Estrogen Deficiency

Estrogen Deficiency

Estrogen is a female hormone responsible for female sexual development and reproductive function. It is found in greater amounts in females than males. Estrogen deficiency leads to menopause.

What is estrogen

Estrogen is commonly defined as "any family of steroid hormones that regulate and sustain female sexual development and reproductive function".  Estrogens are steroid hormones, made primarily in the female ovaries and the male testes in humans and animals. Known as the female hormones, estrogens are found in greater amounts in females than males.

Why is estrogen important

These essential molecules influence growth, development and behavior (puberty) regulate reproductive cycles (menstruation, pregnancy) and affect many other body parts (bones, skin, arteries, brain etc.)

Modern scientists also define estrogens as materials that stimulate tissue growth by:

Promoting cell proliferation DNA synthesis and cell division in female sex organs breasts, uterus)
Promoting hypertrophy or increasing a cell size, such as which occurs in female breast and male muscle during puberty and initiating synthesis of specific proteins.
The principal functions of estrogen are to control and regulate the following: uterus and external sexual organs, fallopian tubes, breasts, skeleton, protein deposition, bone density, metabolism and fat deposition, hair distribution and skin.

What are the consequences of estrogen deficiency

The major clinical consequences of the post-menopausal period may be attributed to the estrogen deficiency.  The 'menopausal syndrome' refers to a group of physical and psychological symptoms commonly experienced in the climacteric period due to estrogen deficiency.  But as these symptoms often predate menopause, they are also a result of relative estrogen deficiency as well as to fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones.


Common Symptoms of menopause :

Symptoms of menopause varies from woman to woman. Common symptoms are vaginal dryness, depression, tiredness and headaches. Given here is a list of menopausal symptoms and its frequency.

What are the symptoms of menopause (or estrogen deficiency)

The symptoms of menopause are varied, insidious and can frequently be misdiagnosed as endogenous depression, migraine or general debility. However, vasomotor symptoms and vaginal dryness in association with depression, tiredness and headaches of recent onset are characteristic of menopause or estrogen deficiency (although these may not be the initial presenting symptoms or the most distressing symptoms).

The major long-term problems of menopause include the development of adverse changes in blood lipoprotein concentrations, the generalized atrophy of connective tissues and the progressive reduction in bone mass (risk of osteoporosis).


How common are the various menopausal symptoms

Frequency of menopausal symptoms in women aged 45-54 years.
 

Complaint  % of women Irritability  92 % Lethargy  88 % Depression  78 % Flushes and night sweats  75 % Headaches  71 % Forgetfulness  64 % Weight gain  61 % Insomnia  51 % Joint and muscle pain  48 % Palpitations  44 % Crying spells  42 % Constipation  37 % Dysuria  20 % Decreased libido  20 %