Estrogen Deficiency

In women over age 40, estrogen levels will significantly decline due to approaching menopause, which is medically known as perimenopause. During this time of transition, a woman’s ovaries will still produce estrogen, however, in smaller amounts. By the time that estrogen production completely stopped, a woman has already reached menopause. This age-related decline in estrogen levels can lead to debilitating signs and symptoms such as:

• Breast tenderness
• Brittle bones
• Cognitive impairment (memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and thinking problems)
• Difficulty sleeping
• Frequently missed periods (amenorrhea)
• Hot flashes
• Low libido
• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Painful intercourse
• Thin, dry, or wrinkled skin

In men, low estrogen levels can also lead to the following signs and symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Bone loss
• Depression
• Erectile dysfunction
• Joint pains
• Fat accumulation
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Oversleeping or sleeping difficulties
• Sexual dysfunction
• Water retention
• Hot flashes

Aside from the natural process of aging, certain medical conditions, lifestyle choices, and processes can lead to estrogen deficiency. These include:

• An underactive pituitary gland
• Anorexia nervosa
• Breastfeeding
• Certain medications, such as clomiphene
• Childbirth
• Chronic kidney disease
• Fat and calorie restriction
• Genetics
• Ovarian failure
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Pregnancy failure
• Strenuous exercise or training
• Toxins
• Turner syndrome