Estrogen: How its Influence (and Loss) is Felt
- Samantha Cunningham, APRN
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
Let’s talk about estrogen, the powerhouse hormone that does way more than just regulate periods. When estrogen levels drop (think perimenopause and menopause), it’s not just about hot flashes—your whole body feels the impact.
The Symptoms & Risks of Low Estrogen
A decline in estrogen can bring a cascade of frustrating symptoms and increased health risks, including:
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats – That sudden inferno feeling? That’s estrogen leaving the chat.
Memory Issues & Trouble Concentrating – Estrogen supports brain function. Without it, brain fog can hit hard.
Heart Palpitations – Fluctuating estrogen affects the autonomic nervous system, leading to those unsettling heart flutters.
Headaches & Migraines – Estrogen helps regulate blood vessels, so dips in levels can trigger headaches.
Weight Gain – Estrogen plays a role in fat distribution and metabolism—when it drops, the scale can creep up.
Vaginal Dryness – Without estrogen, vaginal tissues become thinner, drier, and less elastic.
Urinary Issues – Increased urinary tract infections, urgency, and bladder leakage are all linked to thinning tissues from estrogen loss.
Higher Risk of CAD & Diabetes – Estrogen helps regulate cholesterol and glucose metabolism, when levels drop, the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes goes up.
Increased Risk of Osteoporosis – Estrogen keeps bones strong, and without it, bone loss accelerates.
The Benefits of Estrogen Therapy
Restoring estrogen doesn’t just stop symptoms—it actively improves overall health.
Boosts Mood & Reduces Anxiety – Estrogen enhances serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and melatonin levels, improving mental well-being and even sleep.
Improves Memory & Concentration – Say goodbye to brain fog—estrogen keeps cognitive function sharp.
Increases Energy & Improves Sleep – A good night’s sleep gets easier when estrogen levels are balanced.
Supports Heart Health – Estrogen helps regulate blood pressure, keeps blood vessels healthy, and improves cholesterol levels.
Strengthens Bones – Estrogen increases bone mineral density and reduces the risk of fractures.
Reduces Joint Inflammation & Increases Muscle Strength – Say hello to better mobility and flexibility.
Improves Bladder Function & Reduces UTIs – Estrogen helps maintain a healthy urinary tract.
Enhances Vaginal Lubrication & Comfort – No more discomfort during intimacy.
How to Take Estrogen
Estrogen therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—there are multiple ways to get levels back up:
Patches – Continuous, steady estrogen absorption without the hassle of a daily pill.
Vaginal Creams – Perfect for targeting local symptoms like dryness and urinary issues.
Vaginal Inserts – some vaginal inserts work at high enough doses to improve both vaginal and urinary symptoms as well as provide systemic absorption
Your body needs estrogen. Whether it’s for symptom relief or long-term health protection, replacing estrogen can be life-changing. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, let’s talk about your options.
Struggling with menopause symptoms? You don’t have to suffer. Let’s find a plan that works for you.