From the Research
Low estrogen in premenopausal women can cause several distinct symptoms, including irregular or missed periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, decreased libido, headaches or migraines, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and fatigue, as noted in a study published in 2017 1. These symptoms occur because estrogen plays crucial roles in reproductive health, mood regulation, cognitive function, and maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health. Some of the key symptoms of low estrogen in premenopausal women include:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood changes, such as depression and irritability
- Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
- Decreased libido
- Headaches or migraines
- Difficulty concentrating and insomnia
- Fatigue Low estrogen can result from various causes, including stress, excessive exercise, eating disorders, certain medications, pituitary gland problems, or premature ovarian insufficiency, as discussed in a study published in 2015 2. If experiencing these symptoms, women should consult a healthcare provider who may recommend lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, or other treatments depending on the underlying cause and symptom severity, as suggested in a study published in 2023 3. Early intervention is important as prolonged low estrogen can lead to bone density loss and increased cardiovascular risk. It is essential to individualize hormone therapy for women with early estrogen deficiency, and higher dosages may be needed to approximate physiological concentrations found in premenopausal women, as noted in a study published in 2015 2. Additionally, addressing the psychological impact of early menopause and reviewing options for fertility and the potential need for contraception is crucial, as discussed in a study published in 2015 2. Overall, the most effective treatment for low estrogen symptoms in premenopausal women is hormone replacement therapy, which can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term health consequences, as suggested in a study published in 2023 3.