The Importance of Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women

Menopause is the natural lowering of a woman’s hormone function that marks the end of her childbearing capacity. Nevertheless, the hormone fluctuations that occur during menopause, particularly the reduction in estrogen, can have many health implications. Estrogen is often linked with fertility, but there are many other functions of this hormone. Postmenopausal women should maintain estrogen levels to boost their bone health, heart function, cognitive function, and overall health.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a type of hormone produced mainly by the ovaries in females. It has many functions, including regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining the reproductive tissue, and other bodily functions. One of the consequences of menopause is the drastic decrease in estrogen levels, which may cause several health issues.

Why Estrogen Matters After Menopause

Helps in Bone Density and Prevents Osteoporosis

Estrogen has a critical role to play in the bone system, particularly in the preservation of bone density. Postmenopausal women, for example, experience a decrease in estrogen, which causes the bone density to decrease, and the bones become weaker and more susceptible to fractures.

Effect on the Heart

Estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system by preventing the stiffening of blood vessels and regulating cholesterol levels. Postmenopause, low estrogen levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and poor cholesterol levels. This makes it even more crucial to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Brain Function and Prevention of Cognitive Impairment

Estrogen has a protective effect on the brain and has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. Some studies have indicated that estrogen may have a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Postmenopausal women who have symptoms of brain fog, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating may benefit from certain lifestyle changes or medical treatment to improve cognitive function.

Influence on Mood

Many postmenopausal women have mood swings, anxiety, or depression because of the hormonal changes that occur in their bodies. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that are regulated by estrogen, a hormone. While some women may benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), others can improve their mood through exercise, meditation, and good nutrition.

Benefits of the Vulva and the Genito-Urinarty Tract

Estrogen deficiency leads to vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and urinary problems. This is because estrogen helps to keep the mucous membrane of the vagina flexible and moist. Some of the symptoms could be managed by using vaginal estrogen therapy, moisturizers or lubricants.

Common Symptoms of Low Estrogen in Women After Menopause

While it is normal to have a decrease in estrogen at menopause, certain symptoms may warrant further evaluation:

✔ Hot flashes and night sweats

✔ Mood swings, irritability, or depression

✔ Insomnia

✔ Memory loss or confusion

✔ Increased fracture risk or bone density

✔ Vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse

✔ Loss of skin elasticity and dehydration.

How to Support Estrogen Balance 

Consider Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Talk to a healthcare professional to learn more about the potential advantages of this treatment based on your medical background.

Estrogen levels are supposed to decrease after menopause, but some things can be done to reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life:

Eat a Hormone-Supporting Diet: Some of the foods that are rich in phytoestrogens include soy products, flaxseeds, chickpeas, and lentils, which may help in regulating estrogen.

Exercise Regularly: Exercises like walking, doing strength training, and yoga can help increase bone density and overall strength.

Reduce Stress: Stress is known to worsen menopause symptoms. Some of the ways of reducing stress include breathing exercises, meditation, and paying attention to the moment.

Stay Hydrated and Take Care of Your Skin: Estrogen helps in the production of collagen, therefore, adequate intake of water and good skin care can help in maintaining skin flexibility.

Menopause is a significant life event, but it does not have to be followed by a decrease in quality of life. Knowledge of estrogen’s function in the body gives you a better understanding of how to take care of your health. Based on diet, lifestyle changes, or medical intervention, estrogen balance must be maintained to sustain bone density, heart health, brain function, and overall quality of life. If you feel you have symptoms of low estrogen, please schedule a consultation with a hormone specialist at Axios Health and Wellness, and we will walk you through a thorough evaluation and treatment options.