Estrogen is one of the key sex hormones that play an important role in both females and males. It is responsible for the development of what we typically think of as feminine characteristics. But both men and women need balanced levels of estrogen for optimal health.
What is estrogen exactly?
Estrogen refers to a group of hormones that promote the development of female sex characteristics and regulate the reproductive system in women. The three major types of estrogen found in females are:
- Estradiol - The primary estrogen hormone during a woman's reproductive years. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
- Estrone - Levels of this estrogen rise after menopause. It plays a lesser role than estradiol.
- Estriol - This estrogen type occurs in high levels during pregnancy. It helps the reproductive organs grow and develop.
In females, estrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries. It binds to
estrogen receptors in various tissues and produces effects like:
- Development of female reproductive organs
- Regulation of menstrual cycle
- Maintaining bone strength
- Distribution of fat tissue
- Other effects throughout the body
Estrogen plays important roles in males as well, though at lower levels than in females. Like testosterone, estrogen helps regulate bone mass, fat distribution, and more for men.
Balanced estrogen levels are essential for both sexes. When estrogen is too high or low, people may experience unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, bone loss, and more. Hormone replacement therapy can help restore optimal estrogen levels.
I hope this overview gave you a good understanding of what estrogen is! Let me know if you have any other questions.