As a woman ages, her body approaches menopause and gradually decreases its production of the hormone estrogen. Medical procedures such as chemotherapy or surgical removal of the ovaries can cause a premature halt to estrogen production. Individuals react differently to a reduction in hormone levels, and the severity of symptoms may vary over time.
Vaginal Irritation
Vaginal irritation is a common complaint when estrogen levels decrease. The vaginal walls thin and lose elasticity. Severe vaginal dryness, itching or tightening can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable. It can even cause pain during sex or slight bleeding afterward. Treatment options include water-based lubricants and locally applied estrogen.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common type of bone disease that develops gradually. As the disease progresses, bone density decreases, and the bones become increasingly fragile. The risk for osteoporosis increases when estrogen levels are decreased through natural or induced menopause. Bone density can be measured and monitored with a bone mineral density test, and lifestyle choices may reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. To reduce the risk of osteoporosis, participate in weight-bearing exercise and avoid tobacco products.
Hot Flashes
A drop in estrogen can cause hot flashes---sudden, temporary sensations of warmth. A hot flash can also cause sweating and visible redness. Some women experience severe hot flashes for several years, and other women are not bothered by hot flashes. The good news is that hot flashes do usually subside after a few years of decreased estrogen. Some women successfully reduce hot flashes with deep breathing techniques; losing weight may also help.
Reduced Breast Cancer Risk
The amount of time that a woman's breasts are exposed to estrogen may impact her breast cancer risk. Decreasing the length of time of estrogen exposure may decrease the risk. Some women who have a high risk of breast cancer opt to have their ovaries removed. While the ovaries are not the only source of estrogen in a woman's body, they are the primary source.
Heart Health
Researchers continue to debate estrogen's role in maintaining a healthy heart, and the correlation between a decreased estrogen level and the development of heart disease remains under study. Even though estrogen is often thought of as a female hormone, both men and women produce estrogen. A recent study raises the possibility that men's hearts might be affected by low estrogen levels. On May 13, 2009, the "Journal of the American Medical Association" published an observational study noting that, among men with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, those who had the lowest estrogen levels had an increased risk of dying.
