Khaberni - Estrogen is an important hormone in the body, playing a particularly crucial role for women. Its levels can rise due to various factors, resulting in multiple symptoms for both women and men. Let's explore the symptoms of high estrogen, their causes, and other important information in the following link.
What is estrogen? Estrogen is a female hormone found in both women and men, though women have higher levels compared to men. Estrogen aids women in their sexual development along with another important female hormone known as progesterone, which is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and affects the entire reproductive process.
The reasons for high estrogen levels can include consuming certain medications such as hormone replacement therapy with estrogen, a common treatment designed for menopause symptoms.
A drop in testosterone or progesterone levels can also lead to hormonal imbalance, resulting in disproportionately high estrogen levels compared to progesterone.
The symptoms of excess estrogen in women, a result of hormonal imbalance in the body, include:
Discovering fibrous lumps in the breast.
A decrease in sexual desire.
Observing irregular menstrual periods.
Mood changes and headaches.
An increase in weight.
Noticing hair loss.
Feeling cold in the feet or hands.
Sleep problems or memory issues.
Feeling anxious and experiencing panic attacks.
Feeling drowsy or fatigued.
An increase in premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
Symptoms of high estrogen in men, although classified as a female hormone, estrogen is also present in men because it is important for growth and sexual development alongside testosterone. Symptoms of high estrogen in men include:
Gynecomastia: Estrogen can stimulate the growth of breast tissue, causing an increase in breast size in men.
Erectile dysfunction: Also, high levels of the female hormone can cause difficulties in achieving an erection.
Estrogen levels rise twice during the menstrual cycle, measured from the first day of the previous period to the first day of the next period, typically about 28 days. The hormone rises during the mid-follicular phase, which might be on the tenth day of the menstrual cycle, then declines with ovulation.
Then, estrogen levels rise again in the mid-luteal phase after ovulation and decline towards the end of the menstrual cycle.
Complications of high estrogen include increased risk of diseases such as:
Higher estrogen levels can increase the risk of ovarian cancer and can also cause uterine cancer.
Elevated estrogen levels can increase the risk of blood clots and strokes.
High estrogen levels may increase the chances of developing thyroid dysfunction.
Treatment for high estrogen involves three approaches:
Medications
If hormonal therapy is being used and causes increased estrogen, the doctor might adjust the treatment to balance the hormones.
If there is a type of cancer that is sensitive to estrogen, high hormone levels can worsen the condition. Hence, the doctor may prescribe medications that prevent estrogen from binding with cancer cells, including tamoxifen.
Enzyme inhibitors might be prescribed that stop the enzyme aromatase from converting androgens to estrogen.
Sometimes, the doctor might prescribe medications that stop the ovaries from producing estrogen.
In some cases, the doctor might use radiation therapy to inhibit the activity of the ovaries.
A healthy dietary habit is crucial in treatment, so the doctor will focus on a diet plan that includes low fat and high fiber, and paying attention to losing excess weight.
