy, can result in lower estrogen levels. If you feel that your medication is changing your hormone levels, consider contacting a healthcare professional. Adding flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and fenugreek to your diet can help keep hormone levels balanced without any negative impact.

Treatment Options For Low Estrogen

Finding the right treatment for low estrogen requires knowing the reason it is low, what health factors are relevant and the severity of symptoms. Using these criteria, look into some of these common options: 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is often prescribed to help supplement estrogen. It can be administered through pills, patches, creams, and even injections.

Pros: 

• Efficient treatment for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. 
• It helps build bones by slowing down the rate of bone loss. 

Cons: 

• HRT may not be appropriate for certain women with a history of health conditions like blood clots or breast cancer. 
• Some women would opt to seek other methods that are less invasive for regulating hormones. 

Ayurvedic Hormonal Balance Approach 

For those seeking a more alternative method, Ayurveda has something for you. Unlike conventional medicine, which believes in the replenishment of estrogen, Ayurveda concentrates on helping people manufacture and balance hormones on their own. Here is how: 

• Dietary Wisdom: Add to your diet foods that help estrogen production, such as sesame seeds, flaxseeds, soy, leafy greens, and chickpeas. Studies do confirm the beneficial effects of flaxseeds in such conditions. A balance is achieved through warm, cooked foods with healthy fats (nuts, ghee, and avocado). 
• Herbs That Work Wonders: Shatavari (to help with hormonal balance), Ashwagandha (to help with stress-induced imbalance), and Licorice Root (to help with adrenal glands) are great options. 
• Abhyanga (Self Massage): Daily massage of your body with warm sesame or almond oil improves circulation, making hormone regulation possible. 
• Yoga and Meditation: Pranayama (breathing exercise) and poses like Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose) and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) can help balance hormones. 

For professional help with yoga instructions and guidance, contact Nirva Health for online yoga classes in the comfort of your home.

Lifestyle Modifications To Support Hormonal Balance

Your lifestyle is important to your hormonal health. Small changes in your daily habits can positively impact your well-being. 

• Eating Right: Focus on primary whole food sources that are nutrient-dense and rich in phytoestrogens. Processed foods and refined sugars should be limited since they further disrupt the balance of hormones. 
• Exercise: The only way to achieve weight loss is not exercising. It is a multidimensional effort. Walking and yoga, as well as strength training, all help to balance estrogen and improve general well-being. 
• Get Enough Sleep: While you sleep, your hormones renew. Quality sleep ranging from 7-9 hours with limited exposure to blue light before sleeping improves hormone balance. 
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can be detrimental to hormonal balance. Ayurveda encourages meditation, breathing, and herbal adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, which are helpful in controlling stress.

Wrapping It Up  

Identifying the signs of low estrogen is crucial to restoring your health and well-being. Whether it is an irregular period, mood changes, increased fatigue, or problems with bones, noticing these signs enables the woman to take corrective action while there is still time. Though medical options like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) exist, natural medicine like Ayurveda seeks to restore balance through diet and lifestyle changes without the need to resort to medication.  

At Nirva Health, we understand that women go through a lot during different life stages and have different sets of challenges to face. If you feel that you are facing lower estrogen levels, visit professionals. Do not neglect these symptoms with the hope that they will go away on their own, as the body is trying to send a message. With proper treatment, the woman can feel more energetic and regain a healthier balance in her life.