What is estrogen deficiency?
Estrogen deficiency, also known as estrogen deprivation, occurs when estrogen levels in the body become too low. This can happen for various reasons:
- Menopause - Estrogen levels begin to decline naturally as women approach menopause, typically in their late 40s or early 50s. The ovaries gradually produce less estrogen leading up to and during menopause.
- Oophorectomy - Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) causes a sudden drop in estrogen production. This induces menopause if done before natural menopause.
- Other medical conditions - Certain conditions like premature ovarian failure, pituitary gland problems, etc. can also lead to reduced estrogen.
Some key effects of low estrogen levels include:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness and atrophy
- Mood changes - depression, irritability
- Sleep problems
- Bone loss - increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures
Diagnosis involves blood tests to check hormone levels (estradiol, FSH, etc.) and rule out other conditions. Doctors also review symptoms and medical history.
Treatment options for estrogen deficiency include:
- Hormone therapy - Estrogen alone or with progesterone to relieve symptoms. Available as pills, skin patches, gels, sprays, etc.
- Vaginal estrogen - Low-dose topical estrogen for vaginal symptoms. Cream, tablet or ring.
- Bisphosphonates - Oral medicines to slow bone loss and prevent fractures.
- Healthy lifestyle - Diet, exercise, sleep hygiene and stress management also help manage symptoms.
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and whether the woman still has her uterus (hormone therapy with progestin is needed if uterus is intact to prevent cancer). Treatment duration also varies case-by-case based on benefits vs potential health risks. Doctors work closely with patients to find the optimal treatment regimen for their needs.