There is no single hormone called estrogen. Estrogen is actually a group name for many subtypes. The 3 main subtypes are known as Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3). Each has unique functions and together they impact over 400 functions in the body.
Estrone (E1), the primary estrogen produced after menopause, is made in the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells. High levels may increase the risk of breast and endometrial cancer and blood clots.
Estradiol (E2) is the strongest form of estrogen and is present in the highest levels in premenopausal women. High, unbalanced levels of estradiol may increase the risk of breast, uterine, or prostate cancer. Estradiol is often prescribed after menopause to maintain skeletal health and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Estriol (E3) is the most abundant, but weakest, form of estrogen. It is mainly secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. Estriol is a protective estrogen that does not stimulate the uterine lining, and does not increase the risk of breast cancer or blood clots. In fact, it is used in Europe to treat breast cancer.
Estrogen (referring to the group of estrogens together) keeps the uterus toned and flexible, increases HDL (the good cholesterol), preserves the elasticity and moisture of the skin, dilates blood vessels, prevents plaque formation in blood vessel walls, and slows down the rate of bone breakdown. In addition, estrogen boosts the synthesis of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that affect sleep, mood, memory, libido, and cognitive factors, such as learning and attention span. Estrogen helps skin maintain a youthful plump appearance by increasing the synthesis of collagen.
Estrogen deficiency results in increased inflammation and degeneration of the body. This may be the mechanism behind osteoporosis, senility, heart disease, stroke, loss of muscle mass, and depression seen in estrogen-deficient women. Estrogen deficiency causes many of the symptoms associated with menopause including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal thinning and dryness, urinary leakage and urinary tract infections, foggy thinking, palpitations, and thinning skin. Restoring declining estrogen levels with bioidentical estrogens may be helpful in relieving many of these symptoms. It may also help reduce the incidence of heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders frequently seen in menopausal women.
Dr. Judi Goldstone and staff are experts in hormone replacement therapy for women. They are ready to assist you in your journey to regain peak health and reclaim your life. After a comprehensive review of your symptoms, a thorough physical exam and laboratory analysis, Dr. Goldstone can help determine if Bioidentical Hormone Therapy is right for you.
Preserving and improving your health is worth every possible effort. Dismissing treatable symptoms not only detracts from the quality of your life, but it can greatly impact your general health.
Here at The Anti-Aging Center at Make You Well,
We not only treat your symptoms, we treat the causes.
Restoring and balancing hormones with Bioidentical Hormones is an individualized approach to hormone replacement. Bioidentical Hormones are custom-made for each patient at special pharmacies and are available only by physician prescription.
Call (424) 374-2800 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation in person or by phone.
