Estrogen is a hormone that plays a role in both the male and female reproductive systems. In females, it contributes to reproductive and breast health, among other functions.
Estrogen contributes to
However, most people know it for its role alongside progesterone in female sexual and reproductive health.
The ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat tissues produce estrogen. Both female and male bodies have this hormone, but females create more of it.
In this article, we look at estrogen in more detail, including how it works, what happens when the levels fluctuate, and medical uses.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
There are different types of estrogen:
Estrone
This type of estrogen is present in the body after menopause. It is a weaker form of estrogen and one that the body can convert to other forms of estrogen, as necessary.
Estradiol
Both males and females produce estradiol, and it is the most common type of estrogen in females during their reproductive years.
Too much estradiol may result in acne, loss of sex drive, osteoporosis, and depression. Very high levels can increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer. However, low levels can result in weight gain and cardiovascular disease.
Estriol
Levels of estriol rise during pregnancy, as it helps the uterus grow and prepares the body for delivery. Estriol levels peak just before birth.
Estrogen enables the following organs to function:
Ovaries: Estrogen helps stimulate the growth of the egg follicle.
Vagina: In the vagina, estrogen
Uterus: Estrogen enhances and maintains the mucous membrane that lines the uterus. It also regulates the flow and thickness of uterine mucus secretions.
Breasts: The body uses estrogen in the formation of breast tissue. This hormone also helps stop the flow of milk after weaning.
Estrogen levels vary among individuals. They also fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and over a female’s lifetime. This fluctuation can sometimes produce effects such as mood changes before menstruation or hot flashes in menopause.
Factors that can affect estrogen levels include:
- pregnancy, the end of pregnancy, and breastfeeding
- puberty
- menopause
- older age
- overweight and obesity
- extreme dieting or anorexia nervosa
- strenuous exercise or training
- the use of certain medications, including steroids, ampicillin, estrogen-containing drugs, phenothiazines, and tetracyclines
- some congenital conditions, such as Turner’s syndrome
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- primary ovarian insufficiency
- an underactive pituitary gland
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- tumors of the ovaries or adrenal glands
Learn more about high estrogen levels and low estrogen levels here.
An imbalance of estrogen leads to:
- irregular or no menstruation
- light or heavy bleeding during menstruation
- more severe premenstrual or menopausal symptoms
- hot flashes, night sweats, or both
- noncancerous lumps in the breast and uterus
- mood changes and sleeping problems
- weight gain, mainly in the hips, thighs, and waist
- low sexual desire
- vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy
- fatigue
- mood swings
- feelings of depression and anxiety
- dry skin
Some of these effects are common during menopause.
Some hereditary and other conditions can lead to high levels of estrogen in males, which can result in:
- infertility
- erectile dysfunction
- larger breasts, known as gynecomastia
Males with low estrogen levels may have excess belly fat and low libido.
If a person has low levels of estrogen, a doctor may prescribe supplements or medication.
Estrogen products include:
- synthetic estrogen
- bioidentical estrogen
- Premarin, which contains estrogens from the urine of pregnant mares
Estrogen therapy
Estrogen therapy can help manage menopause symptoms as part of hormone therapy, which people usually refer to as hormone replacement therapy.
The treatment may consist solely of estrogen (estrogen replacement therapy, or ERT), or it may involve a combination of estrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone.
Hormone treatment is available as a pill, nasal spray, patch, skin gel, injection, vaginal cream, or ring.
It can help manage:
- hot flashes
- vaginal dryness
- painful intercourse
- mood changes
- sleep disorders
- anxiety
- decreased sexual desire
It may also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which increases when people enter menopause.
Side effects include:
- bloating
- breast soreness
- headaches
- leg cramps
- indigestion
- nausea
- vaginal bleeding
- fluid retention, leading to swelling
Some types of hormone therapy can also increase the risk of a stroke, blood clots, and uterine and breast cancer. A doctor can advise a person on whether estrogen therapy is suitable for them.
In addition to menopause, estrogen therapy can also
- primary ovarian insufficiency
- other ovarian issues
- some types of acne
- some cases of prostate cancer
delayed puberty , for example, in Turner’s syndrome
High levels of estrogen can increase the risk and progression of some types of breast cancer. Some hormone treatments
Hormonal therapy is not for everyone. A family history of breast cancer or thyroid issues may contradict using hormones. People who are unsure can speak to a doctor.
Transitioning to female
A doctor can
Estrogen can help a person develop female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts, and reduce male pattern hair formation.
Estrogen therapy will be part of a broader treatment approach. A healthcare professional can advise the individual on the best course of treatment.
Birth control
Birth control pills contain either synthetic estrogen and progestin or progestin only.
Some types prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, and they do this by ensuring that hormone levels do not fluctuate throughout the month.
They also make the mucus in the cervix thick so that any sperm cannot reach the egg.
Other uses include decreasing premenstrual symptoms and reducing the severity of hormone-related acne.
Birth control pills may increase the risk of:
- heart attack
- stroke
- blood clots
- pulmonary embolism
- nausea and vomiting
- headaches
- irregular bleeding
- weight changes
- breast tenderness and swelling
Oral birth control presents more risk for women who smoke or are over the age of 35 years. Long-term use may also lead to a higher risk of breast cancer.
Some foods contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based substances that resemble estrogen.
Some studies suggest that these
Foods that contain phytoestrogens include:
- cruciferous vegetables
- soy and some foods containing soy protein
- berries
- seeds and grains
- nuts
- fruit
- wine
Some people believe that foods containing phytoestrogens can help manage hot flashes and other effects of menopause, but this does not have scientific backing.
In addition, eating whole soy foods, for example, is unlikely to have the same effect as taking extracts from soy as a supplement.
Some herbs and supplements contain phytoestrogens, which act in a similar way to estrogen. These may help regulate estrogen and treat symptoms of menopause.
Examples are:
However, it is unclear exactly how these compounds affect estrogen and estrogen-related activity in the body, and there is not enough evidence to confirm that they are safe and effective, especially in the long term. Researchers have called for further studies.
In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate herbal and nonmedicinal supplements. As a result, it is not possible to know exactly what a product contains.
People should check with a doctor before taking any supplements or medications.
Below are some common questions about estrogen.
What does estrogen do to the body?
Estrogen is involved in various bodily functions, including:
- stimulation of egg follicle growth
- vaginal lubrication and the maintenance of vaginal wall thickness
- maintaining the mucous membrane in the uterus
- development of breast tissue
What does a lot of estrogen do to a female?
High levels of estradiol, a type of estrogen, can cause the following:
- acne
- low sex drive
- depression
- higher risk of uterine and breast cancer
What happens if someone has low estrogen?
Low levels of estradiol may contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular disease. An estrogen imbalance may also cause symptoms such as:
- changes in menstruation
- hot flashes
- mood changes
- low sex drive
- dry skin
How does estrogen make females feel?
Estrogen naturally fluctuates. However, an estrogen imbalance may make people feel depressed, anxious, or cause mood changes. Doctors may prescribe estrogen therapy to help treat these effects.