Picture It
Picture it. Sophia Petrillo from The Golden Girls. Picture them – The Golden Girls – Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose and their adventures and misadventures as women of a certain age. As The Golden Girls showed us, menopause and postmenopause are a time to celebrate and be celebrated because we have fewer child-raising responsibilities and more time to explore our own interests and hobbies.
That exploration requires adapting to our changing hormonal tides and embracing the paradox of both the gifts and complexity that accompany bodies that have changed yet again.
The Usual Suspects
When we think about estrogen deficiency, we often think of the common symptoms:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Cessation of menses
However, decreasing estrogen can manifest in ways that aren’t always obvious or widely discussed.
Beyond The Usual Suspects
We might attribute certain physiological symptoms simply to the process of aging and assume we have to live with them, but they may be signs of estrogen deficiency. Estrogen deficiency can occur because of:
- Menopause
- Excessive exercise
- Eating disorders
- Autoimmune disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Premature ovarian failure
Regardless of the cause, low levels of estrogen in the body can lead to:
- Cognitive Changes: Estrogen plays a crucial role in cognitive functions. A deficiency can lead to brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory lapses. These changes might be subtle at first – perhaps forgetting where you placed your keys or struggling to find the right words during a conversation. Over time, they can become more pronounced, affecting your work and daily life.
- Joint and muscle pain: Estrogen has anti-inflammatory properties and contributes to the maintenance of healthy joints and muscles. Without adequate estrogen, women may experience unexplained joint pain, stiffness, or even a general sense of achiness. This can be mistaken for arthritis or simply the wear and tear of aging.
- Heart Palpitations: Estrogen helps regulate cardiovascular function, and when levels drop, some women experience irregular or rapid heartbeats. These episodes can occur even in the absence of physical exertion or stress.
- Digestive Issues: Estrogen receptors are present throughout the digestive system, and a deficiency can disrupt gastrointestinal function. This might manifest as bloating, constipation, or changes in bowel habits. Such symptoms are frequently attributed to dietary choices or gastrointestinal disorders, but hormonal balance plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): A decline in estrogen levels can lead to changes in the urinary tract and vaginal tissues. This hormonal change can decrease the protective mucosal barrier and alter the normal bacterial flora, which contribute to an increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Additionally, the thinning and dryness of the urethral and vaginal tissues can make them more prone to irritation and infection.
Bellissima Med Spa
The providers at Bellissima Med Spa in New Paltz, NY, can help you with symptoms of estrogen deficiency, whether they’re from perimenopause, menopause, or another cause. We use natural bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) to help relieve your symptoms. We will determine your current hormonal levels through blood tests that we can review with you in our office or via a telehealth visit. After we devise a treatment plan, we’ll follow up with you through quarterly visits to change and adjust dosages if needed. We can be reached at (845) 600-5041 or by email at bellissima.medispa1@gmail.com. We look forward to helping you.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
