We all know that hormones are essential for our bodies to function properly. But did you know that hormone imbalances can have a significant effect on your overall health and wellbeing? Estrogen is a key hormone in regulating the menstrual cycle, but it also has impacts on your bones, brain, skin/hair, urinary tract and heart. In this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s important to understand the balance of hormones in your body and how correcting these imbalances can help you live a healthy and vigorous life.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a type of female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. It plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle as well as influencing other bodily functions like bone maintenance, digestion, mood regulation and cognitive functioning. While estrogen levels naturally fluctuate over time throughout one's life span (such as during puberty or menopause), disruptions in estrogen levels can cause several conditions associated with elevated estrogen levels including fibrocystic breasts, infertility, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), PMS (premenstrual syndrome), uterine fibroids, acne, endometriosis, migraines, depression, hypothyroidism and even breast & prostate cancer.

Low Levels of Estrogen in Women

Women may experience low levels of estrogen due to age-related conditions such as menopause or from other medical conditions like anorexia nervosa or hyperthyroidism. Low estrogen levels can lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness & irritation which can lead to painful intercourse; hot flashes; sleep disturbances; headaches & joint pain; night sweats & increased sensitivity to cold temperatures; fatigue; memory problems & concentration difficulties; depression; anxiety & irritability; reduced libido & sexual satisfaction; weakened bones leading to osteoporosis; dry skin & hair loss.

High Levels of Estrogen in Women

High levels of estrogen occur when there is too much estrogen being produced by the body or when there is an imbalance between estrogen and other hormones such as progesterone. This imbalance can result in symptoms such as heavy periods with excessive bleeding & cramping; bloating & water retention leading to weight gain; ovarian cysts; acne breakouts; breast swelling & tenderness along with enlargement of glandular tissue or fibroids within the breasts. High levels of estrogens can also increase one's risk for certain types of cancer including breast cancer.

 Hormones are essential for our bodies to function properly but when their balance gets disrupted due to age-related conditions or other medical issues it can lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms and conditions such as diabetes and menopause which severely impact our quality of life. That’s why it’s so important for us—especially women—to be aware of our hormone levels so that we can identify any imbalances early on before they take hold and become more problematic. If you think you may have an imbalance in your hormones book a functional medicine new patient appointment today!