6 Common Signs of Low Estrogen Levels

Estrogen is a hormone that regulates sexual development. It increases and decreases during certain milestones in a woman’s life. For example, hormones surge during puberty and pregnancy and drop after a woman gives birth and as she approaches menopause. 

Low estrogen is a natural part of aging. However, in some cases, younger women may also experience symptoms of low estrogen. Fortunately, there are ways to manage symptoms of low estrogen so they don’t interfere with your quality of life.

At Female Health Associates of North Texas, located in Fort Worth, Texas, board-certified urogynecologist Dr. Jeffrey Hantes can determine the cause of your low estrogen levels and develop a treatment plan to help you manage problematic symptoms. .

Common causes of low estrogen

The most common reasons for low or declining estrogen are menopause and perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause. During your reproductive years, your ovaries produce ample amounts of estrogen. But, as you get older and your childbearing years are behind you, your ovaries stop producing estrogen, and levels start to decline. 

However, younger women may also experience low estrogen levels if they exercise excessively, have anorexia or bulimia, or have certain health conditions or genetic defects. Health conditions include:

• Thyroid conditions
• Chronic kidney disease
• Malnutrition
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Pituitary gland disorders
• Premature ovarian failure
• Effects of chemotherapy

Additionally, genetic conditions such as Turner syndrome and Fragile X syndrome also cause low estrogen. 

Common symptoms of low estrogen levels

Symptoms of low estrogen depend on the cause of your low estrogen levels. However, the six most common ones include:

Missed periods or amenorrhea (missed period for at least three months)

Estrogen helps regulate periods. Fluctuating or declining estrogen can lead to irregular cycles and missed periods. Eventually, declining estrogen leads to not getting your period at all. Not getting your period for 12 months is when you’re officially in menopause.

Hot flashes or night sweats

Hot flashes occur when blood rushes to your skin. As a result, you feel flush with heat. Some women perspire and feel heart palpitations. You might also experience night sweats, which are hot flashes that occur at night, usually when you’re sleeping.

Infertility

As mentioned above, estrogen is integral to getting your period. Low estrogen can impact your cycle, making it more difficult to get pregnant. 

Vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse

Estrogen helps lubricate your vaginal walls. When your estrogen levels drop, you may experience dry or thinning skin in your vaginal area, making sexual intercourse painful and uncomfortable. 

Mood swings

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to fluctuations in your mood. Additionally, sleep challenges due to night sweats can leave you moody and irritable during the day. 

Insomnia

Low estrogen increases insomnia in women in a variety of ways. Night sweats can wake you and make you anxious, making it more difficult to fall asleep. 

Increased anxiety can also interfere with a good night’s sleep. And, lastly, unfortunately, as women approach menopause, snoring becomes more common, which can rouse you from sleep. 

If low estrogen is leading to sleep problems, irritability, and other changes in your life, make an appointment with Dr. Hantes to learn about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can help minimize low estrogen symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Call Female Health Associates of North Texas today or request an appointment online through our website.