The estrogen is an important sex hormone in the woman’s body, produced in ovaries, fat tissues, and adrenal glands and its low supply or production in the body often results to some side effects in the women. It is supported by another hormone called progesterone.
Though the estrogen hormone is found both in males and females, where it performs several mandatory functions like improving cognitive health and cardiovascular system, making bones strong, and motivating several body processes
Types Of Estrogen
There are 3 types of estrogen, which includes;
Estrone: This is the weakest and is formed in women after menopause
Estradiol: this type is found in both males and females. It is formed in women during their pregnancy.
Estriol: It is the estrogen that is quite important during pregnancy. It helps in the preparation of the body for delivery.
Functions Of Estrogen In The Body
The primary function of estrogen is to develop the females secondary sexual characteristics which includes; breasts, endometrium, regulation of the menstrual cycle etc.
It also controls the growth of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle and at the beginning of a pregnancy
It helps in maturation of sperm and maintain healthy libido.
It is involved in bone and cholesterol metabolism
It helps to regulate food intake, body weight, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity.
Effects Of Low Estrogen Level In Women
- Painful sex because of low lubrication
- Mood swings
- Breast tenderness
- Hot flashes/ Night sweats
- Increase urinary tract infection due to thinning of the urethra
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Difficulty in concentration
- Low sex drive
- Insomnia
- Menstrual cycles that are infrequent or erratic
Natural Ways To Boost The Body Estrogen Levels
Many of these remedies either directly support the creation of estrogen or replicate the activity of estrogen in the body.
Dried Fruits: Dried fruits are packed with various micronutrients that are beneficial for our health. Certain dried fruits are enriched with phytoestrogens.
Garlic: Garlics are not just for adding flavor to foods, researches have shown that it is enriched with phytoestrogens and prevents from loss of bones because of the lack of estrogen in the body.
Berries: Different kinds of berries like strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries have also be proven to possess phytoestrogen.
Quite Smoking: Smoking has been demonstrated to impair the endocrine system, making oestrogen production more difficult
Regular Workout: Regular exercise helps to balance body hormones and the estrogen is not left out.
Reduce Sugar Intake: Simply substituting diet soda for regular soda can help maintain hormonal balance
Consume More Coffee: Studies have shown that women who consume more than two cups of coffee each day have more oestrogen than those who do not.
Other Fruits: Some Fruits though not common in Nigerian have also be proven to possess phytoestrogen. These fruits or its processed products can be bought in supermarkets in Nigeria, they includes soybeans, Sesame seeds, flex seeds etc.
Increase In Vitamins And Mineral Intake: B vitamins, vitamin D and boron play an important role in the creation and activation of estrogen in the body. Also hormone like Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA can be converted to estrogen in the body.
When the natural remedies are not enough, hormone replacement therapies can be advised though not totally risk free.
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