21/10/2025
Estrogen
Estrogen is a s*x hormone that’s necessary for maintaining your s*xual and reproductive health. Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate during your menstrual cycle and decline during menopause. Consistently high or low levels of estrogen may signal a condition that requires your provider’s attention.
What is estrogen?
Estrogen is one of two s*x hormones commonly associated with females. Along with progesterone, estrogen plays a key role in your reproductive health. The development of secondary s*x characteristics (breasts, hips, etc.), menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are all possible, in part, because of estrogen.
Estrogen plays an important role in other body systems, too. For this reason, although females have the most estrogen, everyone makes this hormone.
What are the types of estrogen?
There are three major forms of estrogen:
Estrone (E1) is the primary form of estrogen that your body makes after menopause.
Estradiol (E2) is the primary form of estrogen in your body during your reproductive years. It’s the most potent form of estrogen.
Estriol (E3) is the primary form of estrogen during pregnancy.
What role does estrogen play in female reproductive health?
Estrogen, like all hormones, is a chemical messenger. It tells your body when to start and stop processes affecting your s*xual and reproductive health. These processes cause important changes in your body.
Puberty
Estrogen levels rise during puberty. The increase leads to secondary s*x characteristics like breasts and changes in overall body composition (like curves).
Function
Overview
What is estrogen?
Estrogen is one of two s*x hormones commonly associated with females. Along with progesterone, estrogen plays a key role in your reproductive health. The development of secondary s*x characteristics (breasts, hips, etc.), menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are all possible, in part, because of estrogen.
Estrogen plays an important role in other body systems, too. For this reason, although females have the most estrogen, everyone makes this hormone.
What are the types of estrogen?
There are three major forms of estrogen:
Estrone (E1) is the primary form of estrogen that your body makes after menopause.
Estradiol (E2) is the primary form of estrogen in your body during your reproductive years. It’s the most potent form of estrogen.
Estriol (E3) is the primary form of estrogen during pregnancy.
Care at Cleveland Clinic
Find Your Ob/Gyn
Make an Appointment
Function
What role does estrogen play in female reproductive health?
Estrogen, like all hormones, is a chemical messenger. It tells your body when to start and stop processes affecting your s*xual and reproductive health. These processes cause important changes in your body.
Puberty
Estrogen levels rise during puberty. The increase leads to secondary s*x characteristics like breasts and changes in overall body composition (like curves).
Menstrual cycle
Along with hormones made in your brain (FSH and LH) and progesterone, estrogen plays an important part in your menstrual cycle. These hormones coexist in a delicate balance to keep your periods regular. Estrogen plays a role in ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg) and thickens the lining of your uterus (endometrium) to prepare it for pregnancy.
Pregnancy & fertility
Estrogen peaks in the days leading up to ovulation. This is your most fertile period. At the same time, estrogen thins your cervical mucus, a fluid s***m has to swim through to reach and fertilize an egg. These estrogen-induced changes make it easier for you to become pregnant if you have in*******se.
Regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle, the presence of estrogen makes it more comfortable to have in*******se. It keeps your va**nal walls thick, elastic and lubricated, reducing pain associated with penetrative s*x.
Menopause
Estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, the time right before menopause. Perimenopause may last several years before menopause. Menopause officially begins when you don’t have a period for 12 months. It usually happens around age 51. With menopause, your estrogen levels drop and you no longer ovulate. The decrease in estrogen may lead to symptoms like va**nal dryness, mood changes, night sweats and hot flashes.
The primary estrogen in your body changes from estradiol (E2) to estrone (E1) during menopause.
What role does estrogen play in male reproductive health?
Estrogen affects male reproductive health, too. It impacts s*x drive and the ability to get an er****on and make s***m.
Too little estrogen can lead to a low s*x drive. Too much of it can cause infertility and erectile dysfunction. Excessive estrogen can cause gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.
If you’re male and you’re concerned about your estrogen levels, speak with an endocrinologist or a functional medicine specialist for help.
What is the non-reproductive function of estrogen?
