Estrogens are a group of hormones that include estradiol, estrone, and estriol. They are primarily produced in the ovaries, with smaller amounts synthesized in other organs. In women of reproductive age, estradiol is the predominant estrogen. During menopause, estrone becomes the dominant form, although it has a weaker biological activity. The increase in estrone and the decline in estradiol levels contribute to skin aging and other age-related changes(1).
This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice. Please speak with your doctor before making decisions about your health.
What Are Estrogens?
Estrogens are steroid hormones that play a vital role in female reproductive health, including puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Estrogens are also essential for the proper function of bones, the brain, muscles, and internal organs such as the heart, liver, stomach, and intestines.
What Does Estrogen Do?
Hormones are special chemical messengers that regulate the functioning of nearly every system in the body. Estrogens are fundamental steroid hormones responsible for sexual development, reproductive function, bone health, disease resistance, and a woman’s overall well-being.
During and after puberty, the ovaries begin to secrete estrogens. Their levels fluctuate with the phases of the menstrual cycle. In the first two weeks, estrogen levels gradually rise, then decrease, which leads to menstrual bleeding. Throughout life, estrogen levels fluctuate — peaking during the reproductive years and significantly declining after menopause.
Systems Under Estrogen Control
Reproductive system. Estrogens are key to fertility and the normal menstrual cycle. They support the complex biological processes that enable pregnancy and childbirth: preparing the uterine lining, stimulating contraction of the fallopian tubes to move sperm toward the egg, and triggering menstruation if fertilization does not occur.
Cardiovascular system. Before menopause, high estrogen levels help keep blood vessels elastic and strong, regulate cholesterol, and reduce inflammation. After menopause, when estrogen levels drop sharply, the risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease increases significantly.
Skeletal system. Although the full mechanism is still being studied, estrogens affect bone tissue both directly (via estrogen receptors) and indirectly (through biological mediators). Estrogens regulate calcium excretion by the kidneys, calcium absorption in the intestines, and influence hormone levels like parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin. As estrogen declines, bone mineral density decreases, and the rate of bone resorption surpasses bone formation. This is why women over 40 are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis and fractures.
Skin. Estrogens are often called the hormones of beauty and youth. They stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which are vital for maintaining bone structure as well as skin firmness, hydration, tone, and protection against photoaging.
Brain. Estrogens indirectly participate in the formation of new neural connections, influencing memory, concentration, learning ability, and healthy sleep.
The only estrogen that continues to be produced in measurable amounts after menopause.
Formed from androgens (converted in fat tissue, muscles), adrenal glands, and to a lesser extent, ovaries. Also synthesized from other estrogens (e.g., estrone sulfate, DHEA).
Supports reproductive tissue post-menopause; plays a role in menstrual cycle regulation, development of secondary sexual characteristics, fat distribution, metabolism, and bone health.
Estradiol (E2)
The most potent and dominant estrogen in premenopausal, non-pregnant women.
Primarily produced in the ovarian follicles (especially during ovulation); also synthesized in small amounts in adipose tissue, testes (in men), and the placenta during pregnancy.
Binds to estrogen receptors in the uterus, ovaries, and breasts. Regulates the menstrual cycle, brain and bone health, libido, and development of female secondary sex characteristics (e.g., breast growth, widened pelvis).
Estriol (E3)
The weakest estrogen; levels significantly increase during pregnancy.
Mainly produced by the placenta. Small amounts are made in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
Maintains vaginal and urinary tract mucosa, contributes to uterine and breast growth during pregnancy, and helps regulate the volume of amniotic fluid. Critical for maternal-fetal adaptation.
Note: Other forms include estriol-16α-glucuronide, a metabolic byproduct of estriol, and estrone sulfate, a conjugated form stored in the liver that serves as a reservoir convertible to active estrogen when needed.
How to Check Estrogen Levels?
One of the most advanced and convenient ways to monitor hormone levels today is through OVUL — an innovative saliva-based hormone tracking device. OVUL leverages AI-powered technology to detect key hormonal shifts throughout the menstrual cycle in real time.
