Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesRisk FactorsDiagnosisTreatmentFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
FAQ
When you have low estrogen, you might experience symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and missed periods.
This article covers the causes and symptoms of low estrogen, along with how low estrogen is diagnosed and treated.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Low Estrogen Symptoms
There are several effects of low estrogen. Many of these mimic the symptoms of menopause.
Symptoms of low estrogen may include:
Understanding Estrogen’s Effects on the Body
Causes of Low Estrogen
There are other conditions that can also result in low estrogen levels in females. Some of these include:
Signs of Late Menopause
Age is the number one risk factor for low estrogen. As a person with ovaries approaches age 47—perimenopause age—they experience fluctuating estrogen levels for several years until full menopause.
Some other risk factors associated with low estrogen include:
Defining Premenopause, Perimenopause, and Menopause
Diagnosis may involve:
Types of Hormone Tests for Women and What Their Results Mean
Synthetic hormone supplementation,hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a common treatment for low estrogen in females.
There are several modes of administration your healthcare provider may choose for HRT therapy, including:
The type of HRT therapy, the mode of administration, and the dosage that you are prescribed depend on many factors. These include the underlying cause, severity, and symptoms of your low estrogen.
These are some basic facts about HRT:
Guide to Increasing Estrogen With Fluctuating Hormone Levels
Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes lifestyle or dietary adjustments are recommended. Natural remedies for low estrogen can include:
Note that the use of soy or soybean isoflavones in the setting of low estrogen is controversial, according to Harvard Health.It’s best to speak to your healthcare provider before adding this or any supplement to your diet.
Does Vitamin D Increase Estrogen?The hormone vitamin D supports the production of reproductive hormones in both men and women. However, more research is needed to determine ifvitamin D supplementationcould boost estrogen, and if so, what dose would do so effectively.
Does Vitamin D Increase Estrogen?
The hormone vitamin D supports the production of reproductive hormones in both men and women. However, more research is needed to determine ifvitamin D supplementationcould boost estrogen, and if so, what dose would do so effectively.
Estrogen and Progesterone in Females
Summary
Low estrogen levels can impact many aspects of overall health and well-being, including physical, emotional, and sexual health. They may also increase the risk of serious conditions, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and obesity.
While hormone replacement therapy is a primary treatment for low estrogen, it isn’t right for everyone. The outcome of treatment for females with low estrogen levels varies.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYou may experience side effects when treated with HRT. These may include mood swings, headaches, fluid retention, stomach cramps, or bloating.Most side effects of HRT are not severe. However, HRT can rarely cause severe side effects, including double vision, depression, extreme weakness and fatigue, fever, and severe abdominal pain. If you experience these or any other concerning or persistent symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately.Isoflavones, which are compounds naturally found in soy, are thought to support estrogen production. However, researchers have yet to conclude whether soy is a safe and effective option for boosting estrogen naturally.You can have low estrogen in your 30s due to excessive exercise, a problem with your thyroid, an autoimmune condition, or another condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of low estrogen in your thirties, talk to your healthcare provider. You may need to be evaluated for the possibility of an underlying condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may experience side effects when treated with HRT. These may include mood swings, headaches, fluid retention, stomach cramps, or bloating.
Most side effects of HRT are not severe. However, HRT can rarely cause severe side effects, including double vision, depression, extreme weakness and fatigue, fever, and severe abdominal pain. If you experience these or any other concerning or persistent symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Isoflavones, which are compounds naturally found in soy, are thought to support estrogen production. However, researchers have yet to conclude whether soy is a safe and effective option for boosting estrogen naturally.
You can have low estrogen in your 30s due to excessive exercise, a problem with your thyroid, an autoimmune condition, or another condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of low estrogen in your thirties, talk to your healthcare provider. You may need to be evaluated for the possibility of an underlying condition.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lephart E.A review of the role of estrogen in dermal aging and facial attractiveness in women.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(3):282-288. doi:10.1111/jocd.12508Proserpio P, Marra S, Campana C, et al.Insomnia and menopause: a narrative review on mechanisms and treatments.Climacteric. 2020;23(6):539-549. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1799973Chai NC, Peterlin BL, Calhoun AH.Migraine and estrogen.Curr Opin Neurol. 2014;27(3):315-24. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000091Kapoor E, Collazo-Clavell ML, Faubion SS.Weight gain in women at midlife: A concise review of the pathophysiology and strategies for management.Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92(10):1552-1558. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.08.004Gutzeit O, Levy G, Lowenstein L.Postpartum female sexual function: Risk factors for postpartum sexual dysfunction.Sex Med. 2020;8(1):8-13. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2019.10.005Dickstein LP, Franco KN, Rome ES, Auron M.Recognizing, managing medical consequences of eating disorders in primary care.Cleve Clin J Med. 2014;81(4):255-63. doi:10.3949/ccjm.81a.12132Wang J, Liu W, Yu D, Yang Z, Li S, Sun X.Research progress on the treatment of premature ovarian failure using mesenchymal stem cells: A literature review.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:749822. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.749822Vellanki K, Kramer H.Amenorrhea and estrogen disorders in women with kidney disease. In:Endocrine Disorders in Kidney Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer; 2019:127-38.Gordon CM, Ackerman KE, Berga SL, et al.Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2017;102(5):1413-1439. doi:10.1210/jc.2017-00131MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (hormone replacement therapy).Harvard Health Publishing.Confused about eating soy?Chu C, Tsuprykov O, Chen X, Elitok S, Krämer B, Hocher B.Relationship between vitamin D hormones important for human fertility in reproductive-aged women.Front Endocrinol. 2021;12(1):1-8. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.666687Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: A systematic review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. doi:10.3390/nu11112649
