Signs You Have An Estrogen Deficiency

1. You constantly crave chocolate and sweet things!

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Craving chocolate and an incessant desire for sweet treats can sometimes be linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly a deficiency in estrogen. Estrogen, often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone, may have you plotting ways to lead you to the nearest dessert haven and have you thinking about it all the time!

2. Your mouth is super dry, no matter how much you drink

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No amount of water seems to satisfy the relentless dryness! It's not just a fleeting sensation after a salty snack; it's an ongoing battle against an insatiable thirst that leaves you wondering what the matter is! It turns out, it could be because you've got low levels of estrogen in your body!

3. You cry at basically everything and anything

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Averts, reality TV... you name it - it can easily have you bawling your eyes out. Estrogen is the hormone that is largely responsible for how we feel, and making us feel good. So it makes sense that if our levels are too low, we are going to feel the effects in the form of an uncontrollable emotional roller-coaster!

4. Even coffee can't get you going for the day

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Experiencing persistent fatigue and a lack of energy, even after consuming coffee which normally gives you a buzz of energy, could be due to low estrogen levels! Estrogen plays a role in regulating energy metabolism, and its deficiency can contribute to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

5. You're always freezing cold

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Estrogen plays a role in regulating body temperature, and when its levels drop, the internal thermostat might go haywire, leaving you with a persistent sensation of coldness. No matter if you are bundled up in layers, sipping on a hot beverage, you may still feel like you're braving an Arctic chill.

6. You're getting random hot flashes

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This is something that we often solely associate with menopause, but the symptoms of low estrogen can be similar. So if you're getting hot flashes before your menopause time, then it could be a lack of estrogen. It's not just a subtle warmth; it's an intense, rapid surge that takes over!

7. Your sex drive is non-existent

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estrogen is a key player in maintaining reproductive health and influencing sexual desire. When estrogen levels decline, it can impact the health of reproductive tissues and contribute to a decreased interest in sexual activities, meaning that your sex drive may feel like it's non-existent at this time!

8. You keep forgetting everything!

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Imagine standing in a room and forgetting why you entered or searching for your keys only to realize they're already in your hand. But it's not just about momentary lapses; it's a persistent struggle to retain and recall information that used to be second nature. Estrogen can be a major player in memory and without it, you may struggle to remember

9. The thought of socializing right now, no thanks

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If you feel like avoiding everyone and you don't feel like socializing - it could be your hormones! Low estrogen levels can influence neurotransmitters and impact the brain's response to social stimuli. As a result, socializing may feel less appealing or more overwhelming during periods of hormonal imbalance

10. You're suffering severe breakouts

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Low estrogen levels can contribute to acne, particularly during hormonal transitions like puberty, the menstrual cycle, or menopause. Estrogen helps regulate oil production in the skin, and a decline in estrogen can lead to an increase in sebum (skin oil) production, potentially contributing to clogged pores and breakouts.

11. You have no energy, just constant lethargy

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We have estrogen to thank for our energy levels, and when it's low we will notice a huge shift in our energy. Your energy reserves may have hit rock bottom, leaving you grappling with the challenge of simply mustering the enthusiasm to get through the day, all because our estrogen is low!

12. Concentrating is impossible

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Our estrogen levels in our body play a role in supporting neurotransmitters (brain signals) and maintaining the communication between brain cells. When estrogen levels decline, it can create disruptions in cognitive processes, making concentration and focus a daily uphill battle.

13. You're always bloated

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When there are hundreds of reasons why you may be bloated, finding the reason can feel impossible. Another common reason that women may find themselves bloating is because they have an estrogen deficiency. This is because estrogen helps regulate fluid balance in the body, and a decline in estrogen can lead to water retention, potentially contributing to bloating.

14. Your fine lines are looking much more prominent

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Noticing an increase in the prominence of fine lines can be a very unwelcome realization. But, it may not be natural aging. It could also be a sign that something is up. Estrogen deficiency leaves your skin less hydrated which makes all of your previously unnoticeable lines more prominent.

15. Your periods are super irregular

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An estrogen deficiency can contribute to irregular periods, especially during menopause or hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen is vital in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, and a decline in estrogen can lead to disruptions in the typical pattern of ovulation and menstruation, perhaps leaving you with no periods!

16. You feel like your food tastes have completely changed

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When you have an estrogen deficiency, it can impact the sense of taste, making certain foods seem less appealing or altering the way you perceive their flavors. You may be craving foods you don't usually, or wanting meals you've never even eaten before!

17. Things feel overwhelming

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Fluctuations in hormones, including estrogen, can influence mood and stress levels. Estrogen has neuroprotective and mood-regulating effects. Changes in estrogen levels, such as a decline during menopause or other hormonal fluctuations, can sometimes contribute to feelings of anxiety, stress, or emotional sensitivity.

