Estrogen deficiency - Rejuvenate Hormone Therapy

What is estrogen deficiency?

Estrogen deficiency occurs when estrogen levels in the body become too low. This happens most often during perimenopause and menopause, when ovarian production of estrogen declines. However, estrogen levels can also drop abnormally at other times due to medical conditions or treatments.

Symptoms

Some key symptoms of low estrogen levels include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood changes like irritability or depression
• Fatigue and lack of mental clarity
• Bone loss over time, increasing osteoporosis risk

Causes

In addition to natural menopause, other potential causes of estrogen deficiency include:

• Surgical menopause from ovariectomy (ovary removal surgery)
• Certain medications like aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer
• Problems with pituitary gland function
• Premature ovarian failure

Risks

If left untreated, long-term estrogen deficiency can lead to serious health issues:

• Bone fractures due to osteoporosis
• Heart disease
• Neurological changes like dementia
• Vaginal atrophy
• Bladder issues like incontinence

Diagnosis and Treatment

Blood tests checking follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels can help diagnose estrogen deficiency. Treatment options may include:

• Estrogen therapy tablets, patches, gels or rings
• Vaginal estrogen creams or tablets
• Lifestyle changes like stress management and proper nutrition
• Alternative therapies like phytoestrogens, acupuncture or mind-body practices

The right treatment depends on the cause and symptoms of hormone imbalance. It's important to work closely with your healthcare provider at Rejuvenate Hormone Therapy to protect long-term health. Tracking symptoms and communicating openly will lead to the best results.