For women, estrogen plays a very important role and is our most important hormone. This hormone causes breast development and is responsible for starting the menstrual cycle. When the ovules begin to produce estrogen this is the start of puberty for young girls. Then, levels of estrogen will remain fairly consistent in the body for 25 years and then it will begin to decrease regularly. This is because the number of ovules maturing in the ovary goes down as women age and fewer ovules means less estrogen formation. The body reacts to this change by producing other hormones, Luetinisante Hormone (LH) and the Ovule Stimulating Hormone (FSH). At this point, however, the levels of estrogen are lower and when the body begins creating these other hormones women will experience other symptoms like night sweats or the commonly known hot flashes.

There are three forms of estrogen in women and these are estriol, estrone, and estradiol. The type of estrogen most common in non pregnant women is estradiol and the hormone will vary with the menstrual cycle. Once menopause has occurred in women the estradiol production will drop significantly and then remain consistent throughout the month.

Estrogen does not have one role in the body, however, and plays a significant role in other areas. Things like strong bones, skin tension, blood vessels and even arteriosclerosis are affected by estrogen levels.

The biggest concern for women after menopause starts and the levels of estrogen decrease is the possible development of arteriosclerosis and/or osteoporosis. These are two of the reasons many doctors prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy to their patients. Unfortunately, the side effects of HRT are considerably worse than either osteoporosis or arteriosclerosis and in most cases not worth the risk. If your doctor wants to prescribe HRT make sure you do some research and understand completely the risks that are involved. There are many other options for women interested in treating their menopausal symptoms naturally so keep that in mind.

Posted in Menopause

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