Estrogen is a key hormone in women that regulates many aspects of sexual, reproductive, and overall health. Its primary functions include:
- Regulating the menstrual cycle by preparing the uterine lining for fertilization and triggering ovulation
- Promoting the development of female secondary sexual characteristics such as breast tissue, pubic and armpit hair, and thickening of the vaginal wall
- Maintaining reproductive tract health, including vaginal lubrication and uterine mucous membranes
- Supporting bone health by reducing bone resorption and increasing bone formation, which helps prevent osteoporosis
- Protecting the cardiovascular system by maintaining healthy blood vessels, regulating cholesterol levels (increasing HDL and lowering LDL), and stabilizing blood pressure
- Enhancing brain function, including memory, cognitive health, and mood regulation; low estrogen can cause brain fog and mood changes
- Influencing skin, hair, and mucous membranes, contributing to skin thickness and elasticity, and hair growth patterns
- Affecting muscle mass and strength, as well as connective tissue properties
- Regulating fat distribution, favoring storage in breasts, hips, and thighs rather than the abdomen
In summary, estrogen is vital for reproductive health and also plays important roles in bone density, cardiovascular health, brain function, skin, and muscle maintenance in women
