Missed Periods, Hot Flashes, and More: Common Symptoms of Low Oestrogen and Progesterone

What is the Role of Oestrogen in Your Body?

Oestrogen is a hormone that plays a vital role in the female body.

The Obvious One: Keeps Your Reproductive House in Order

You must’ve figured this out by the time you got your first period. You would have noticed a sea change in your body. 

Oestrogen gets primarily produced by the ovaries and plays many vital roles in the female reproductive system. Some ways how oestrogen affects the reproductive system include:

• Regulating the menstrual cycle: Oestrogen helps regulate the menstrual cycle by stimulating the growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) in preparation for pregnancy.  If pregnancy does not occur, oestrogen levels fall, and the uterine lining gets shed during menstruation. So it also regulates the timing and severity of menstrual periods.
• Preparing the uterus for pregnancy: Oestrogen prepares the uterus for pregnancy by stimulating the growth of the uterine lining.
• Maintaining pregnancy: Oestrogen plays a role in maintaining pregnancy by assisting in keeping the uterine lining and supporting fetal development.
• Development of the mammary glands: Oestrogen helps stimulate the mammary glands' growth during puberty and pregnancy.

Oestrogen levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and imbalances in oestrogen levels can affect the reproductive system.

Did you know that In addition to its reproductive functions, oestrogen has many non-reproductive-related functions too? Let’s uncover all that oestrogen is up to in your body. You’ll indeed be surprised, in case you don’t know already. 

Oestrogen Keeps Your Bones as Fit as a Fiddle!

Oestrogen plays a role in the musculoskeletal system by helping maintain bone density. Oestrogen works with other hormones, such as calcitonin and parathyroid hormone, to regulate the body's balance of bone-building and bone-breaking cells. 

Oestrogen helps to inhibit the activity of bone-breaking cells (osteoclasts) and stimulate the activity of bone-building cells (osteoblasts). The process helps to maintain the strength and density of bones.

Low oestrogen levels may cause bone density to decrease and increase the risk of osteoporosis, particularly after menopause. Bones become weak and brittle and are more prone to fractures.

Oestrogen and a Healthy Heart Go Hand in Hand!

Oestrogen may affect the cardiovascular system in several ways. Some research suggests that oestrogen may protect the heart and blood vessels in premenopausal women. For example, oestrogen may help:

• Lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels: Oestrogen may help lower LDL cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Increase HDL ("good") cholesterol levels: Oestrogen may help increase HDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of CAD.
• Relax blood vessels: Oestrogen may help relax the blood vessels, which can help to lower blood pressure.
• Prevent blood clots: Oestrogen may help prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Oestrogen is Your Brain’s Best Friend!

Oestrogen may affect the central nervous system (CNS) in numerous ways. Some research suggests that oestrogen may have a protective effect on the brain and may even help to improve cognitive function. For example, oestrogen may help to:

• Regulate brain chemicals: Oestrogen may help regulate the production of certain brain chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine. They play a role in mood and behaviour.
• Promote brain cell growth: Oestrogen may help promote brain cell growth and the formation of new connections between brain cells (neurons).
• Protect against brain damage: Oestrogen may help protect against brain damage by reducing inflammation and increasing the production of antioxidants.
• Improve cognitive function: Some research suggests that oestrogen may help to improve cognitive function, such as memory and concentration.

Oestrogen is the Key to a Healthy Urinary Tract too.

Oestrogen may affect the urinary system in many ways. Some research suggests that oestrogen may help to

• Maintain the health of the urinary tract: Oestrogen may help to maintain the health of the urinary tract by keeping the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy and preventing infections.
• Prevent incontinence: Oestrogen may help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can help prevent incontinence (involuntary loss of urine).
• Relieve menopausal symptoms: Low Oestrogen levels during menopause may lead to thinning of the tissues of the urethra and vagina, which can cause urinary symptoms such as incontinence and frequent urinary tract infections. One may want to use Oestrogen replacement therapy to help relieve these symptoms.

What are the Signs of Low Oestrogen?

1. Irregular periods or missed periods

Oestrogen plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle. When its levels are low, periods may become irregular or stop altogether.

2. Hot flashes and night sweat

These are common symptoms of low oestrogen levels. These symptoms may result from the body's inability to regulate its temperature correctly due to a lack of oestrogen.

3. Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex

Oestrogen helps to keep the vagina lubricated and healthy. When oestrogen levels are low, the vagina may become dry and prone to irritation, leading to discomfort during sex.

4. Difficulty sleeping

Oestrogen helps to regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle. Low oestrogen levels may disrupt this cycle, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep. It can affect the production of serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. 

5. Mood changes, such as irritability and depression

Oestrogen may affect brain chemicals that regulate mood. Low oestrogen levels may contribute to feelings of irritability and depression.

6. Poor concentration and memory

Oestrogen may affect brain function and cognition. Low oestrogen levels may affect concentration and memory.

