Estrogen plays a vital role in many of the biological milestones throughout a woman's life. Like progesterone, estrogen naturally rises and falls over the years, impacting everything from reproductive health to overall well-being. In part two of her series on hormones, Michelle Gray, pharmacist and owner of Gray's Compounding Pharmacy, explores what estrogen is, the different types of estrogen, how they affect the body, and why understanding this hormone is essential to women’s health.
"Estrogen essentially kick-starts puberty for women, signaling the body to begin the menstrual cycle and developing female characteristics like breast tissue," Gray says. "After triggering puberty, it works with progesterone to keep periods regular by telling the ovaries when to release an egg and thickening the uterine lining to prepare for pregnancy. Given this, it's easy to see how important estrogen is in the human body, especially for women."
There are three types of estrogen produced:
- Estrone: Estrone is a strong estrogen, although weaker than Estradiol, that converts back and forth from Estradiol and further converts to the weak end point Estriol estrogen. Other metabolites of estrogen also play a role in our estrogen story. Estrone continues to be present in menopause. Typically not used in supplementation.
- Estradiol: The most potent type of estrogen, estradiol is the main form produced during reproductive years and is crucial for regulating growth. Is a growth hormone and activates both alpha and beta estrogen receptors. Has many beneficial effects throughout the body and brain.
- Estriol: The primary estrogen during pregnancy, estriol helps the uterus grow, prepares the body for childbirth and supports both mother and fetus throughout pregnancy. Additionally Estriol is the weakest endpoint estrogen that activates Beta-Estrogen receptors that impart protective properties on breast tissue.
Like progesterone, estrogen in all its forms plays a significant role in women’s health, especially during reproductive years. Produced mainly in the ovaries, estrogen works alongside progesterone to ensure proper reproductive function. Its influence also extends to areas like bone density and heart health.
READ MORE: Part 1: The story of progesterone
Estrogen’s role in the menstrual cycle
During the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen (particularly estradiol) helps thicken the uterine lining, preparing it for potential pregnancy, Gray explains. It also triggers ovulation, supporting conception. When estrogen levels are balanced, menstrual cycles tend to be regular, and fertility is typically optimal.
However, imbalances in estrogen – whether too high or too low – can lead to various symptoms that affect daily life. Estrogen dominance, where estrogen levels are higher relative to progesterone, can result in heavy periods, weight gain and mood swings. Conversely, low estrogen can cause irregular cycles, vaginal dryness, and fertility challenges.
Women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience hormone imbalances involving estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. "Low Progesterone relative to Estradiol and high testosterone are some of the key factors contributing to irregular cycles and fertility issues in women with PCOS," Gray notes.
Perimenopause and fluctuating estrogen levels
As women enter perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, estrogen levels can become increasingly erratic. During this phase, women often produce less progesterone, creating a hormonal imbalance commonly referred to as estrogen dominance. Symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and irregular periods.Estrogen dominance can contribute to increased uterine fibroids as well.
"A great book on perimenopause is Estrogen Storm Season by Jerilynn Prior," Gray suggests. "It explains how estrogen surges and progesterone drops during this time, leading to estrogen dominance and its associated challenges. Common symptoms include anger, trouble sleeping, hot flashes and weight gain. I often hear women say, 'I used to be easygoing, but now I feel so angry all the time.' Increasing progesterone during perimenopause can help 'level things out,' but it’s important for women to track their cycles and symptoms to help healthcare providers create an effective treatment plan."
Gray recommends using apps like FEMM APP to track symptoms, providing a clearer picture for medical professionals. She also highlights estrogen's role in maintaining bone health, which becomes crucial as women age. "One concern we often see in perimenopausal and menopausal women is declining bone density due to fluctuating estrogen levels," Gray says. This increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, making hormone health monitoring essential.
Life after menopause
Even after menopause, estrogen continues to play a role in women’s health, though at much lower levels. Postmenopausal women may experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, weakened bones, and changes in skin health and cardiovascular health, and poor gut health (to name a few) due to reduced estrogen production. While some women benefit from hormone therapies, Gray stresses that it’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to ensure treatments are tailored to individual needs.
Understanding how estrogen impacts the body is key to maintaining health throughout every stage of life. With the right support, women can manage hormonal changes and maintain well-being well into their later years.
Visit Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy at 417B 304th St. on Highway 95, Kimberley (on the strip in Marysville), Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get in touch at 250-427-0038 or at facebook.com/grayspharmacy. Free shipping is available in the B.C. for your compounds, along with free weekly prescription delivery to Cranbrook and Kimberley.