Estrogen – What It Is, Why It Matters
Estrogen is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the ovaries that regulates menstrual cycles, secondary sexual characteristics, and influences bone, cardiovascular, and brain health. Also known as estradiol, it plays a key role in many therapeutic contexts. When estrogen levels dip, you’ll notice changes in mood, skin, and energy. The hormone also helps keep calcium in the bones and supports healthy cholesterol levels. Because it touches so many systems, doctors pay close attention to how it interacts with other meds and conditions.
Menopause, Hormone Therapy, and estrogen therapy
Menopause marks the natural end of ovarian estrogen production, typically occurring between ages 45‑55. This transition often brings hot flashes, sleep trouble, and joint aches. Hormone therapy (also called HRT) uses estrogen alone or combined with progesterone to alleviate menopause symptoms and protect bone health. For many, estrogen therapy reduces night sweats, improves mood, and slows bone loss. However, the same hormone can affect clotting factors and breast tissue, so a personalized risk assessment is a must. Clinicians often look at family history, cardiovascular profile, and personal preferences before recommending a dose or delivery method—pill, patch, or gel.
Beyond menopause, estrogen’s impact on Bone health depends on adequate estrogen to maintain calcium balance and reduce fracture risk. Women with low estrogen after surgery or chemotherapy face rapid bone density decline, highlighting the preventive value of therapy. Estrogen also modulates lipid metabolism, which can lower bad cholesterol but may raise triglycerides in some cases. The hormone’s interaction with certain drugs—like anticoagulants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—requires careful monitoring. Understanding these connections helps you and your provider weigh benefits against potential side effects such as blood clots or breast tenderness. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dig deeper into estrogen‑related topics, from managing menopause symptoms to navigating drug interactions and protecting long‑term health.