7. Thinning hair and dry skin: 

Oestrogen helps to keep hair and skin healthy. When oestrogen levels are low, hair may become thinner and dryer, and skin may become drier and less elastic.

8. Low sex drive:

Oestrogen plays a role in sexual desire and arousal. Low Oestrogen levels may lead to a reduced sex drive.

9. Weak bones (osteoporosis):

Oestrogen helps to maintain bone density. Low oestrogen levels may decrease bone density, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

My kids said a few days ago, “Mom, You have completely changed. You used to be so calm and cool, but now you are always angry and irritated. We need our old mom back.”
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Risk Factors for Low Oestrogen

Various factors may increase the risk of low Oestrogen levels in women, including:

• Ageing: Oestrogen levels naturally decline as you age, particularly during and after menopause.
• Ovarian removal surgery: Removing the ovaries, the primary source of Oestrogen production in the body, can lead to low Oestrogen levels.
• Eating disorders: Anorexia and other eating disorders can lead to low Oestrogen levels due to malnutrition and low body fat.
• Excessive exercise: Extreme or prolonged exercise training may lead to low Oestrogen levels due to decreased body fat.
• Chronic stress: Chronic stress may lead to low Oestrogen levels due to the effects of stress hormones on the ovaries.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as aromatase inhibitors and selective Oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), may interfere with Oestrogen production or metabolism and lead to low Oestrogen levels.

What is the Role of Progesterone in Your Body?

Progesterone is an essential hormone for women's reproductive system and overall health. Some of the primary roles of progesterone in the body include:

• Preparation of the uterus for pregnancy: Progesterone helps by thickening the uterine lining (endometrium), thus preparing the uterus for pregnancy 
• Maintenance of pregnancy: Progesterone helps maintain pregnancy by supporting the placenta's growth and the fetus's development.
• Regulation of the menstrual cycle: Progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle by inhibiting oestrogen production and preventing the uterine lining from shedding during pregnancy.
• Development of the mammary glands: Progesterone helps to stimulate the growth of the mammary glands during pregnancy.

Progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and imbalances in these levels can affect the reproductive system. For example, low progesterone levels may cause irregular periods or difficulty becoming pregnant, while high progesterone levels may cause weight gain and mood changes. Maintaining proper progesterone levels is vital to support the health of the reproductive system.

What are the Signs of Low Progesterone?

Low progesterone levels can cause different symptoms in women, including:

• Irregular periods: Progesterone helps to regulate the menstrual cycle by inhibiting the production of oestrogen and by preventing the uterine lining from shedding during pregnancy. Low progesterone levels may cause irregular periods or missed periods.
• Difficulty becoming pregnant: Progesterone helps to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. Low progesterone levels may make it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant in the uterus, leading to difficulty in becoming pregnant.
• Heavy periods: Progesterone helps to regulate the thickness of the uterine lining. Low progesterone levels may cause the uterine lining to become thicker, leading to heavy periods.
• Mood changes: Progesterone may affect brain chemicals that regulate mood. Low progesterone levels may contribute to feelings of irritability and depression.
• Weight gain: Progesterone may affect metabolism and weight gain. Low progesterone levels may contribute to weight gain.
• Breast tenderness: Progesterone helps to regulate the growth of the mammary glands. Low progesterone levels may cause breast tenderness.

Ways to Boost Oestrogen and Progesterone Levels

There are several natural ways that a woman can try to boost her Oestrogen levels, including:

1. Eating a healthy diet: 

A diet rich in nutrients and low in processed foods may help to support hormone production and regulation. Intake of certain food items can help to increase the production of progesterone in the body. They are Cabbage, Beans, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts Pumpkin, Spinach, Kale, Nuts and Whole grains. 

2. Consuming food rich in phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds. They have a similar structure to oestrogen and may help increase oestrogen levels in the body. Some foods that are rich in phytoestrogens include:

• Soybeans 
• Legumes similar to soybeans, like chickpeas, peanuts and beans
• Flaxseeds 
• Garlic

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is involved in oestrogen metabolism. Fish, egg yolks, mushrooms and cod liver oil are good sources of vitamin D.

4. The gut microbiome 

The gut microbiome is also an essential factor in controlling oestrogen levels. 

5. Getting enough sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for hormone production and regulation. Aim to sleep for 7-9 hours per night.

6. Reducing stress

Chronic stress can interfere with hormone production and regulation. Try stress-reducing activities such as exercise, yoga, or meditation to help reduce stress and boost Oestrogen levels.

7. Adding moderate exercise to your routine

Moderate exercise can help to boost oestrogen and progesterone levels and improve overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

8. Maintaining a healthy weight: 

Being overweight or underweight can affect hormone production and regulation. Aim to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

To Conclude

Oestrogen and progesterone are essential hormones in a woman's body. These hormones work together to maintain reproductive health and fertility in women as bone health, heart health, and brain health. Women must have balanced levels of oestrogen and progesterone to maintain overall health and well-being.