Estrogen regulates important processes in your skeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems that impact your overall health. Estrogen affects:
Cholesterol levels
Blood sugar levels
Bone and muscle mass
Circulation and blood flow
Collagen production and moisture in your skin
Brain function, including your ability to focus
Where is estrogen located in the body?
Your ovaries make most of your estrogen during your reproductive years. Your adrenal glands (the glands on your kidneys) and adipose tissue (body fat) secrete estrogen, too. The placenta (the organ that allows nutrient-sharing between parent and fetus) secretes estrogen during pregnancy.
Once it’s released, estrogen travels through the bloodstream until it reaches the part of your body that needs to be spurred into action. There, estrogen binds to a protein, called an estrogen receptor, that gets the process moving. Estrogen receptors are located throughout your body.
Conditions and Disorders
Overview
What is estrogen?
Estrogen is one of two s*x hormones commonly associated with females. Along with progesterone, estrogen plays a key role in your reproductive health. The development of secondary s*x characteristics (breasts, hips, etc.), menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are all possible, in part, because of estrogen.
Estrogen plays an important role in other body systems, too. For this reason, although females have the most estrogen, everyone makes this hormone.
What are the types of estrogen?
There are three major forms of estrogen:
Estrone (E1) is the primary form of estrogen that your body makes after menopause.
Estradiol (E2) is the primary form of estrogen in your body during your reproductive years. It’s the most potent form of estrogen.
Estriol (E3) is the primary form of estrogen during pregnancy.
Care at Cleveland Clinic
Find Your Ob/Gyn
Make an Appointment
Function
What role does estrogen play in female reproductive health?
Estrogen, like all hormones, is a chemical messenger. It tells your body when to start and stop processes affecting your s*xual and reproductive health. These processes cause important changes in your body.
Puberty
Estrogen levels rise during puberty. The increase leads to secondary s*x characteristics like breasts and changes in overall body composition (like curves).
Menstrual cycle
Along with hormones made in your brain (FSH and LH) and progesterone, estrogen plays an important part in your menstrual cycle. These hormones coexist in a delicate balance to keep your periods regular. Estrogen plays a role in ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg) and thickens the lining of your uterus (endometrium) to prepare it for pregnancy.
Pregnancy & fertility
Estrogen peaks in the days leading up to ovulation. This is your most fertile period. At the same time, estrogen thins your cervical mucus, a fluid s***m has to swim through to reach and fertilize an egg. These estrogen-induced changes make it easier for you to become pregnant if you have in*******se.
Regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle, the presence of estrogen makes it more comfortable to have in*******se. It keeps your va**nal walls thick, elastic and lubricated, reducing pain associated with penetrative s*x.
Menopause
Estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, the time right before menopause. Perimenopause may last several years before menopause. Menopause officially begins when you don’t have a period for 12 months. It usually happens around age 51. With menopause, your estrogen levels drop and you no longer ovulate. The decrease in estrogen may lead to symptoms like va**nal dryness, mood changes, night sweats and hot flashes.
The primary estrogen in your body changes from estradiol (E2) to estrone (E1) during menopause.
What role does estrogen play in male reproductive health?
Estrogen affects male reproductive health, too. It impacts s*x drive and the ability to get an er****on and make s***m.
Too little estrogen can lead to a low s*x drive. Too much of it can cause infertility and erectile dysfunction. Excessive estrogen can cause gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.
If you’re male and you’re concerned about your estrogen levels, speak with an endocrinologist or a functional medicine specialist for help.
What is the non-reproductive function of estrogen?
Estrogen regulates important processes in your skeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems that impact your overall health. Estrogen affects:
Cholesterol levels
Blood sugar levels
Bone and muscle mass
Circulation and blood flow
Collagen production and moisture in your skin
Brain function, including your ability to focus
Anatomy
Where is estrogen located in the body?
Your ovaries make most of your estrogen during your reproductive years. Your adrenal glands (the glands on your kidneys) and adipose tissue (body fat) secrete estrogen, too. The placenta (the organ that allows nutrient-sharing between parent and fetus) secretes estrogen during pregnancy.
