The term estrogen is used to refer to the female sex hormones estrone, estradiol and estriol. These hormones are present in the bloodstream of women and men, although men produce much smaller amounts. Estrogen levels increase and decrease at different times of the menstrual and life cycles of a woman.
The Liver
The liver is one of the most important organs of the body. According to the British Liver Trust, the liver performs more than 500 functions. These include breaking down food and turning it to energy; controlling levels of fats, amino acids and glucose in the blood; storing iron; combating infections and the manufacture, breakdown and regulation of numerous hormones, including sex hormones. When the liver is inflamed or injured, it can leak higher amounts of chemicals, such as liver enzymes, which can result in elevated liver enzymes on blood tests.
Estrogen
Estrogen plays an essential role in the growth and development of female sexual characteristics as well as the reproductive process. Hormones like estrogen are sometimes called "chemical messengers" because they carry information and instructions from one group of cells in the body to another. Estrogen circulates in the bloodstream and affects not only female sex organs such as the uterus, but also the brain, bones, heart and liver.
Estrogen Dominance
An excess of estrogen, called estrogen dominance, is usually the result of a medical condition or hormone medication. Dr. Christiane Northrup, an obstetrician and gynecologist, says that excess body fat, high stress levels, low fiber, low fat diets, impaired immune function and environmental agents can all cause estrogen dominance. Although estrogen dominance has been linked to allergies, autoimmune disorders, some cancers, infertility, ovarian cysts and increased blood clotting, it does not cause elevated liver enzymes.
Turner Syndrome
Low estrogen, however, is related to liver enzymes. Turner syndrome, a disease in which a female child is missing a sex chromosome, does cause elevated liver enzymes. According to a report published in the November 2008 "Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey" 91 percent of the women who have the disease also have elevated liver enzymes. However, Turner syndrome is the result of inadequate estrogen rather than an excess.
References
- British Liver Trust; A Brief Summary of the Liver's Functions; 2011
- Christiane Northrup, M.D.; Estrogen Dominance; August 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Elevated Liver Enzymes: Definition; May 2011
- "Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey"; Liver Dysfunction in Turner Syndrome: Prevalence, Natural History and Effect of Exogenous Estrogen; O. Koulouri, et.al.;November 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Turner Syndrome; April 2011
- HealthyWomen.com; Estrogen; July 2011
