Estrogen & Her Supporting Actors
A woman’s body naturally produces three types of estrogen – estradiol, estrone, and estriol.
The ovary generates estradiol, which is then converted into another significant form of estrogen called estrone. Estriol, another form, is derived from estradiol and, while weaker than the other two, remains active in a woman’s body. Although estriol is most often associated with pregnancy because it peaks during that time, it continues to be present in a woman's body throughout her life, fluctuating in levels throughout the day.
Estradiol is the most potent type of estrogen and is the primary female hormone produced throughout a woman’s lifespan. It regulates a woman’s reproductive system and promotes ovulation. Estradiol is also responsible for maintaining bone health, regulating blood vessels, supporting brain function, and protecting the heart. In women who enter perimenopause, estradiol levels drop and account for irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, painful urination, dry skin, and painful intercourse.
Estriol maintains a healthy uterus and prepares a woman’s body for childbirth, increasing its levels during pregnancy. Low estriol levels can contribute to vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and bone density deficits.
Estrone aids in reproduction, sexual development, and bone health. A woman’s body continues to produce estrone post-menopause naturally.
All women have natural estradiol and estrone-converted estradiol, which help maintain bone health, cognitive function, and nitric oxide production to help open blood vessels.
A decrease in all types of estrogen contributes to various health issues, including osteoporosis, heart disease, sleep disturbances and insomnia, insulin resistance, increased visceral fat, reduced libido, brain fog, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. It can also lead to the onset of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and osteoporosis.
Kelly Rigo is the creative force behind Menopause Evolution.