Once it’s released, estrogen travels through the bloodstream until it reaches the part of your body that needs to be spurred into action. There, estrogen binds to a protein, called an estrogen receptor, that gets the process moving. Estrogen receptors are located throughout your body.
Conditions and Disorders
What are the common conditions and disorders associated with estrogen?
Estrogen plays a role in most conditions that fall under the umbrella of women’s health. Some of the most common include:
Anorexia nervosa. Conditions like anorexia nervosa are associated with low estrogen levels. Too little estrogen can cause irregular and missed periods (amenorrhea). People with very little body fat (models, athletes) or engage in disordered eating may also have low estrogen.
Breast cancer. Long-term exposure to high levels of estrogen — naturally occurring, or from some forms of birth control or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — may increase your risk of breast cancer. HRT comes with both health benefits and risks, which may be higher in some people. Your healthcare provider can help determine if the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
Endometriosis. Estrogen doesn’t cause endometriosis, but estrogen may worsen endometriosis pain.
Female s*xual dysfunction (FSD). Falling estrogen levels can cause physical and emotional changes that make s*x less enjoyable. However, estrogen isn’t considered for hormone replacement until you’re menopausal.
Fibrocystic breasts. Fluctuating estrogen levels during your menstrual cycle may make your breast tissue feel lumpy, tender or uncomfortable.
Infertility. Low and high estrogen can disrupt your menstrual cycle. Underlying causes that can lead to low and high estrogen may be associated with infertility.
Obesity. Estrogen levels are often higher among people with more body fat.
Osteoporosis. Low estrogen levels can weaken your bones so that they fracture and break more easily.
Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition that occurs when the ovaries produce too many androgens (hormones associated with being male). Sometimes with PCOS, estrogen levels are too high in relation to progesterone levels.
Primary ovarian insufficiency (also known as premature menopause). With this condition, the ovaries prematurely stop producing eggs (before age 40). As a result, your ovaries don’t secrete the estrogen your body needs.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The cyclical hormone changes associated with menstruation can lead to unpleasant physical symptoms and mood changes. Dips in estrogen following ovulation are a potential cause of PMS and PMDD.
Turner syndrome. Ovaries are often underdeveloped in Turner syndrome, resulting in low estrogen. As a result, if you have this condition, you may not develop breasts or get your period.
Uterine cancer (endometrial cancer). High estrogen levels may cause the lining of your uterus to build up. Eventually, cancer cells may start to grow.
Uterine fibroids and polyps. Too much estrogen may be associated with noncancerous tumors called fibroids or polyps that grow in your uterus.
Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis). Too little estrogen may cause the lining of your va**na to thin and become dry. Vaginal atrophy is most common during menopause and postmenopause.
Research is ongoing about estrogen’s role in conditions affecting other body systems. For instance, estrogen has been linked to some endocrine disorders and gastrointestinal diseases.
Conditions and Disorders
Overview
What is estrogen?
Estrogen is one of two s*x hormones commonly associated with females. Along with progesterone, estrogen plays a key role in your reproductive health. The development of secondary s*x characteristics (breasts, hips, etc.), menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are all possible, in part, because of estrogen.
Estrogen plays an important role in other body systems, too. For this reason, although females have the most estrogen, everyone makes this hormone.
What are the types of estrogen?
There are three major forms of estrogen:
Estrone (E1) is the primary form of estrogen that your body makes after menopause.
Estradiol (E2) is the primary form of estrogen in your body during your reproductive years. It’s the most potent form of estrogen.
Estriol (E3) is the primary form of estrogen during pregnancy.
Care at Cleveland Clinic
Find Your Ob/Gyn
Make an Appointment
Function
What role does estrogen play in female reproductive health?
Estrogen, like all hormones, is a chemical messenger. It tells your body when to start and stop processes affecting your s*xual and reproductive health. These processes cause important changes in your body.
