Somewhere around the age of 50 women experience menopause, the cessation of ovulation.
The decline in estrogen after menopause has dramatic effects on a woman’s body. This often comes with many unpleasant side effects such as hot flashes, weight gain, and low estrogen levels.
Estrogen levels naturally decline in women as they age, but what causes this, and how can it affect your quality of life?
Let’s take a look at low estrogen levels in women after menopause.
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Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Many women experience hot flashes and night sweats after menopause. These symptoms are caused by low estrogen levels. Estrogen is a hormone that helps to regulate the body’s temperature.
When estrogen levels drop, the body’s temperature control system is disrupted, causing hot flashes and night sweats. Although these symptoms can be bothersome, they are usually not harmful.
Mood Swings and Irritability
As a woman’s estrogen levels decline during and after menopause, she may experience a variety of changes in her mood. She may feel more irritable and have more outbursts of anger. She may feel more anxious, depressed, or even have panic attacks.
These mood changes are most likely due to fluctuations in estrogen levels. When estrogen levels are low, it can cause an imbalance in the brain chemicals that control mood. It can lead to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Difficulty Sleeping
One of the more common side effects of menopause is difficulty sleeping, which hormonal changes and hot flashes can cause. Low estrogen after menopause can lead to thinning of the vaginal walls, which can cause pain during intercourse.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must speak to your doctor to discuss treatment options. They can give this advice about hormone treatment after menopause.
Weight Gain and Bone Loss
It’s not entirely clear why estrogen deficiency affects your body after menopause, but it’s thought that it may be due to a combination of factors. Without estrogen, a woman’s metabolism slows down, which can lead to weight gain. Estrogen helps to regulate a woman’s appetite and keep the bone strong, and without it, some women may find themselves overeating and lose bone mass.
Effect on Vaginal Dryness and Sex
One of the more common symptoms is vaginal dryness. This can lead to discomfort during sex, as well as an increased risk of infection. Estrogen helps to keep the vaginal walls lubricated and healthy, so when levels are low, these problems can occur.
In addition, low estrogen can also lead to a thinning of the vaginal walls, which can also cause discomfort and make sex less enjoyable. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your doctor about treatment options. Without adequate lubrication, sexual activity can cause the tissues in the vagina to tear, leading to:
- Discomfort
- Pain
- Bleeding
Various treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness, such as topical estrogen therapy, which can help restore lubrication and elasticity to the vagina.
Understanding the Effects of Low Estrogen After Menopause
There are several effects of low estrogen after menopause, including an increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. While treatments are available to alleviate some of the symptoms, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize them. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and what you can do to reduce your risks.
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