Ladies, this is why it is critical to know how Estrogen works

Estrogen is known as the “female hormone” and varies throughout the reproductive cycle and throughout the life cycle of a woman. Estrogen is also present in men at much lower levels. No matter the gender, this hormone requires a perfect balancing act. Too much estrogen can contribute to mood swings, PMS, cancers, PCOS, and endometriosis. Too little can lead to decreased libido, fatigue, mood disorders, bone loss, infertility, and increased risk for heart disease and dementia.

Estrogen is made primarily by the ovaries, but did you know estrogen could be produced by the kidneys and by body fat? The brain and the gut also have an effect on estrogen levels and balance.

Oh yes, and that doesn’t even start to cover the other things that can affect the amount of estrogen from OUTSIDE of the body. Stress, alcohol, sugar intake, insulin levels, birth control, personal products, home care products, poor nutrition, animal products, and many other environmental exposures.

This can all be a bit overwhelming and complex. No worries, it is part of what we do at Marcia Jones, NP. Hormone balance across the lifespan of females and yes, males. There will be many more topics to cover on the balance of hormones but to keep you from system overload, this was Estrogen 101.

If you would like to discuss your hormones, symptoms, balance, or concerns we, at Marcia Jones, NP are here as a resource.