When talking about estrogen, the primary female sex hormone that regulates reproductive health, bone density, and cardiovascular function. Also known as estradiol or E2, estrogen shapes everything from menstrual cycles to mood swings.
One major area where estrogen shows up is hormone therapy, the medical use of estrogen (often combined with progesterone) to treat symptoms of low hormone levels. It’s commonly prescribed for menopause relief, bone‑health maintenance, and to support transgender women during gender‑affirming care. Hormone therapy requires careful dosing and regular monitoring because estrogen can affect blood clotting and breast tissue.
Estrogen exerts its effects through estrogen receptors, protein structures inside cells that bind estrogen and trigger gene expression. There are two main types, ER‑α and ER‑β, each found in different tissues like the uterus, brain, and bone. When estrogen binds these receptors, it can increase calcium retention, improve lipid profiles, and even influence mood regulation.
Another key context is menopause, the natural transition when a woman's ovaries produce less estrogen. During this phase, drops in estrogen lead to hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and bone loss. Understanding how estrogen levels change helps patients decide whether to start hormone therapy or explore non‑hormonal options.
Estrogen also appears in many birth‑control, methods that combine estrogen with progestin to prevent pregnancy. Combined oral contraceptives use synthetic estrogen to stabilize the uterine lining and suppress ovulation. While effective, they require attention to individual risk factors such as blood pressure and smoking status.
All these topics tie together: estrogen drives receptor activity, which influences menopause symptoms, hormone‑therapy decisions, and birth‑control choices. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that break down each of these areas, compare treatment options, and answer common questions. Dive in to get the practical details you need to make informed health choices.
5 October 2025
Learn how estrogen and progesterone control ovulation and menstruation, the feedback loops involved, factors that disturb balance, and practical tips for hormone health.
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