Estrogen is probably the most widely known and discussed of all hormones. The term "estrogen" actually refers to any of a group of chemically similar hormones; estrogenic hormones are sometimes mistakenly referred to as exclusively female hormones when in fact both men and women produce them. However, the role estrogen plays in men is not entirely clear.
Hormones are vital chemical substances in humans and animals. Often referred to as "chemical messengers," hormones carry information and instructions from one group of cells to another. In the human body, hormones influence almost every cell, organ and function. They regulate our growth, development,metabolism, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, the way our bodies use food, the reaction of our bodies to emergencies and even our moods.
Estrogens make a woman feminine. They create the soft contours of a woman’s breasts, hips and pelvis that prepare her for childbirth. Estrogens keep the skin smooth and free of wrinkles. They enhance sexual desire, keep the vaginal membranes moist, increase physical endurance, prevent osteoporosis and promote a happy and enthusiastic mood. However too much estrogen, or too high of an estrogen to progesterone ratio, can cause significant health risks including PMS, heavy menses, severe cramping, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, miscarriages, premature births, and even cancer.
The estrogenic hormones are uniquely responsible for the growth and development of female sexual characteristics and reproduction in both humans and animals. The term "estrogen" includes a group of chemically similar hormones: estrone, and estriol.In women, estrogen circulates in the bloodstream and binds to estrogen receptors on cells in targeted tissues, affecting not only the breasts anduterus, but also the brain, bone, liver, heart and other tissues.
When low estrogen levels strike, what results are many of the most typical symptoms that women may associate with menopause, such as hot flashes or night sweats. Because symptoms of low estrogen levels can be quite subtle and vary widely, women may not immediately recognize that their problem is low levels of estrogen. Some quite common symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, vaginal dryness, loss of interest in sex and mood swings.
Drug manufacturers have been making synthetic estrogen drugs for more than 50 years to combat these changes. However, in July 2002, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (USA) abruptly halted the nation’s largest study on HRT, because the study found that the long-term use of synthetic estrogen and synthetic progesterone drugs increase a women’s risk of breast cancer by 26%, her risk of a heart attack by 29%, her risk of stroke by 41% and her risk of blood clots by 113%. (Source: JAMA. 2002;288:321-333).
Several factors, including stress, medication, menopause and medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome can the body's estrogen levels. While no over-the-counter supplements contain true estrogen, several medicinal herbs include compounds that mimic estrogen or act to increase estrogen levels. Phytoestrogens- plant-based compounds structurally similar to human estrogen- have been investigated as possible treatments for menopause symptoms and infertility. Herbs like chaste tree berry can enable the body to achieve an ideal balance of estrogen and progesterone.
The flowers of the red clover plant contain isoflavones and have a reputation for relieving hot flashes and respiratory distress. Several studies have investigated red clover's impact on hormone-sensitive conditions like menopause, premenstrual syndrome, breast pain and infertility. Red clover's actions are subtle; it does not have a powerful impact on estrogen levels or any other hormone. However, because it is well tolerated and associated with very few side effects, it remains a popular choice among people hoping to elevate their estrogen levels.
In a large study, women who took estrogen with progestins had a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots in the lungs or legs, breast cancer, and dementia (loss of ability to think, learn, and understand). Women who take estrogen alone may also have a higher risk of developing these conditions. Tell your doctor if you smoke or use tobacco, if you have had a heart attack or a stroke in the past year, and if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had blood clots or breast cancer. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, high blood levels of cholesterol or fats, diabetes, heart disease, lupus (a condition in which the body attacks its own tissues causing damage and swelling), breast lumps, or an abnormal mammogram (x-ray of the breast used to find breast cancer).
