What is an estrogen?
An essential sex hormone for maintaining sexual and reproductive health is estrogen. Your normal menstruation and menopause cycle causes changes in your estrogen levels. Estrogen levels that are consistently high or low may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed by your doctor.
One of the two sex hormones frequently associated with cisgender women, transgender men, and non-binary people with vaginal organs is estrogen. Estrogen, along with progesterone, is essential for the health of your reproductive system. Additionally, estrogen plays a role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics (such as breasts, hips, etc.), menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Additionally, estrogen is crucial for various bodily processes. Because of this, while AFAB people produce the most estrogen, both sexes do as well.
Types of estrogen
Estrogen comes in three main forms:
The main form of estrogen your body produces after menopause is estrogen (E1).
During your reproductive years, the main type of estrogen in your body is estradiol (E2). It is the most important estrogenic type.
During pregnancy, the main type of estrogen is estriol (E3).
Where is estrogen found in the body?
During your reproductive years, your ovaries produce most of the estrogen. Additionally, adipose tissue (body fat) and the adrenal glands, located in the kidneys, secrete estrogen. During pregnancy, the placenta, which is the organ that allows nutrients to be shared between the mother and the fetus, secretes estrogen.
Once estrogen is released, it passes through the bloodstream to the area of the body that needs to be activated. There, estrogen interacts with an estrogen receptor protein to start the process. Your entire body contains estrogen receptors.
What is the normal estrogen level?
Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout life. The variation is typical. For example, it is typical for estrogen levels to increase during adolescence and decrease as menopause approaches. Estrogen levels often increase during ovulation so your body can prepare for pregnancy. When the alterations of pregnancy are unnecessary, it is typical for levels to drop throughout the period.
Consistently low or high levels could indicate an underlying problem that needs your doctor’s attention.
What happens when estrogen levels remain low over time?
Low estrogen levels are often a warning sign that menopause is around the corner. Low estrogen levels can also be a symptom of Turner syndrome, infertility problems, nutritional deficiencies, etc.
Some signs could be:
breast tenderness
Brittle or weak bones
Night sweats and hot flashes.
No periods or irregular periods
Headaches and difficulty concentrating.
Fatigue, drowsiness and sleep disturbances.
Sadness, impatience and mood swings.
Dryness of the cervix causes painful sexual intercourse.
What results from persistently high estrogen levels?
Numerous problems, including polyps, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis discomfort, ovarian tumors, etc., can be related to excess estrogen in the body. Your levels could be elevated due to having too much estrogen compared to progesterone, the second sex hormone. You can end up with too much estrogen in your body due to medications that contain it.
Some signs could be:
Reduced sexual desire
Weight gain, especially around the waist and hips.
Irregular menstrual cycles (unpredictable schedule, light or heavy bleeding).
Symptoms of PMS or PMDD that get worse.
Why do you need estrogen?
Estrogen’s primary role in the female reproductive system is to regulate these changes, but it also plays additional roles in the male and female reproductive systems, such as:
Support for blood vessels and heart.
bone strength
Mood control and brain defense.
Numerous factors can affect the amount of estrogen we produce. Some people may need treatments such as hormone replacement therapy to manage these consequences.
The natural actions of estrogen can be supported by phytoestrogens found in the diet.
The 7 Best Foods to Increase Estrogen Levels
Phytoestrogens, often known as dietary estrogens, are natural plant substances that share the chemical composition of estrogen. They help your body adapt to an estrogen deficiency by hormonally mimicking the effects of estrogen. Many foods rich in phytoestrogens and estrogens can help keep the body’s required levels of this natural hormone stable. These are some of the most powerful.
Flax Seeds Flax seeds, tiny, brown or golden seeds with several proven health benefits, are among the top estrogen-rich foods. These seeds are a great source of lignans, a class of chemicals that act as phytoestrogens and aid in estrogen metabolism. According to research, flax seeds contain phytoestrogens that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women.
Soy Soy is rich in many vitamins, minerals and proteins and is one of the best foods to increase estrogen. Additionally, they contain many isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogens associated with various health benefits. You can improve your body’s estrogen levels by consuming soy products, such as tofu, edamame, tempeh, soy yogurt, and soy milk. Higher soy intake is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer-related death, according to a study.
Dried Fruits Another very effective source of estrogen is dried fruits, which are also a tasty and convenient snack option. It also contains a ton of vital minerals. They are a great source of several phytoestrogens and are also incredibly rich in fiber. Compared to their fresh counterparts, these fruits (including prunes, dates, and dried apricots) have substantially higher concentrations of phytoestrogens.
GarlicGarlic is one of the top foods on the list that raises women’s estrogen levels. It is well known for its culinary value and several potential health benefits. According to a study, postmenopausal women who take garlic oil supplements are protected against bone loss due to low estrogen levels. Additionally, garlic, which is rich in isoflavonoids, lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, prevents clotting, and reduces the risk of heart disease.
PeachPeaches, popular for their delicious sweet flavor, are another top food rich in lignans, phytoestrogens, and other vital vitamins and minerals. According to studies, eating only two servings of peaches a week reduces the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women due to their high lignan content.
Nuts One of the best foods to raise estrogen levels in the body are nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts, cashews, almonds, and pistachios. They also provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals, providing a variety of health benefits. In addition, they are easy to incorporate into your diet. However, due to the large amount of calories and fat they contain.
Sesame Seeds Sesame seeds are rich in phytoestrogens and other essential minerals, making them one of the top estrogen-boosting foods. These small, fiber-rich seeds can be added to virtually any dish and support healthy cholesterol levels. A study of postmenopausal women found that regular ingestion of sesame seed powder can raise estrogen levels and lower blood cholesterol.