18. You feel constantly moody and you don't know why

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Experiencing a persistent and unexplained moodiness can feel like navigating a constant rollercoaster where emotions fluctuate without a clear reason. It's as if your emotional state is on a perpetual loop and it could be because of an estrogen deficiency.

19. You've got dry and irritated eyes

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If you're finding yourself reaching for eye drops more frequently or experiencing constant itchiness and redness, these symptoms might be linked to an estrogen deficiency. Estrogen influences tear production and the overall health of the eyes, and a decline in estrogen can contribute to dry and irritated eyes.

20. You're feeling super stressed out lately

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Estrogen plays a role in regulating stress hormones, and changes in its levels can impact how your body responds to stressors. So an estrogen deficiency leaves you feeling overloaded with stress. Recognizing the potential connection between hormonal imbalances and increased stress can be a crucial step in addressing and managing these challenges.

21. You have a constant headache

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When estrogen levels decline, as is common in middle age, the intricate balance that keeps headaches at bay may be disrupted. One of the primary contributors to headaches in the context of estrogen deficiency is the fluctuation in blood vessel function. Estrogen helps to keep blood vessels dilated, ensuring a steady flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.

22. There's a constant feeling of anxiety

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For many individuals grappling with estrogen deficiency, one of the more poignant and human experiences is the persistent undercurrent of anxiety. This emotional tug-of-war finds its roots in the intricate hormonal landscape and warrants a compassionate exploration.

23. Your nails are snapping off frequently

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The connection lies in estrogen's role in promoting collagen production. Collagen, a vital protein found in nails, provides the structural integrity that prevents breakage and brittleness. When estrogen levels diminish, the production of collagen may decrease, resulting in nails that are more prone to snapping and splitting

24. Your periods have disappeared totally

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Estrogen, a crucial hormone in regulating the menstrual cycle, influences the development and release of eggs from the ovaries. When estrogen levels decline unexpectedly, it can disrupt this delicate cycle, leading to irregular or even absent periods which can feel like a worrying symptom for women.

25. You've noticed that your hair is thinning

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Thinning hair, another visible consequence of estrogen deficiency, is closely linked to hormonal imbalances. Estrogen supports hair growth by prolonging the hair's active growth phase. When estrogen levels drop, this growth phase shortens, and hair may become thinner, more brittle, and more prone to shedding.

26. You're losing muscle mass

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Estrogen helps regulate protein synthesis and influences the balance between muscle breakdown and rebuilding. An estrogen deficiency may disrupt this balance, leading to a gradual loss of muscle mass. Additionally, hormonal changes can impact metabolism and energy utilization, further contributing to muscle atrophy.

27. No matter what you do, you can't seem to lose weight

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Struggling to shed those extra pounds can be like facing an uphill battle where despite your efforts, the scale seems resistant to change. If you're diligently watching your diet, staying active, and still not seeing the desired weight loss, hormonal factors, like changes in estrogen levels, might be playing a role.

28. You've had an increased number of UTIs

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UTIs can be painful as well as inconvenient. One of the reasons for common UTIs in women could be an estrogen deficiency. Estrogen plays a role in maintaining the health of the urinary tract, and fluctuations can impact the body's ability to fend off infections.

29. You've noticed more random hair growth

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Estrogen helps regulate the level of androgens, including testosterone. When estrogen levels decrease, there may be a relative increase in androgens, which can lead to an increase in hair growth which could mean that you may find random hairs growing.

30. Smells seem to be much stronger and more unpleasant

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You've started to notice that smells seem to be much more potent than usual. Your sensitivity has increased massively and your sense of smell can feel unpleasantly sensitive. This heightened response to odors is believed to be associated with estrogen's impact on neurotransmitters in the brain, influencing the perception and interpretation of scent signals.

31. Your motivation is zero

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If you find yourself in a state where motivation is virtually non-existent, hormonal factors, such as fluctuations in estrogen levels, might be contributing to this mental and emotional fatigue. Estrogen plays a role in influencing neurotransmitters, including those associated with motivation and mood.

32. Your breasts are super tender

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Women often feel tender breasts before their period. If you're feeling this more generally, it could be caused by an estrogen deficiency. But, any changes in your breasts should always be checked out by a professional to let you know what's going on with your body!

33. Your skin feels super dry

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The sensation of persistently dry skin can be more than a surface-level concern; it might be a subtle indicator of a deeper physiological shift. For those experiencing estrogen deficiency, the skin's moisture balance becomes a delicate equilibrium that is often disrupted, leading to a persistent feeling of dryness.

