Estrogen: Hormone, Function, Levels & Imbalances (original) (raw)

What role does estrogen play in reproductive health for women or DFAB?

Estrogen, like all hormones, is a chemical messenger. It tells your body when to start and stop processes affecting your sexual and reproductive health. These processes cause important changes in your body.

Puberty

Estrogen levels rise during puberty. The increase leads to secondary sex characteristics like breasts and changes in overall body composition (like curves).

Menstrual cycle

Along with hormones made in your brain (FSH and LH) and progesterone, estrogen plays an important part in your menstrual cycle. These hormones coexist in a delicate balance to keep your periods regular. Estrogen plays a role in ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg) and thickens the lining of your uterus (endometrium) to prepare it for pregnancy.

Pregnancy & Fertility

Estrogen peaks in the days leading up to ovulation. This is your most fertile period. At the same time, estrogen thins your cervical mucus, a fluid sperm has to swim through to reach and fertilize an egg. These estrogen-induced changes make it easier for you to become pregnant if you have intercourse.

Regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle, the presence of estrogen makes it more comfortable to have intercourse. It keeps your vaginal walls thick, elastic and lubricated, reducing pain associated with penetrative sex.

Menopause

Estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, the time right before menopause. Perimenopause may last several years before menopause. Menopause officially begins when you don’t have a period for 12 months. It usually happens around age 51. With menopause, your estrogen levels drop and you no longer ovulate. The decrease in estrogen may lead to symptoms like vaginal dryness, mood changes, night sweats and hot flashes.

The primary estrogen in your body changes from estradiol (E2) to estrone (E1) during menopause.

What role does estrogen play in reproductive health for men or AMAB?

Estrogen affects the reproductive health of people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB), too. In cisgender men, transgender women and nonbinary people with penises, estrogen impacts sex drive and the ability to get an erection and make sperm.

Too little estrogen can lead to a low sex drive. Too much of it can cause infertility and erectile dysfunction. Excessive estrogen can cause gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.

If you’re assigned male at birth and concerned about your estrogen levels, speak with an endocrinologist or a functional medicine specialist for help.

What is the non-reproductive function of estrogen?

Estrogen regulates important processes in your skeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems that impact your overall health. Estrogen affects: