What Causes Estrogen in the Body?

Identification

Hormone activity in the body is responsible for a number of vital functions. Overall growth and development, sexual function, metabolism, tissue function and mood states are all dependent on how balanced these chemicals are in our bodies. Estrogen, like other hormones, acts as a chemical messenger that carries instructions from one group of cells to another. Though present in both men and women, estrogen production is a necessary function within a woman's body.

Three forms of estrogen exist within a woman's body: estrone, estriol and estradiol. These hormones are produced by the ovaries, the adrenal glands and in fat tissue. The ovaries produce estrone and estradiol, while estriol is produced during pregnancy by the placenta. All three are necessary for normal growth and development of the reproductive system.

Function

Through the bloodstream, estrogen hormones reach targeted cell groups throughout the body. These groups of cells are equipped with receptor surfaces, which bind to the hormone. Areas of the body that receive estrogen are the breasts, the brain, the uterus, the bones, the liver, the heart and fatty tissues.

The menstrual cycle plays a major role in estrogen production. During the first part of the menstrual cycle, this hormone controls the growth of the uterine lining. Breast development during pregnancy and adolescence is also dependent on estrogen. As far as everyday body function goes, estrogen levels contribute to bone growth and density, as well as cholesterol levels.

The Reproductive System

The pituitary gland is the master controller for reproductive hormones throughout the body. Through its secretions of luteininzing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen and progesterone are generated in accordance with a woman's monthly cycle. As a result, a new egg is released from its follicle every month.

Estrogen is produced during this process to prepare the lining of the uterus for a fertilized egg. Once the egg is released, progesterone production further prepares the lining of the uterus. If fertilization does occur, estrogen and progesterone levels are regulated by the pituitary to prevent ovulation from occurring during the pregnancy. If no fertilization takes place both hormone levels drop, and the uterine lining is expelled through menstruation.

Estrogen Dominance

As a woman ages, her ovaries produce fewer eggs, and sometimes no eggs are released during a menstrual cycle. When this happens, no progesterone is produced since ovulation doesn't occur. However, estrogen levels continue to increase causing an imbalance between the two hormone levels. This is what causes estrogen dominance.

Inordinately high estrogen levels can contribute to the onslaught of a number of conditions, some of which include endometriosis, allergies, PMS, osteoporosis, infertility and hair loss. And so while the pituitary gland continues to generate estrogen production, the aging process makes other bodily functions unable to maintain needed hormone balances throughout the menstrual cycle.

Resources

• Pituitary Hormone Info
• Estrogen Dominance