34. When you drink alcohol, you feel much less tolerant

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Lower estrogen levels could potentially result in increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol, making you feel less tolerant even with smaller amounts. Hormonal changes can impact the rate at which the liver metabolizes alcohol, affecting its concentration in the bloodstream.

35. It's really hard to fall asleep

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Struggling to fall asleep can feel like a nightly battle, and the panic that you will be exhausted throughout the day sets in. There may be more to it than what's on your mind. Estrogen has a part to play in how we sleep, and a lack of it can completely throw our routine off!

36. Your bones feel sore or stiff

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If you're grappling with bone discomfort and suspect hormonal influences, it's worth discussing with a healthcare professional. They can explore the possibility that this could be caused by an estrogen deficiency, which may be lowering your bone density and causing you problems!

37. Your veins look more apparent

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This change in the visibility of veins can be influenced by various factors, and one potential contributor is hormonal shifts, including changes in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a role in maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels, and fluctuations in its levels can impact the way veins present themselves.

38. You seem to bruise more easily

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You may have noticed that your skin has become a bit more delicate, responding to everyday bumps and knocks with a colorful display of bruises. It's as if your body's defense mechanism is on a heightened alert, leaving you with unexpected marks that linger longer than usual.

39. Your wounds are taking ages to heal

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Estrogen, often referred to as the body's repair and maintenance manager, plays a pivotal role in several aspects of wound healing. One key function is its impact on collagen, a crucial protein in the skin's structure. Collagen provides the scaffolding for new tissue formation, and estrogen deficiency can hamper this process, leading to delayed wound closure.

40. Your gums feel sore or inflamed

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When your gums start feeling sore or inflamed, it's like an unexpected discomfort that throws a wrench into your daily routine. If you're experiencing tender or inflamed gums and suspect estrogen fluctuations might be playing a role because a decrease in estrogen, can contribute to gum sensitivity.

41. Your muscles feel weak, even when you've not worked them

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Low estrogen levels can impact the efficiency of muscle function and repair, potentially leading to sensations of weakness even in the absence of strenuous activity. Additionally, estrogen helps regulate energy metabolism, and its deficiency may affect the energy levels required for proper muscle function.

42. You need to pee a lot

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Feeling the constant urge to pee can be inconvenient and embarrassing! In women, hormonal fluctuations, especially a drop in estrogen, can impact bladder function. It might make the bladder more sensitive, leading to that feeling of needing to pee more often than usual.

43. Your eyebrows and eyelashes are looking sparse

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Fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those experienced during hormonal changes like menopause or as a result of certain health conditions, can impact the natural growth and maintenance of hair. Sparse eyebrows and eyelashes may be a subtle indicator of estrogen deficiency, and addressing hormonal imbalances may play a role in revitalizing the lushness your brows and lashes.

44. Light has started to hurt your eyes

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One often overlooked symptom is light sensitivity, where even a modest exposure to light can cause discomfort. This subtle yet significant shift is linked to the intricate relationship between estrogen and various bodily functions. As estrogen levels decline, the connective tissues in the eyes may undergo changes, leading to heightened sensitivity to light.

45. You've noticed problems with your gut

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If you've noticed changes like bloating, irregular bowel movements, or digestive discomfort, hormonal factors, such as fluctuations in estrogen, might be playing a role. Estrogen influences gut function, and imbalances can contribute to digestive challenges.

46. Your joints have started cracking and popping more

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Estrogen plays a role in maintaining joint health by supporting the production of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and reduces friction. When estrogen levels are lower than optimal, joint tissues may be affected, potentially leading to an increase in joint noises.

47. Your skin looks dull and greyish

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It's as if the natural radiance has decided to take a long vacation, leaving you with a complexion that lacks your usual healthy glow. If your skin seems lackluster and less vibrant than usual, the culprit could be that you have an estrogen deficiency.

48. Spicy food feels much spicier than usual

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It's as if your taste buds have taken on a heightened sensitivity, making even a hint of spice feel like an explosive burst of heat. If you find yourself reaching for the water glass more frequently or experiencing a level of spiciness that seems out of the ordinary, it could be due to an unexpected reason: an estrogen deficiency.

49. Your breasts may feel less full or firm

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One noticeable sign of estrogen deficiency is a change in the sensation of our breasts. Perhaps you've noticed that they feel less full or firm than they once did. This change can be attributed to the role estrogen plays in maintaining breast tissue and promoting elasticity.

50. You're getting sick more often

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An increased susceptibility to illnesses, such as frequent infections, may be linked to low levels of estrogen in the body. Estrogen plays a pivotal role in supporting the immune system, influencing its ability to mount effective responses against pathogens  (things that make us ill!)