Estrogen, its types and history and diseases caused by low or high level of Estrogen

What is Estrogen ?

                                           Estrogen is a female sex hormone. Estrogen maintains reproductive system in females. It also maintains the female secondary sex characteristics. The ovaries, adrenal gland, and fat tissues produces estrogen. 

History: 

• The role of estrogen was firstly described by Dr. Papanicolaou in Guinea pigs in 1917. 
• The word “estrogen” derived from the Greek  words oistros (mad desire) and gennan (to produce).

   Types of Estrogen:

     There are three major types of Estrogen in females: 

•    Estrone (E1)
•    Estradiol (E2or 17β-estradiol)
•    Estriol (E3) 

   Functions of Estrogen in human females: 

• It regulates the menstrual cycle.

• It helps to maintain female secondary characteristics, such as breasts and public hairs. 

• It helps to maintain and develop our reproductive system. 

• In addition, estrogen effects the heart and blood  vessels, mucous membranes, bones, breasts, hairs, skin, pelvic muscles and brain. 

    Food sources for Estrogen: 

•  Soybeans

•  Dried fruits

•  Garlic

•  Wheat bran

•  Tofu

•  Tempeh

•  Peaches

•  Flax seeds

•  Sesame seeds

•  Eggs

•  Milk 

•  Red clover

•  Flaxseed

 What happens if Estrogen is in high level?

• Irregular periods

•  Fatigue

• Weight gain

•  Infertility

• Mood changes 
• Hair loss   
• Sleeping sickness
• Unstable memory
• Bloating
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Headaches
• Lack of desire for sex

What happens if Estrogen is in low level?

•   Dry skin

•  Hot flashes

•  Night  sweats

•  Dryness in vagina 

•  Thinning of vaginal walls 

•  Delay puberty 

•  Insomnia

Factors that effects the levels of Estrogen:

• Pregnancy

•  Anorexia nervosa

•  Strenuous exercise

•  Older age

•  Puberty

•  Obesity

•  Stress