Why Estrogen Levels Go Down
-
General
-
When menopause hits women, they might have lower estrogen levels as the ovaries reduce their production of estrogen. Other possible causes for low estrogen levels are hysterectomy or the removal of ovaries. In addition, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, having an autoimmune disease, being a vegetarian, or having very low body fat can lower estrogen levels.
Measuring estrogen levels
-
Estrogen includes a group of ovarian hormones with similar characteristics. Their levels vary depending on the woman's menstrual cycle. Levels are at their lowest point at the beginning of the menstrual cycle and at their highest point around periods. When a women reaches menopause, the estrogen level tends to stabilize at a lower level as the woman does not have periods any more. This process can take several months.
Estrogen levels are measured in parts pg/ml of estradiol. A reproductive age woman's estrogen levels range from 50 to 400 pg/ml. Menopausal women have an estrogen count of 10 to 20 pg/ml.
-
Menopause
-
Fluctuating estrogen levels become quite noticeable when a woman reaches menopause around the age of 50. Sometimes, the level of estrogen remains high or it gets too low. This can show in hot flashes, headaches, mood swings, vitamin D deficiency, hair loss, back pain or dry skin among other side effects.
In addition, low estrogen levels make most women feel extremely tired even without exerting themselves. It can also cause depression and anxiety with panic attacks.
Removal of Ovaries and Hysterectomy
-
When a woman's ovaries are removed, her hormones get out of balance. Usually, estrogen levels drop and levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) go up.
A hysterectomy does not necessarily involve the removal of the ovaries. Instead, the ovaries continue to do their work until a woman biologically reaches menopause. Estrogen levels tend to stay stable when only one ovary is removed. The second ovary produces additional hormones.
Radiation or Chemotherapy
-
Girls and women who have had radiation therapy or chemotherapy for cancer or other reasons are often faced with the fact that their ovaries to not work properly afterward. However, each case is different. Whether the functioning of the ovaries is affected depends on the type of chemotherapy and whether the ovaries received radiation.
Other Causes
-
Estrogen levels go down for a number of other reasons. A low body weight, excessive exercise or eating disorders could affect estrogen levels. Sometimes, athletes do not have their periods and do not release eggs.
Genetic conditions can also cause low estrogen levels. Turner Syndrome for example, is responsible for ovaries that do not produce eggs.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit sxc.hu
