An Exclusive On the Three Es Of Estrogen

Estrogen, Estrogen, Estrogen. 

Like the refrain “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha,” repeated by Jan Brady bemoaning all the attention heaped upon her older sister, estrogen also gets all the glory. It is the best-known and frequently discussed hormone that impacts the female body. But in reality, estrogen is the general name of a group of sex hormones that includes estrone, estradiol, and estriol.

Yes, estrogen is used in hormone therapy for transgender women, but please note that this article will only discuss the impact on women assigned female at birth.

Estrogen At Work

You may be aware of the role that estrogen plays in the reproductive health of women, including the onset of puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. However, the hormone also supports bone, heart, and brain health in both men and women. Yes, men produce estrogen, but significantly less than women.

In Your Body

To break down the many ways the female body is affected by estrogen, here is a simplified list of body parts and how it impacts each.

Breasts: Women’s breasts are developed by estrogen, which stimulates the tissues to develop during puberty. It also supports the growth of the mammary ducts during puberty and again during pregnancy. During the postpartum period, it is part of the production of breast milk.

Uterus: Endometrial cells are produced with the help of estrogen during the menstrual cycle. These cells prepare the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the endometrial lining.

Vagina: Estrogen supports vaginal health and generates epithelial mucosa cells that lubricate the vagina.

Bones: Estrogen aids in bone growth and fusion during puberty. It protects bones and prevents osteoporosis when levels decrease, especially in menopausal women.

Cardiovascular: Cholesterol levels are managed by estrogen by increasing HDL and lowering LDL thus supporting heart health and preventing cardiovascular disease.

You are probably waiting with bated breath to learn more about the three types of estrogen. Well, hold onto your hat, here you go. 

The 3 Types

Estrone is produced in the adrenal glands, fatty tissue, and ovaries. Unlike other estrogens, females continue to make estrone after menopause. Estrone, or E1, can also convert to estradiol if the body needs a stronger hormone.

The primary estrogen in non-menopausal women who are not pregnant is Estradiol or E2. In females, estradiol is made in the ovaries and is essential for fertility or the ability to get pregnant. It also aids in brain and bone health. 

E3 is called Estriol which is present in small amounts in non-pregnant women and it increases during pregnancy when it is produced by the placenta. Estriol is used as a way to monitor the health of a mother and unborn child during pregnancy. 

These estrogen hormones work together throughout a woman’s life. However, changes in the production levels can cause negative symptoms and negatively impact a woman’s quality of life. A blood test is the most accurate way to test hormone levels, but a urine test is also possible. 

But what does a high or low level of estrogen mean?

Continue reading to find out.

The Highs and Lows

Estrogen, usually estradiol, levels are tested to determine the reasons for:

• Late or early onset of puberty 
• Menstrual cycle irregularities
• Infertility or trouble becoming pregnant
• Diagnosing menopause
• Bleeding after menopause

Estriol levels are tested during pregnancy, often during routine blood work, to determine the health of the unborn child and mother. 

High estradiol levels can cause depression, light or heavy periods, fatigue, decreased libido, noncancerous lumps in breast tissue or dense breast tissue, uterine fibroids, severe PMS, and increased weight gain in the hips, thighs, and waist. High levels can also cause some cancers, endometriosis pain, and insulin resistance.

Your medical provider will order blood tests if you have one or more of the symptoms listed above. It is important to find a medical practitioner who hears your concerns, as symptoms caused by low or high levels of estrogen can be dismissed. If any of these symptoms are impacting your life, you need a provider who understands and is well-versed in treating hormone imbalances.

A well-informed medical provider will understand that changes in estrogen levels can be disruptive and hormone treatments can ease these symptoms. They will not only look at estrogens but will look at the balance of all hormones that work together to support overall health. 

You may be wondering how to treat estrogen imbalances?

We gotcha, your answers are below.

Balancing the Es

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important in fending off diseases caused by low or high levels of estrogen. This includes getting regular exercise, managing stress, sleeping at least seven hours, and eating a balanced diet. However, these basic recommendations are sometimes not enough to overcome a hormonal imbalance.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

If you have low levels of estrogen, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There are different ways the treatment can be administered, including by pills taken orally, injection, transdermally with a lotion or patch, or vaginal suppository. 

A discussion with your medical practitioner will determine the best form for you based on your preference and medical history. Before prescribing estrogen replacement therapy, or any type of HRT, your medical provider must consider your risk for certain conditions such as heart disease and stroke. They must also consider your age, symptoms, and any past cancer diagnosis or risks.

Phytoestrogens and Diet

While considering HRT, there are non-medical ways to increase estrogen. One way is eating plant-based foods high in phytoestrogens, a phytochemical, rich in antioxidants that act like estrogen produced by the body.

Increase phytoestrogen intake in your daily diet by eating more fruits (apples, berries, grapes, peaches, pears, and plums), grains (barley, oats, and wheat germ), nuts and seeds (almonds, flaxseeds, peanuts, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds), vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, onions, spinach, and sprouts), and soy products (soybeans, tofu, and miso)

In addition, to maintaining a healthy diet with the foods listed above, some vitamins and minerals support the body as it creates and uses estrogen. These include the mineral, baron, and vitamins B and D. Vitamin E is also an estrogen helper and may have the added benefit of decreasing hot flashes and insomnia associated with perimenopause and menopause.

Lifestyle Changes

If your test results indicate a high level of estrogen, your medical provider will review your current medications and liver function to determine if they could be the cause. In addition, both alcohol and body weight can impact estrogen levels. Alcohol can prevent the body’s ability to metabolize estrogen, while fat tissue secretes it. Decreasing alcohol consumption and losing weight can help ease symptoms and lower estrogen levels. If the lifestyle changes do not help, medicines can help balance your levels.

Before starting any new exercises, supplements, or diet changes, you should discuss them with your medical provider. You may need to address other issues going on with your body, not just hormone adjustments. 

As you navigate hormone balancing, know that you are not alone. There are many, many, many women going through the same things. Ask your provider for medical help. Find support from other women as you go through the process of reaching the best quality of life possible.

Want to learn about your estrogen levels and if HRT is right for you? Start a free self-assessment with Perfect Balance Health.

Written by Anna Hartman, AKH Editing and Writing