Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Estrogen Deficiency?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Estrogen deficiency occurs when women have low levels of the important “female” hormone, estrogen. Sometimes this condition occurs before menopause and is considered abnormal because it disrupts menstrual cycles and creates many unpleasant symptoms. An estrogen deficiency is expected during menopause, but when the body stops making estrogen pre-menopause, doctors may choose to treat with estrogen substitutes.

Causes of estrogen deficiency are varied in women not entering menopause. Some benign causes include extreme exercise, and champion athletes or women with very little body fat can have unusually low levels of estrogen and progesterone, which is most noted because periods cease or are irregular. Some women enter menopause very early, generally before they reach their 40s. The average age of menopause is about 51, so low estrogen before the 40s is considered unusual. Thyroid disorders, genetic diseases like Turner syndrome, or some cancers of the adrenal glands or ovaries may additionally reduce estrogen.

Many symptoms of estrogen deficiency diminish as women become post-menopausal.
Many symptoms of estrogen deficiency diminish as women become post-menopausal.

With normal menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries, estrogen deficiency is expected. In younger women, treatment may include supplementation with estrogen, and this used to be common treatment for women in normal or induced menopause. Today, if estrogen replacement therapy is used in menopausal women, it’s usually short-term because estrogen increases the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Many of the symptoms of estrogen deficiency in menopause are reduced as women become post-menopausal, and doctors and their patients determine if adding estrogen to the body is worth the risks.

Estrogen levels decline during menopause causing unpleasant symptoms, like hot flashes.
Estrogen levels decline during menopause causing unpleasant symptoms, like hot flashes.

There are many common symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency, and women may experience all or some of these to greater or lesser degree. The first symptom is usually irregularity or full cessation of menstrual periods. Headaches and migraines become more common, women may experience hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness and vaginal or urinary tract infections occur more regularly. Sleep can be disrupted, fatigue may result and these two symptoms may be tied to reduced ability to concentrate and forgetfulness.

Over time, the lack of estrogen can create osteoporosis.
Over time, the lack of estrogen can create osteoporosis.

Libido may be diminished and this symptom is often related to discomfort that sex may cause due to vaginal dryness. Some women also have trouble with urinary incontinence. More serious symptoms include changes in heart rhythm. Emotionally, low estrogen is linked to strong mood changes, from depression to anxiety to anger or despair. Many women describe temper as having a short fuse and report episodes of extreme emotional responses like a lot of crying.

These initial symptoms may be paired with long term causes of estrogen deficiency. Lack of estrogen can be linked to obesity. It also affects bone stability and can over time create osteoporosis.

Lack of estrogen can be linked to obesity.
Lack of estrogen can be linked to obesity.

In the younger woman, usually it’s important to treat diminished estrogen with supplemental estrogen. In older women who are expected to be estrogen deficient, this treatment course is not always endorsed, though short-term treatment for exaggerated symptoms may be advised. Should these symptoms arise, it’s suggested women seek medical advice on best treatment course.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ysmina

My sister is an athlete and she also has estrogen deficiency. If she doesn't take her estrogen pills, she doesn't get periods.

candyquilt

@fify-- When it comes to women who enter menopause at the right time, that makes sense. But some women do not.

My grandmother entered menopause in her thirties because of cystic ovaries. They removed her ovaries with surgery, basically forcing her into menopause. She was not given estrogen therapy and had a terrible time with menopause symptoms. I was young when she passed away but I remember that she was always angry and emotional. I think in these cases, estrogen therapy should be used because it's not normal.

fify

The age for menopause can vary from woman to woman. And I don't think that woman who have gone into menopause should be considered to have "estrogen deficiency." There is an inclination to think of low estrogen levels during menopause as undesirable due to the side effects. But I believe that this is a normal phase that a woman must go through. I do not think that it's a good idea to supplement menopausal women with estrogen supplements or medications.

There is growing evidence about the negative side effects of estrogen therapy in menopausal women. They can result in blood clots, heart attack, stroke or increase the risk of cancer.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Many symptoms of estrogen deficiency diminish as women become post-menopausal.
      By: olezzo
      Many symptoms of estrogen deficiency diminish as women become post-menopausal.
    • Estrogen levels decline during menopause causing unpleasant symptoms, like hot flashes.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Estrogen levels decline during menopause causing unpleasant symptoms, like hot flashes.
    • Over time, the lack of estrogen can create osteoporosis.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Over time, the lack of estrogen can create osteoporosis.
    • Lack of estrogen can be linked to obesity.
      By: olly
      Lack of estrogen can be linked to obesity.
    • With normal menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries, estrogen deficiency is expected.
      By: pankajstock123
      With normal menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries, estrogen deficiency is expected.
    • Headaches and migraines are common estrogen deficiency.
      By: iko
      Headaches and migraines are common estrogen deficiency.