Estrogen: The leader of the hormonal orchestra in a woman's body

Estrogen: The leader of the hormonal orchestra in a woman's body

It is known that the hormone responsible for female characteristics in a woman's body is estrogen, and women often ask us about the possibility of using this hormone as a treatment to enhance female characteristics.

Functions of estrogen:
 - Breast development
 - Growth of the uterus and fallopian tubes
 - Building the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle
 - Regulating ovulation
 - Increasing the level of good cholesterol in the blood
 - Maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels
 - Regulating sleep
- Enhances cognitive abilities
- Maintains skin thickness and elasticity
- Reduces hair thinning
- Maintains bone density
- Prevents mood swings
- Maintains vaginal lubrication
- Prevents urinary incontinence

Sources of estrogen production:
- Ovaries
- Placenta during pregnancy
- Body fat
- Adrenal glands

Types of estrogen:
 - Type 1: The primary type during menopause
- Type 2: The most potent and dominant type during the reproductive years
- Type 3: The primary type during pregnancy

What happens when estrogen levels in the body are abnormal?

High estrogen levels in the blood can lead to:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Breast tenderness and swelling
- Increased risk of uterine fibroids
- Increased risk of endometrial and breast cancer

Low estrogen levels in the blood can lead to:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Osteoporosis
- Mood swings
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Heart problems

Are there any medical uses for estrogen?
Yes:
 - Hormone replacement therapy for menopause
- It is present in birth control pills
- Treatment of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
- Prevention of osteoporosis

It should be noted that estrogen is not used alone and must always be used in conjunction with progesterone to prevent the development of endometrial cancer.

What are the contraindications for using estrogen as a treatment?
- Breast cancer
- Cancers with estrogen receptor-sensitive cells
- Blood clots and positive clotting factors
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Liver and gallbladder disease

In what conditions does a woman's body lose estrogen?
- Premature ovarian failure
- Menopause
- Surgical removal of the ovaries

What forms of estrogen are available in pharmacies?
- Pills
- Transdermal patches
- Vaginal rings, creams, or suppositories

It is not recommended to use estrogen without consulting a doctor due to potential risks in some cases.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist