Oestrogen—What’s Its Deal with Women’s Health?
Have you ever heard the saying, "Women’s health is never at a hundred; there's always something going on"? Unfortunately, this resonates with many women—not just during menstruation, but throughout their lives. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly involving oestrogen, significantly influence women's health. In this blog, I'll take you on a deep scientific dive into how oestrogen impacts your health, from immunity to chronic disease.
What Exactly is Oestrogen?
Oestrogen is a vital hormone influencing far more than reproductive health. It affects immune function, cardiovascular health, bone strength, and even brain activity. Women produce four main types of endogenous oestrogen:
Oestrone (E1): Dominant after menopause.
Oestradiol (E2): The most potent form during reproductive years.
Oestriol (E3): Predominantly produced during pregnancy.
Oestetrol (E4): Synthesized by the fetal liver during pregnancy.
Oestradiol (E2) plays the most critical role during reproductive years, significantly impacting health by interacting with two main receptor types:
Oestrogen Receptor alpha (ERα): Found mainly in the uterus, with smaller amounts in the skin, ovaries, and gut.
Oestrogen Receptor beta (ERβ): Present in the ovaries, colon, kidneys, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system.
How Does Oestrogen Influence Your Body?
Oestrogen does far more than just regulate menstrual cycles. By binding to receptors throughout your body, it impacts immune responses, inflammation, and overall health. Its anti-inflammatory effects can improve outcomes during infections and enhance tissue repair, partially explaining why women often outlive men—though genetics and lifestyle also significantly contribute.
However, hormonal balance is delicate—too much or too little oestrogen can disrupt health significantly.
Where Does Oestrogen Come From?
Oestrogen production starts from cholesterol. An enzyme called aromatase converts cholesterol derivatives into oestrogen. In reproductive-age women, the ovaries are the main producers, supplemented by the adrenal glands, liver, fat tissue, and brain. During pregnancy, the placenta significantly contributes to oestrogen production. After menopause, peripheral tissues like fat, skin, liver, and brain become primary sources.
What Happens When Oestrogen Is Imbalanced?
Maintaining optimal oestrogen levels is crucial. Both excess and deficiency can lead to severe health issues:
Excess Oestrogen (Oestrogen Dominance)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers
Cardiovascular diseases
High blood pressure
Increased risk for autoimmune diseases (e.g., Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
Excessive oestrogen promotes abnormal tissue growth, inflammation, and can enhance autoimmune reactions. Notably, autoimmune diseases are more common among women, partly due to elevated oestrogen levels promoting antibody-mediated immune responses—although autoimmune conditions are multifactorial and also influenced by genetics and environmental factors.
Oestrogen Deficiency
Osteoporosis
Cardiovascular diseases
Obesity
Rheumatoid arthritis
Low oestrogen levels, particularly during menopause, reduce immune regulation and heighten inflammation, worsening conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. This imbalance shifts immune responses, creating a pro-inflammatory environment that exacerbates chronic conditions.
Ethnicity and Oestrogen Levels
Ethnicity also influences oestrogen levels and associated health risks. Studies indicate that Asian (particularly Japanese) and African (especially Bantu) women have naturally higher oestrogen levels compared to Caucasian women. These differences align with increased prevalence rates of autoimmune diseases like SLE (lupus) among certain ethnicities.
Balance is Key
Oestrogen is vital but must be balanced. Both excess and deficiency can negatively impact women's health. Symptoms of imbalance may include fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and chronic pain. Monitoring your oestrogen levels and consulting healthcare providers can help maintain hormonal health and prevent chronic diseases.
Would you like more tips on balancing oestrogen or insights into hormonal health? Comment below and subscribe for more detailed explorations!
“Understanding hormonal transitions helps us predict, prevent, and potentially cure some debilitating diseases that many women face.”
