Estrogen deficiency

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency occurs when estrogen levels in the body are too low. Estrogen is an important sex hormone primarily responsible for regulating the reproductive and menstrual system in females, but it serves many vital functions throughout the body.

Some common signs and symptoms of low estrogen include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles or lack of periods (amenorrhea)


• Hot flashes and night sweats


• Vaginal dryness


• Decreased sex drive (libido)


• Mood changes like depression or irritability


• Difficulty becoming aroused or reaching orgasm


• Sleep disturbances


• Brain fog, memory problems, or inability to concentrate

Causes of Estrogen Deficiency

There are several potential causes of low or deficient estrogen levels:

• Menopause - Estrogen levels naturally decline with age as women approach menopause. By the late 40s-early 50s, menstrual cycles become irregular and eventually stop due to lower estrogen.


• Premature ovarian failure - When the ovaries stop functioning properly before age 40, which reduces estrogen production.


• Hysterectomy & oophorectomy - Surgical removal of the uterus and/or ovaries eliminates major estrogen-producing organs.


• Hypothalamic amenorrhea - This condition causes missing or absent menstrual cycles due to problems with the glands that regulate hormone levels. Common in women with excessive exercise, stress, poor nutrition, low body weight.


• Cancer treatment or radiation therapy- These treatments directly damage ovaries and diminish their ability to produce estrogen.

Risks of Estrogen Deficiency

Persistent estrogen deficiency can increase risks for other conditions, including:

• Osteoporosis - Low estrogen contributes significantly to bone loss and osteoporosis in women. Lack of estrogen leads to poorer calcium absorption and weaker bones over time.


• Heart disease - Natural estrogen offers some protective effects for heart health in women. Lower estrogen is associated with elevations in "bad" LDL cholesterol and higher risks of cardiovascular disease.


• Genitourinary syndrome - Genitourinary syndrome describes a collection of symptoms related to vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), including vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary symptoms, and recurrent UTIs stemming from the urogenital tissue changes resulting from low estrogen levels.

Treatment Options

If experiencing symptoms of estrogen deficiency, there are treatments available to help restore hormone levels and relieve unpleasant symptoms:

• Hormone therapy (HT) - HT uses estrogen alone or estrogen combined with progestogen to replace hormones. HT is highly effective at relieving hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, bone loss, and other menopause symptoms.


• Vaginal estrogen - Localized, low-dose estrogen creams, tablets or rings can provide relief from vaginal dryness and painful intercourse without needing systemic HT.


• Lifestyle Changes - Quit smoking, lower alcohol intake, exercise regularly and eat a nutritious diet. Achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight supports hormonal balance. Managing stress is also beneficial.

The team at Hormone Harmony Clinic specializes in personalized hormone assessments and comprehensive treatment plans for both men and women struggling with hormonal deficiencies or imbalances interfering with health and wellbeing. We provide cutting edge testing, plus bioidentical hormones, supplements, nutrition and lifestyle guidance tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today for a consultation!