Contributed by – Healthians Team
Hey Ladies, are you feeling low very often? Not sure about your periods? Trouble sleeping? Your hormones could be blamed for this. The female hormone, oestrogen or estrogen levels usually begin to decline as you age, a sign of approaching menopause. While low oestrogen symptoms during perimenopause are common, the signs of it are now visible much early also, making it important for us to know the low oestrogen levels causes in other cases also.
Causes of low oestrogen in 30’s
While menopause is commonly the cause of low oestrogen in women above 40, younger women may have other problems too. The commonest causes of low oestrogen in 30s include over exercising, very low body fat, dietary problems or certain treatment options. Those women undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or other advanced treatments too can have low oestrogen levels. Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus, too can cause low oestrogen when young.
Causes of low oestrogen in young girls
Other causes of low oestrogen in younger women can be certain genetic defects that affect hormone levels and development of the reproductive system. For young girls, low oestrogen is presented with lack of menstruation, delayed puberty and other signs of female development. It is common in girls who are very thin, in athletes or in those performing extreme physical activities.
Know the low oestrogen symptoms; if they sound familiar, plan your hormone tests now. Timely diagnosis and low oestrogen treatment can save you from many health problems.
10 signs your oestrogen is low
Here are 10 signs that could indicate low oestrogen levels.
Your periods are disappearing
An important sign of low oestrogen, is disappearance of periods. You may sometimes notice a decline in your bleeding during periods. They may last for lesser days or may become more irregular than before.
You have hot flashes and excess sweating
This is one of the most popular perimenopause low oestrogen symptoms. While menopause is still on its way, you may begin to notice hot flashes, a feeling of excessive heat. This is often experienced with excessive sweating, especially in the night to make up for the hot feeling.
Trouble falling asleep
Low oestrogen affects other hormones levels as well. It affects your sleep hormones too, because of which your sleep goes for a toss. You may find it difficult to fall asleep or may wake up in the middle of the night and feel dull the next day.
Having frequent mood swings
As oestrogen messes up with stress hormones, you experience changes in your mood. You may feel extremely low, depressed and not be able to do anything, while sometimes you may feel more irritable and oversensitive. Being anxious is also a common symptom and sometimes, it can be really bad.
You have dry skin and eyes
Normally, oestrogen helps to maintain your hydration, skin moisture and healthy tears. Low oestrogen affects these functions. You may feel your eyes are dry and have a gritty sensation, which causes irritation. Similarly, your skin may appear dry, scaly and may lack the healthy glow.
You have frequent headaches
Headaches and migraines have always been the commonest symptoms of hormonal changes. Headaches could be an important sign of low oestrogen levels. Decreasing oestrogen triggers various bodily changes and frequent headache is one of them. Get your hormone test at the earliest to check oestrogen levels.
You have pain during intercourse
Decreasing oestrogen causes dryness of mucosal lining of the vagina. You may note vaginal dryness, which lacks lubrication during intercourse. Hence, you may often feel pain during intercourse.
Your libido has decreased
If you feel your libido has decreased along with some of the other symptoms, suspect low oestrogen. It could be one of the important causes, due to an imbalance in your hormones. Get your hormones checked to find the cause and get the right treatment.
You are more forgetful
With declining oestrogen, your brain begins to lack the necessary hormones to perform efficiently. Hence, you may note, you are being more forgetful than ever. You may also have difficulty in concentrating on your work and staying focused without feeling tired.
You are finding it difficult to lose weight
Disturbances in oestrogen levels can lead to weight changes, bloating or water retention. These are often noticed before your periods. Similarly, low oestrogen levels can interfere with fat cells, increasing fat deposition and also cause more water retention. It can make you gain weight or make it difficult to lose that extra weight.
Low oestrogen may trigger many health complication
Low oestrogen levels and weight gain is the most popularly discussed topic and indeed, needs attention. As low oestrogen triggers weight gain, it increases your health risks, hence you need to be aware. If you have low oestrogen levels and weight gain, it is better to undergo tests for thyroid, diabetes and cholesterol as well.
Studies suggest that reduced oestrogen levels increase the risk of heart diseases in ageing women, hence, may need tests for heart risks and appropriate treatment. Low oestrogen levels are also linked with low calcium, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Tests for blood calcium can help you plan proper treatment. You can thus see that having low oestrogen can result in many problems. While these symptoms can have other causes too, considering low oestrogen is equally important. Check your oestrogen levels and detect your risk, if you note these symptoms.
Identify the problem early and begin timely low oestrogen treatment. It can reduce your risk of several health problems. Remember, you have every right to be healthy and your health is in your hands.
So watch out for these signs of low oestrogen. Spot it before it stops you!
