Premenopausal Estrogen Deficiency
Premenopausal estrogen deficiency refers to a deficiency of essential estrogen hormones in a female body before it goes through a major change known as the "change of life."
The phase leading up to the "change of life" period marks the beginning a extraordinary change in the female body.
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The Term
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Menopause describes the physical and emotional changes that occur in a woman nearing the end of her childbearing years (end of fertility). These changes usually happen between the age of 45 to 55. At this time, the ovaries cease to produce eggs, which is associated with a reduction in estrogen production.
Hormones
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Estrogen is a hormone that aids in the development, maturation and functioning of the female reproductive system. A certain level of estrogen is essential for maintaining good health. Estrogen plays a significant role in a female body and is primarily produced in the ovaries. Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle and affects the urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. These hormones also affect a woman's hair, bones, skin and mucus membranes.
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Premenopause
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This is the period before menopause. Premenopausal symptoms can start anytime between 35 to 45 years and may last from 5 to 15 years.
Estrogen deficiency can negatively affect a woman's body. The deficiency elevates bad cholesterol and reduces good cholesterol. Women may develop low blood pressure and depression during this time.
Symptoms
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Premenopausal estrogen deficiency is associated with the following symptoms: changes in menstrual cycle, hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, bloating, weight gain, mood swings, sleep problems, increased need to pass water, increase in facial hair, dry skin, brittle bones (osteoporosis) and narrowing of arteries.
Hormone Therapy
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Many women simply sail through menopause and experience no symptoms. Others need medical help. The depleted estrogen levels can be replaced through estrogen, progesterone and testosterone therapy. Hormone therapy is commonly used to treat menopause, but in some cases hormone therapy comes with the risk of diseases such as cancer, gallbladder disease, blood clots and heart disease.
What You Can Do
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Some tips for you if you are in the premenopausal stage of your life and want to avoid estrogen deficiency:
Get regular checkups.
Eat a healthy diet designed to increase estrogen levels.
Maintain a regular exercise program.
Talk to your doctor about your hormone therapy options.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
