Estrogens, i.e. estrone, estriol and estradiol, are a group of three hormones similar to each other in terms of molecular structure. Where are estrogens produced and what is their role in the body? What are the effects of excess and what are the deficiency of estrogens?
Estrogensare produced not only in the ovaries and adrenal glands, but also in adipose tissue cells - adipocytes. In men, estrogens are produced in small amounts by the testes and cortex of the adrenal glands, and their deficiency causes infertility.
The role of estrogens is extremely important in adolescence, but beyond that, it can also be invaluable. They affect the typically female body structure, menstrual cycle, fertility, sex drive, skin appearance, psyche, regulate the calcium metabolism, increase blood clotting, and have a positive effect on the growth of adipose tissue and its metabolism.
May also cause the growth of endometrial cells (carcinogenic effect).
Estrogens: role
The role of estrogens in adolescence comes down to the development of 2- and 3-row sexual characteristics. These include growth of the muscle of the uterus, fallopian tubes, external features of maturity, incl. nipples. In addition, they are responsible for the redistribution of adipose tissue, which ultimately shapes the body.
Estrogens are also responsible for the female libido and are important in regulating the emotional state. It is well known about the high share of estrogens in the metabolism of bone tissue. They are involved in the bone formation process, therefore the deficiency of these hormones is reflected in faster bone destruction and leads to osteoporosis.
The more frequent fractures that appear in the postmenopausal period are an example of this, which is due to the lower concentration of estrogen in the body.
Estrogens are also responsible for the body's carbohydrate metabolism and the permeability of cell membranes, which undoubtedly increases the elasticity of the skin.
When do estrogen levels change?
The concentration of estrogen in a woman's body is not constant, but it undergoes many changes depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.
The lowest value is observed during menstruation, the concentration increases successively over the following days, which allows for the reconstruction of the endometrium, i.e. the uterine mucosa, which is an element of preparation for possiblepregnancy.
The level of female hormones increases successively in the first phase of the cycle, which is not observed in the second part.
Estrogen plays an important role in the production of the luteinizing hormone - LH, which is involved in ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum.
Excess or deficiency of estrogens: effects
The concentration of estrogen in the body depends on many factors, the so-called modulating. In addition to the diet, it is stress, physical exertion.
Both a deficiency and an excess of estrogen are dangerous and can cause various abnormalities.
The consequences of inadequate estrogen production include:
- menstrual disorders
- increased risk of thromboembolism
- excessive weight gain
- breast augmentation
- general malaise, including somatic complaints such as headaches, palpitations, constipation, dry skin and mucous membranes
- emotional and mental disorders: excessive crying, depressive states or insomnia
- long-term changes include cardiovascular diseases or osteoporosis
In addition to estrogens, progesterone is also assigned a large role in the woman's body, and the lack of an appropriate proportion between these substances may result in the emergence of anovulatory cycles, which in turn translates into fertility.
If you notice any abnormalities, it is worth visiting a doctor relatively quickly in order to start treatment that will primarily improve the quality of life.
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