Let’s talk about estrogen, one of the most important hormones in a woman’s body.
You’ve probably heard it mentioned in relation to periods or menopause, but estrogen does a lot more than just control your menstrual cycle.
It actually plays a major role in your overall health, from your bones and brain to your heart and skin.
As we get older, estrogen levels naturally drop, especially during perimenopause and menopause, and that’s when a lot of changes start happening.
If you’ve been dealing with hot flashes, mood swings, or just not feeling quite like yourself, low estrogen might be the reason.
However, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be able to help.
What does estrogen actually do?
Estrogen is kind of a superstar hormone. It’s mainly made in the ovaries, but it affects so many parts of your body. Here’s what estrogen is responsible for.
- Keeps your menstrual cycle regular
- Helps protect your bones so they stay strong
- Supports heart health by managing cholesterol and keeping blood vessels flexible
- Boosts mood and brain function
- Keeps your skin looking healthy and your hair growing
- Maintains vaginal and urinary health
What happens when estrogen levels drop?
As you hit your 40s and 50s, your estrogen levels start to go down, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Here’s what you might notice.
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- Mood swings or feeling down
- Trouble sleeping
- Brain fog or forgetfulness
- Thinning bones and more aches than usual
These symptoms can sneak up on you or hit like a freight train. It really varies from woman to woman.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment designed to supplement the body’s declining levels of estrogen, and sometimes progesterone, during menopause and beyond.
HRT can be delivered in several forms, including pills, patches, creams, gels, and vaginal rings.
There are two main types of HRT:
Estrogen-only therapy: Recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Combined estrogen-progestin therapy: Prescribed for women who still have their uterus, as adding progestin helps protect against the risk of endometrial cancer.
What are the benefits?
HRT isn’t magic, but for many women, it can be a game-changer. Some of the benefits include:
- Fewer hot flashes and better sleep
- Improved mood and mental focus
- Stronger bones
- Better sex, less dryness, and discomfort
- Even possible protection against colon cancer and type 2 diabetes
But is it safe?
HRT has gotten a bit of a bad rap in the past, but more recent research shows it can be very safe and effective for many women, especially if you start it close to menopause and use it at the lowest dose that works for you.
That said, it’s not for everyone.
If you have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or heart issues, you’ll definitely want to talk to your doctor first.
Lifestyle