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lephart E.A review of the role of estrogen in dermal aging and facial attractiveness in women.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(3):282-288. doi:10.1111/jocd.12508Proserpio P, Marra S, Campana C, et al.Insomnia and menopause: a narrative review on mechanisms and treatments.Climacteric. 2020;23(6):539-549. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1799973Chai NC, Peterlin BL, Calhoun AH.Migraine and estrogen.Curr Opin Neurol. 2014;27(3):315-24. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000091Kapoor E, Collazo-Clavell ML, Faubion SS.Weight gain in women at midlife: A concise review of the pathophysiology and strategies for management.Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92(10):1552-1558. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.08.004Gutzeit O, Levy G, Lowenstein L.Postpartum female sexual function: Risk factors for postpartum sexual dysfunction.Sex Med. 2020;8(1):8-13. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2019.10.005Dickstein LP, Franco KN, Rome ES, Auron M.Recognizing, managing medical consequences of eating disorders in primary care.Cleve Clin J Med. 2014;81(4):255-63. doi:10.3949/ccjm.81a.12132Wang J, Liu W, Yu D, Yang Z, Li S, Sun X.Research progress on the treatment of premature ovarian failure using mesenchymal stem cells: A literature review.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:749822. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.749822Vellanki K, Kramer H.Amenorrhea and estrogen disorders in women with kidney disease. In:Endocrine Disorders in Kidney Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer; 2019:127-38.Gordon CM, Ackerman KE, Berga SL, et al.Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2017;102(5):1413-1439. doi:10.1210/jc.2017-00131MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (hormone replacement therapy).Harvard Health Publishing.Confused about eating soy?Chu C, Tsuprykov O, Chen X, Elitok S, Krämer B, Hocher B.Relationship between vitamin D hormones important for human fertility in reproductive-aged women.Front Endocrinol. 2021;12(1):1-8. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.666687Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: A systematic review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. doi:10.3390/nu11112649
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lephart E.A review of the role of estrogen in dermal aging and facial attractiveness in women.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(3):282-288. doi:10.1111/jocd.12508Proserpio P, Marra S, Campana C, et al.Insomnia and menopause: a narrative review on mechanisms and treatments.Climacteric. 2020;23(6):539-549. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1799973Chai NC, Peterlin BL, Calhoun AH.Migraine and estrogen.Curr Opin Neurol. 2014;27(3):315-24. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000091Kapoor E, Collazo-Clavell ML, Faubion SS.Weight gain in women at midlife: A concise review of the pathophysiology and strategies for management.Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92(10):1552-1558. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.08.004Gutzeit O, Levy G, Lowenstein L.Postpartum female sexual function: Risk factors for postpartum sexual dysfunction.Sex Med. 2020;8(1):8-13. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2019.10.005Dickstein LP, Franco KN, Rome ES, Auron M.Recognizing, managing medical consequences of eating disorders in primary care.Cleve Clin J Med. 2014;81(4):255-63. doi:10.3949/ccjm.81a.12132Wang J, Liu W, Yu D, Yang Z, Li S, Sun X.Research progress on the treatment of premature ovarian failure using mesenchymal stem cells: A literature review.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:749822. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.749822Vellanki K, Kramer H.Amenorrhea and estrogen disorders in women with kidney disease. In:Endocrine Disorders in Kidney Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer; 2019:127-38.Gordon CM, Ackerman KE, Berga SL, et al.Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2017;102(5):1413-1439. doi:10.1210/jc.2017-00131MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (hormone replacement therapy).Harvard Health Publishing.Confused about eating soy?Chu C, Tsuprykov O, Chen X, Elitok S, Krämer B, Hocher B.Relationship between vitamin D hormones important for human fertility in reproductive-aged women.Front Endocrinol. 2021;12(1):1-8. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.666687Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: A systematic review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. doi:10.3390/nu11112649
Lephart E.A review of the role of estrogen in dermal aging and facial attractiveness in women.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(3):282-288. doi:10.1111/jocd.12508
Proserpio P, Marra S, Campana C, et al.Insomnia and menopause: a narrative review on mechanisms and treatments.Climacteric. 2020;23(6):539-549. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1799973
Chai NC, Peterlin BL, Calhoun AH.Migraine and estrogen.Curr Opin Neurol. 2014;27(3):315-24. doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000091
Kapoor E, Collazo-Clavell ML, Faubion SS.Weight gain in women at midlife: A concise review of the pathophysiology and strategies for management.Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92(10):1552-1558. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.08.004
Gutzeit O, Levy G, Lowenstein L.Postpartum female sexual function: Risk factors for postpartum sexual dysfunction.Sex Med. 2020;8(1):8-13. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2019.10.005
Dickstein LP, Franco KN, Rome ES, Auron M.Recognizing, managing medical consequences of eating disorders in primary care.Cleve Clin J Med. 2014;81(4):255-63. doi:10.3949/ccjm.81a.12132
Wang J, Liu W, Yu D, Yang Z, Li S, Sun X.Research progress on the treatment of premature ovarian failure using mesenchymal stem cells: A literature review.Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:749822. doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.749822
Vellanki K, Kramer H.Amenorrhea and estrogen disorders in women with kidney disease. In:Endocrine Disorders in Kidney Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer; 2019:127-38.
Gordon CM, Ackerman KE, Berga SL, et al.Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.J Clin Endocrinol Metab.2017;102(5):1413-1439. doi:10.1210/jc.2017-00131
MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (hormone replacement therapy).
Harvard Health Publishing.Confused about eating soy?
Chu C, Tsuprykov O, Chen X, Elitok S, Krämer B, Hocher B.Relationship between vitamin D hormones important for human fertility in reproductive-aged women.Front Endocrinol. 2021;12(1):1-8. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.666687
Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH.Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: A systematic review.Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2649. doi:10.3390/nu11112649
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