By analyzing crystallization patterns in saliva, OVUL helps identify ovulation, track fertility status, and monitor hormonal balance without invasive procedures or lab visits. This non-invasive, user-friendly solution provides daily insights into reproductive health, allowing women to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Compared to traditional diagnostic methods, OVUL offers a more accessible, private, and continuous way to stay in tune with your body.
What Is the Normal Estrogen Level?
Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout a woman’s life. Before puberty, only minimal amounts are produced. As ovarian function increases, the production of sex hormones rises, and a girl transitions into womanhood.
Even after menstruation becomes regular, estrogen levels vary with the menstrual cycle. Estradiol rises during the follicular phase, peaks around ovulation, and declines during the luteal phase—assuming pregnancy does not occur.
Normal Estradiol Levels in Women (Non-Pregnant)(3):
Cycle Phase
Estradiol Level (pg/mL)
Follicular Phase
20–350
Ovulatory Phase
150–750
Luteal Phase
30–450
Postmenopause
<10–30
Estrogen levels are especially important when planning pregnancy. Estradiol increases during ovulation to support egg release and fertilization. If pregnancy occurs, estrogen levels rise significantly to promote uterine growth, placental function, and blood flow.
Estradiol Levels During Pregnancy:
Trimester
Estradiol Level (pg/mL)
First Trimester
1,000–5,000
Second Trimester
5,000–15,000
Third Trimester
10,000–40,000+
After delivery, estrogen levels drop rapidly—usually returning to pre-pregnancy levels within a few days.
During menopause, estrogen levels decline dramatically due to reduced ovarian activity. In postmenopausal women, estradiol levels typically range from <10 to 30 pg/mL. This hormonal drop contributes to age-related symptoms such as dry skin, bone loss, and decreased tissue elasticity. However, low estrogen can also be seen in younger women due to underlying hormonal disorders.
Is Your Estrogen in Balance?
Test from home, understand your mood, energy & cycle signals.
Estrogen naturally rises during puberty, ovulation, and pregnancy. However, there are also pathological causes of elevated estrogen levels, such as:
Overweight and obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption
Uterine fibroids (benign tumors)
Chronic physical or emotional stress
Hormone therapy
Fibrocystic breast disease (benign breast lumps)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Uterine polyps or fibroids
Liver dysfunction can also lead to estrogen buildup. Factors like magnesium deficiency, intestinal dysbiosis, or insufficient digestive enzymes impair estrogen breakdown in the liver, contributing to hormone accumulation.Another cause of high estrogen is exposure to synthetic xenoestrogens—chemical compounds found in plastics, some shampoos and soaps, pesticides, and household chemicals(4). Elevated estrogen may stimulate the growth of malignant tumors in the ovaries, uterus, and breasts, increase adrenal gland tumor risk, worsen insulin resistance, and intensify endometriosis-related pain.
Symptoms of High Estrogen in Women
Hormonal imbalance in women can lead to rapid weight gain, especially around the waist and hips. Other common signs include:
Weight gain
Breast tenderness and swelling
Bloating
Memory issues
Worsening PMS
Mood swings
Thickening of breast tissue
Sleep disturbances (including insomnia)
Heavy or light menstrual bleeding
Decreased productivity
Fatigue and drowsiness
Low libido
Anxiety
In men, elevated estrogen may lead to gynecomastia (breast tissue growth), erectile dysfunction, and infertility
Why Does Estrogen Decrease?
Estrogen levels peak around age 20 and gradually decline, dropping by about 50% by age 50. Common causes of low estrogen include:
Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)
Primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause)
Radiation or chemotherapy
Surgical removal of one or both ovaries
Chronic kidney disease
Uncontrolled diabetes
Genetic conditions (e.g., Fragile X syndrome, Turner syndrome)
Extremely low body fat or significant weight loss can impair ovarian function and lead to estrogen deficiency. Another cause is hypothalamic amenorrhea—cessation of menstruation due to reduced hypothalamic activity, often triggered by intense exercise, emotional stress, restrictive dieting, or sudden weight loss.
