Estrogen is a hormone produced in a woman's body that begins to naturally decline when a women approaches menopause. According to an article published by the Internet Health Library by former health care professional Patsy Hamilton in 2006, women approaching menopause, or women whose ovaries have been damaged or removed, can experience symptoms caused by low estrogen levels.
Skin and Bone Symptoms
Hamilton, who writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide, advises that low estrogen levels often lead to " a decline in collagen and thickness of the skin." Collagen is responsible for the elastic quality of skin, and a decline in collagen leads to lower elasticity and may contribute to the appearance of wrinkles. Information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that low estrogen levels affect bone strength. The FDA also advises that low estrogen levels can cause "thinning of [the] bones, which may lead to loss of height and bone breaks (osteoporosis)." According Hamilton, low estrogen levels interfere with your body's ability to absorb vitamin D and calcium, which are important in maintaining optimal bone density and good bone strength.
Vaginal Symptoms
One symptom experience by many women with low estrogen levels is changes in vaginal characteristics. According to the FDA, low estrogen levels may lead to the vagina becomes drier and thinner. These changes may cause cause sexual intercourse to be painful. Hamilton advises that if these changes cause pain during intercourse, a decrease in sex drive may accompany vaginal changes.
Hot Flashes
Low estrogen levels may also contribute to hot flashes. Hot flashes are temporary experiences of feeling hot and/or flush in the face and neck, according to the FDA. Hot flashes occurring at night can lead to "night sweats," notes the FDA, and can lead to trouble sleeping. Lack of sleep, in turn, can lead to fatigue and feelings of stress during the day.
