Estrogen is a key female sex hormone that is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. There are three major types of estrogen in women:
Estrogen plays a vital role in:
During the reproductive years, estrogen levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle under the regulation of other hormones like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Estradiol levels peak just before ovulation to promote:
If an egg is not fertilized, estradiol levels fall dramatically leading to menstruation.
After menopause, a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen production slows down significantly. This can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and thinning bones.
While estrogen is extremely important for female health and reproduction, too much or too little can cause problems. Some conditions like PCOS or ovarian failure can lead to low or high levels. Hormone replacement therapy can provide estrogen to help manage symptoms of menopause.
I aimed to provide an informative, impartial overview of estrogen and its roles in the body. Let me know if you have any other questions!