Puberty
Estrogen levels rise during puberty. The increase leads to secondary s*x characteristics like breasts and changes in overall body composition (like curves).
Menstrual cycle
Along with hormones made in your brain (FSH and LH) and progesterone, estrogen plays an important part in your menstrual cycle. These hormones coexist in a delicate balance to keep your periods regular. Estrogen plays a role in ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg) and thickens the lining of your uterus (endometrium) to prepare it for pregnancy.
Pregnancy & fertility
Estrogen peaks in the days leading up to ovulation. This is your most fertile period. At the same time, estrogen thins your cervical mucus, a fluid s***m has to swim through to reach and fertilize an egg. These estrogen-induced changes make it easier for you to become pregnant if you have in*******se.
Regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle, the presence of estrogen makes it more comfortable to have in*******se. It keeps your va**nal walls thick, elastic and lubricated, reducing pain associated with penetrative s*x.
Menopause
Estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, the time right before menopause. Perimenopause may last several years before menopause. Menopause officially begins when you don’t have a period for 12 months. It usually happens around age 51. With menopause, your estrogen levels drop and you no longer ovulate. The decrease in estrogen may lead to symptoms like va**nal dryness, mood changes, night sweats and hot flashes.
The primary estrogen in your body changes from estradiol (E2) to estrone (E1) during menopause.
What role does estrogen play in male reproductive health?
Estrogen affects male reproductive health, too. It impacts s*x drive and the ability to get an er****on and make s***m.
Too little estrogen can lead to a low s*x drive. Too much of it can cause infertility and erectile dysfunction. Excessive estrogen can cause gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.
If you’re male and you’re concerned about your estrogen levels, speak with an endocrinologist or a functional medicine specialist for help.
What is the non-reproductive function of estrogen?
Estrogen regulates important processes in your skeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems that impact your overall health. Estrogen affects:
Cholesterol levels
Blood sugar levels
Bone and muscle mass
Circulation and blood flow
Collagen production and moisture in your skin
Brain function, including your ability to focus
Anatomy
Where is estrogen located in the body?
Your ovaries make most of your estrogen during your reproductive years. Your adrenal glands (the glands on your kidneys) and adipose tissue (body fat) secrete estrogen, too. The placenta (the organ that allows nutrient-sharing between parent and fetus) secretes estrogen during pregnancy.
Once it’s released, estrogen travels through the bloodstream until it reaches the part of your body that needs to be spurred into action. There, estrogen binds to a protein, called an estrogen receptor, that gets the process moving. Estrogen receptors are located throughout your body.
Conditions and Disorders
What are the common conditions and disorders associated with estrogen?
Estrogen plays a role in most conditions that fall under the umbrella of women’s health. Some of the most common include:
Anorexia nervosa. Conditions like anorexia nervosa are associated with low estrogen levels. Too little estrogen can cause irregular and missed periods (amenorrhea). People with very little body fat (models, athletes) or engage in disordered eating may also have low estrogen.
Breast cancer. Long-term exposure to high levels of estrogen — naturally occurring, or from some forms of birth control or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — may increase your risk of breast cancer. HRT comes with both health benefits and risks, which may be higher in some people. Your healthcare provider can help determine if the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks.
Endometriosis. Estrogen doesn’t cause endometriosis, but estrogen may worsen endometriosis pain.
Female s*xual dysfunction (FSD). Falling estrogen levels can cause physical and emotional changes that make s*x less enjoyable. However, estrogen isn’t considered for hormone replacement until you’re menopausal.
Fibrocystic breasts. Fluctuating estrogen levels during your menstrual cycle may make your breast tissue feel lumpy, tender or uncomfortable.
Infertility. Low and high estrogen can disrupt your menstrual cycle. Underlying causes that can lead to low and high estrogen may be associated with infertility.
Obesity. Estrogen levels are often higher among people with more body fat.
Osteoporosis. Low estrogen levels can weaken your bones so that they fracture and break more easily.
Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition that occurs when the ovaries produce too many androgens (hormones associated with being male). Sometimes with PCOS, estrogen levels are too high in relation to progesterone levels.