Symptoms of Low Estrogen
Estrogen deficiency may delay puberty and result in late onset of menstruation (after age 16). Other symptoms include:
Night sweats and hot flashes
Fragile bones and joint weakness
Persistent fatigue and drowsiness
Irregular periods
Breast tenderness
Headaches or migraines
Mood instability
Poor concentration
Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep
Vaginal dryness or atrophy
Pain during intercourse
Irritability
Unexplained weight gain
Low estrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. In men, deficiency may lead to belly fat accumulation, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and loss of bone density.Estrogen also affects physical appearance, contributing to hair thinning and loss, skin dryness, reduced elasticity, and breast volume loss. If these symptoms occur, it’s important to consult a physician for evaluation and referral to a specialist (e.g., gynecologist, endocrinologist).
How to Lower Estrogen Levels
Reducing body fat can decrease estrogen levels, as adipose tissue produces estrogen. Other strategies include:
A high-fiber, low-fat diet
Reducing or eliminating alcohol
Choosing organic meat free from growth hormones
Avoiding plastic containers and packaging (to limit xenoestrogen exposure)
Aromatase inhibitors may be prescribed to block estrogen production in fat tissue. GnRH agonists can suppress excessive ovarian estrogen production.
How to Increase Estrogen Levels
Estrogen levels may be supported by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in moderate exercise, and getting quality sleep. Medical treatments include:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Prescribed for estrogen deficiency during menopause or after oophorectomy. Forms include pills, creams, patches, injections, and vaginal suppositories.
Estrogen-only therapy: Used after hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Phytoestrogen supplements: Plant-based compounds (e.g., soy isoflavones, red clover extract) with estrogen-like effects.
Doctors may also prescribe estrogen-progesterone therapy to reduce the risk of uterine cancer, as progesterone counterbalances estrogen’s effects on the uterine lining.Estrogen therapy is not recommended for women more than 10 years postmenopausal or with a history of ovarian or breast cancer, melanoma, or blood clots in the legs, brain, or lungs.
How to Maintain Balanced Estrogen Levels
Balanced estrogen and progesterone can be supported by:
A diverse, nutrient-rich diet with moderate fat and carbohydrate intake
Regular physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight
Stress reduction (e.g., meditation, yoga, deep breathing)
7–9 hours of quality sleep per night
Minimizing exposure to toxins (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals, plastics)
Use gloves, masks, and goggles when handling household chemicals or fertilizers.
What Happens to Estrogen During Menopause?
During menopause, levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, and LH all decline. Estrogen begins to drop during perimenopause (marked by irregular periods) and reaches its lowest point in menopause (defined by 12 consecutive months without menstruation)(5).Symptoms of estrogen deficiency during menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, flushing, mood swings, and unexplained sadness or anxiety. Skin becomes thinner and more wrinkled, the risk of urinary tract infections rises, and some women experience urinary incontinence.
Which Doctors Diagnose and Treat Estrogen Imbalance?
Consult a gynecologist or endocrinologist if you suspect hormonal imbalance. General practitioners, urologists, neurologists, or cardiologists may also identify and manage estrogen-related conditions.
Which Foods Contain Estrogens?
Some foods are rich in phytoestrogens, plant compounds that help reduce menopause symptoms, maintain bone density, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Phytoestrogens are also found in green and black tea. Supplements may include isoflavones, lignans, coumestans, coumarins, phytosterols, indoles, and carotenoids.
Which Foods Help Lower Estrogen?
A high-fiber diet may help reduce serum estrogen levels. Fiber is found in:
Whole grains
Legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas)
Vegetables (pumpkin, bell peppers, potatoes)
Dried fruits (prunes, apricots, dates)
Leafy greens (spinach, cilantro)
Conclusion
But if, due to natural and inevitable changes, you begin to experience estrogen deficiency — don’t panic. Today, the moderate symptoms of hypoestrogenism can be managed safely and effectively. With the right approach, you’ll soon notice improvements in your health and a renewed sense of vitality.The most important thing? Don’t ignore the early signs of hormonal decline. Prompt attention can make all the difference.
PCOS affects far more than periods and fertility. It can shape desire, arousal, lubrication, confidence, comfort, and intimacy in ways women are rarely invited to talk about. Here is the honest conversation about PCOS and sexual wellness that should have been happening all along.
Note: Other forms include estriol-16α-glucuronide, a metabolic byproduct of estriol, and estrone sulfate, a conjugated form stored in the liver that serves as a reservoir convertible to active estrogen when needed.
