The Purpose of Estrogen

Estrogen plays a multitude of roles in a woman's body. Knowing the purposes of estrogen starts with knowing how hormones function. These are chemical transmitters carrying information from one cell to another. There are many hormones in the body but estrogen is more widely known. Present in both genders, estrogen is more distinct and associated to women as it contributes to the development of the female's sexual characteristics.

Functions of estrogen in the body

As estrogens move freely in the bloodstream, they attach themselves to receptors mainly those located in the brain and uterus. Estrogen also interacts with cells primarily in the heart, liver, tissues and the bones. The main purpose of estrogen is in reproduction. On the first phases of menstrual period, estrogen assists the uterine lining to prepare it for fertilization. During pregnancy, the baby's growing organs are also aided by the mother's estrogen. It maintains the endometrium during pregnancy as well. The other important functions in which estrogen figures prominently are related to heart and brain processes. These hormones protect from diseases like Alzheimer's, osteoporosis and heart ailments. Estrogen also regulates and acts us trigger for other hormones to produce regularly.

Features

Estrogen is actually a group of hormones with three different types. The strongest is estradiol, found in abundance during premenopause age. During pregnancy, estriol is dominant but it is the weakest. Postmenopausal period produces estrone, stronger than estriol yet weaker than estradiol. Estrogen hormones are produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands.

Effects of estrogen

As a girl's body starts to enter puberty age, much of the changes in her sexual characteristics are brought about by estrogen. Her breasts grow big and reproductive organs develop fully once menstruation begins. In other systems of the body, estrogen makes a heart healthy and bones strong. It helps the body absorb vitamin D and reduces bad cholesterol. Women's emotions and cognitive abilities also depend much on estrogen production. Menopausal women are prone to memory lapses and mood swings with the decline of estrogen in their system.

Prevention/Solution of lack of estrogen

Too much estrogen can have negative effects in the body the same way when there is lack of it. Estrogen dominance creates symptoms like water retention, shorter menstrual periods or irregular cycles and irritability. Blood loss, hot flashes, sleep disorders and depression characterize menopause when the body fails to produce estrogen in right amounts. Hormonal imbalance can be treated with simple lifestyle changes. Menopausal women are advised to eat a healthy diet and regular exercise. There are food supplements which also aid in increasing estrogen in the body. For serious cases of estrogen deficiency, women undergo hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). This however has side effects which may result to risks for breast cancer and heart disease, as reported in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.