What Is Estrogen Deficiency ?

The medical condition of estrogen deficiency amongst women is characterized by extremely low levels of an important female reproductive hormone called estrogen. Although this condition is regarded as normal during the menopausal years, the same during the reproductive years becomes a cause of concern.

The medical fraternity highlights several reasons for experiencing estrogen deficiency prior to menopause. This condition is fairly common amongst women who are into excessive exercising especially athletes as low fat levels are believed to be related to low estrogen and progesterone levels as well. An early menopause certainly triggers estrogen deficiency. Although the average age of menopause is evaluated as 51 years, these days many women are experiencing the cessation of periods in their 40s itself. This is regarded as unusual resulting in decreased estrogen levels much before time.

Some of the other conditions that are known to be associated with estrogen deficiency include thyroid disorders, genetic diseases such as Turner syndrome, ovarian cancer and malignancy of the adrenal glands.

Symptoms linked to estrogen deficiency may be experienced by the patients in totality or in parts. One of the most predominant sign is either irregular menstrual cycle or complete cessation of the same. This leads to the typical menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, dryness in the vagina, decreased sexual libido, infections of the vagina and urinary tract, temperamental changes, intense emotional reactions such as excessive crying and aggression, disturbance in sleep, tiredness, lack of concentration and poor memory.

Some of the more severe symptoms of estrogen deficiency include alterations in heart rhythm and urinary incontinence. In certain cases, a surgical removal of the ovaries may be a medical requirement, which as a consequence exposes the patient to the repercussions of estrogen deficiency.

Such individuals are recommended to undergo estrogen replacement therapy in order to supplement the reserves of estrogen within the body. However, since the administration of ERT is associated with several health risks; therefore doctors generally recommend it to be utilized for a short time period.

Some of the established side effects of ERT include increase in blood clotting subjecting the patient to life threatening conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. A high incidence of breast and endometrial cancer is observed in patients receiving ERT for over 7 years. Although in very minute proportions but cases of ovarian cancer are also noticed amongst those undergoing ERT. Risks of developing gall bladder stones and dementia have also been highlighted.    

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