Low estrogen symptoms
Common low estrogen symptoms include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain during sex
- Mood changes
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Irregular periods
- Absent periods
- Increased frequency in UTIs (urinary tract infections)
- Sore breasts
- Headaches and/or migraines
- Trouble concentrating
- Depression
Some of the side effects of low estrogen can include weakened bones and infertility. Read What does estrogen do? to learn more about how estrogen affects the body.
Let’s take a deeper dive into symptoms and why low estrogen symptoms cause certain physical side effects.
Vaginal dryness and/or pain during sex
Low estrogen may cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness can make penetration during sex painful. Low estrogen slows down the production of natural vaginal lubrication. This often occurs during the menopause.
Mood changes
Low estrogen can lead to mood changes, often times low estrogen and hormone balance in general may lead to feelings of anxiety and/or depression.
Hot Flashes
Low estrogen may lead to hot flashes, as well as night sweats. These physical symptoms are most commonly associated with the menopause. Hot flashes and night sweats while commonly associated with the ageing process, may present during any life stage.
Fatigue
Low estrogen levels can lead to feelings of fatigue. Restoring healthy estrogen levels can boost energy levels and help to fight fatigue.
Weight gain
Low estrogen may lead to unexpected weight gain, especially sudden weight gain.
Irregular or absent periods
Estrogen is a key hormone in the menstrual cycle, without it, or with low levels, the body may not receive the signal it needs to shed the lining that builds up throughout our cycles. Irregular or absent periods are a hallmark sign that you hormones may be unbalanced.
Increased frequency in UTIs (urinary tract infections)
Low estrogen can lead to a thinning of the lining that protects the urinary tract. This can lead to an increased risk of infection.
Sore breasts
Low estrogen, or low estrogen in comparison to progesterone may cause sore and tender breasts.
Headaches and/or migraines
Estrogen levels have an effect on how the brain experiences the sensation of pain. Low estrogen levels may trigger a headache or migraine. Sometimes women will experience a headache or migraine prior to their period starting.
Trouble concentrating
Brain fog is a broad term for the general forgetfulness and memory issues that accompany hormone deficiency. Hormone therapy can help you think more clearly, feel more engaged, and even aid your memory retention during the aging process.
Depression
Low estrogen can lead to low serotonin (the hormone that is responsible for making us feel happy.) This may lead to a low mood or depression.
- Read: High estrogen symptoms
- Read: What does estrogen do?
Written by Hannah Kingston on June 18, 2021
References
- What does estrogen do? - stdwatch.com
- Vaginal dryness after menopause? How to treat it- mayoclinic.org
- How can I balance my hormones? - medicalnewstoday.com
- Estrogen is a new weapon against urinary tract infection in postmenopausal women - sciencedaily.com
- High estrogen symptoms- stdwatch.com
