Hello everyone! In today's episode, we delved into the fascinating world of estrogen, a crucial hormone that significantly impacts women's health. As a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician, I've been researching this topic extensively, especially after my own experiences with perimenopause and menopause.

Key Points Covered:

Introduction to Estrogen:

Estrogen is a group of hormones primarily produced in the ovaries, but also in smaller amounts in the adrenal glands and fat tissues.

There are three main types of estrogen: estradiol (common in childbearing ages), estrone (present after menopause), and estriol (produced during pregnancy).

Functions of Estrogen:

Regulates the menstrual cycle.

Develops secondary sexual characteristics.

Maintains bone health and cardiovascular health.

Supports skin and hair health.

Estrogen and the Menstrual Cycle:

Estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, affecting the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

Perimenopause and Menopause:

Perimenopause typically starts in the 40s, with erratic estrogen levels causing irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.

Menopause is defined as the end of menstrual cycles for 12 consecutive months, usually between ages 45 and 55, with common symptoms including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and joint pain.

Postmenopause:

After menopause, low estrogen levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, and cause vaginal dryness.

Estrogen's Effects on Different Tissues:

Reproductive system: Promotes growth and maintenance of the uterine lining and vaginal walls.

Bones: Maintains bone density.

Cardiovascular system: Protects against atherosclerosis.

Skin and hair: Maintains thickness and elasticity.

Brain: Supports cognitive functions and mood regulation.

Metabolism: Influences fat storage.

Estrogen Dominance:

Occurs when estrogen is disproportionately high compared to other sex hormones, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and increased risk of certain diseases.

Causes include diet, environmental toxins, hormonal treatments, and chronic stress.

Management includes a whole food plant-based diet, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, maintaining a healthy weight, and stress management.

Phytoestrogens:

Found in soy and other plants, phytoestrogens can compete with natural estrogens and may help decrease estrogen effects.

I hope you found this episode informative. Tomorrow, we'll be discussing progesterone and its role in women's health. Don't forget to subscribe, comment, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from it. Thank you for listening, and have a blessed day!

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