Primary ovarian insufficiency (also known as premature menopause). With this condition, the ovaries prematurely stop producing eggs (before age 40). As a result, your ovaries don’t secrete the estrogen your body needs.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The cyclical hormone changes associated with menstruation can lead to unpleasant physical symptoms and mood changes. Dips in estrogen following ovulation are a potential cause of PMS and PMDD.
Turner syndrome. Ovaries are often underdeveloped in Turner syndrome, resulting in low estrogen. As a result, if you have this condition, you may not develop breasts or get your period.
Uterine cancer (endometrial cancer). High estrogen levels may cause the lining of your uterus to build up. Eventually, cancer cells may start to grow.
Uterine fibroids and polyps. Too much estrogen may be associated with noncancerous tumors called fibroids or polyps that grow in your uterus.
Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis). Too little estrogen may cause the lining of your va**na to thin and become dry. Vaginal atrophy is most common during menopause and postmenopause.
Research is ongoing about estrogen’s role in conditions affecting other body systems. For instance, estrogen has been linked to some endocrine disorders and gastrointestinal diseases.
What are normal estrogen levels?
Estrogen levels rise and fall throughout life. The fluctuation is normal. For instance, it’s normal for estrogen levels to rise during puberty and decline as you approach menopause. It’s normal for estrogen levels to rise during ovulation so that your body can prepare itself for pregnancy. It’s normal for levels to dip during your period when the pregnancy changes aren’t needed.
Levels that are consistently low or high may signal an underlying condition that requires your provider’s attention.
What happens when estrogen levels are consistently low?
Low estrogen is often a telltale sign that you’re approaching menopause. Low estrogen may also signify a fertility problem, a nutritional deficiency, a condition like Turner syndrome and more.
Symptoms may include:
Breast tenderness
Weak or brittle bones
Hot flashes and night sweats
Irregular periods or no periods
Headaches, trouble concentrating
Fatigue, drowsiness, trouble sleeping
Mood changes, irritability and depression
Vaginal dryness, leading to painful in*******se (dyspareunia)
What happens when estrogen levels are consistently high?
Excess estrogen in your body can be associated with multiple conditions: polyps, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis pain, ovarian tumors, etc.). Your levels may be high because you have too much estrogen in relation to your other s*x hormone, progesterone. Medications you’re taking that contain estrogen may cause you to have too much of it in your body.
Symptoms may include:
Decreased s*x drive
Weight gain, especially in your waist and hips
Irregular periods (unpredictable timing, light or heavy bleeding)
Worsening symptoms associated with PMS or PMDD
How do I know my estrogen level?
An estrogen test can measure your levels of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) or estriol (E3). Your provider will do a simple blood draw and send it to a lab for analysis.
What are common treatments for estrogen-related conditions?
Hormone replacement therapy (HT) is a common treatment for low estrogen, especially for people experiencing menopause. With HT, your provider prescribes small doses of estrogen to boost your level or a combination of estrogen and progesterone (or the synthetic version of progesterone, progestin). HT comes with risks, though, and isn’t for everyone. Talk to your provider about whether you’re a good candidate for HT.
How can I maintain healthy estrogen levels?
You can’t always prevent the conditions associated with hormone imbalances. Still, you can put good practices into place to help maintain your overall health.
Get enough sleep. Getting adequate, uninterrupted sleep each night helps your body maintain the healthy hormone levels needed to carry out important functions.
Manage your stress. High stress can cause your body to produce too much of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Excess stress hormones can cause a hormone imbalance that negatively impacts your estrogen levels.
Get the right amount of exercise. A healthy amount of exercise can help you regulate how much you eat and how much body fat you have. It can help you sleep better, too.
Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can raise your estrogen levels. Over time, too much exposure to estrogen may raise your cancer risk.
Practice good eating habits. Monitor your food intake to help balance your hormones. Reducing foods with sugar and eating foods high in fiber and healthy fats (fats found in olive oil, nuts, seeds and fish) can help with hormone balance.
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