Estrogen does much more than regulate your menstrual cycle: it helps protect your bones, keeps your heart healthy, and even supports your mood and energy levels. So, when your estrogen levels drop, the effects can show up in surprising (and frustrating) ways.
Maybe you’ve noticed changes in your body that you can’t quite explain: your sleep is off, your skin feels different, or you’re dealing with mood swings you never had before. Low estrogen could be the reason.
But recognizing the signs is the first step, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why estrogen levels drop, what symptoms to watch for, and how the caring team at Summit Health can help you take charge of your health and feel like yourself again.
Why Estrogen Levels Drop (and When It Can Happen)
Estrogen levels naturally rise and fall throughout a woman’s life, but certain stages or conditions can cause them to drop more sharply.
The most common reason? Menopause.
As you approach menopause, your ovaries gradually slow down estrogen production, leading to the well-known symptoms of this transition. But menopause isn’t the only time estrogen can dip.
Low estrogen can also happen if you:
- Experience premature menopause (before age 40)
- Have certain autoimmune conditions or genetic factors
- Undergo surgical removal of the ovaries
- Receive chemotherapy or radiation treatments
- Struggle with certain eating disorders or very low body weight
No matter the cause, dropping estrogen levels can affect your body in noticeable ways. Understanding when and why it’s happening is the first step toward getting the care you need.
Common Symptoms of Low Estrogen
When estrogen levels drop, the symptoms can affect many parts of your body, sometimes in ways you might not expect. While every woman’s experience is unique, some signs tend to show up more often.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of low estrogen:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Difficulty concentrating or memory issues (sometimes called “brain fog”)
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Thinning skin or hair, or brittle nails
- Decreased libido
- Increased risk of bone loss or fractures
It’s easy to dismiss these changes as “just stress” or “getting older.” But they can be signs your body needs extra support.
If you’re noticing several of these symptoms, it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor about a hormonal imbalance. Early evaluation can help you understand what’s going on and explore options to help you feel better.
How Summit Health Can Help You Manage Low Estrogen
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low estrogen, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Summit Health, our women’s health specialists are here to listen carefully, assess your symptoms, and help you create a treatment plan that fits your life.
Depending on your needs, your care plan may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): To restore estrogen levels and relieve symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
- Non-hormonal treatments: For women who can’t or prefer not to take hormones, we offer alternative therapies to help manage symptoms.
- Bone health support: Since low estrogen can increase your risk of osteoporosis, we focus on preventive care and monitoring to keep your bones strong.
- Emotional and mental health care: We understand that hormonal changes don’t just affect the body; they can impact how you feel. Our team can connect you with counseling or support resources to help you cope.
At Summit Health, you’ll get personalized care from a team that understands the challenges of low estrogen and is committed to helping you feel your best today and into the future.