And What Imbalanced Levels Could Signal
Estrogenandprogesteroneare the primary reproductive hormones in people assigned female at birth.
These hormones drive puberty, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy.
They are also present in those assigned male at birth but to a lesser degree.
Vladimir Vladimirov / Getty Images
Estrogen and progesterone imbalances can cause menstrual cycle disruptions, mood changes, hot flashes, and infertility.
They can also have an impact on hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive or HR+) cancers.
Vladimir Vladimirov / Getty Images
Biologically, What Do Estrogen and Progesterone Do?
Progesterone aids in producingtestosterone(the primary male reproductive hormone).
During perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate.
Levels of both hormones decrease during menopause.
Healthcare providers use biopsies (tumor tissue samples) to evaluateHR status, which helps guide treatment.
For example, treatment for hormone-positive cancers involves medications that block the production or effects of estrogen or progesterone.
However, their purpose is to prevent pregnancy and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal Birth Control or Hormone Replacement Therapy?
However, HRT is given to those in menopause because pregnancy prevention is no longer a concern.
Providers typically reserve it for menopausal females without a uterus.
Some studies suggest that progestin may cause weight gain, while others have not found a link.
Progesterone helps counteract estrogen’s possible negative effect on the uterine lining, reducing the risk of endometrial cancer.
Estrogen replacement relieves menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
However, taking estrogen alone increases the risk of uterine cancer.
However, others may need diagnostichormone blood testsor imaging tests.
This includes:
Some experts note that ananti-inflammatoryor vegetarian diet helps prevent estrogen dominance.
They also play a small role in male reproduction.
However, they come with some risks.
If you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, talk to a healthcare provider for support and treatment options.
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