Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues What to Know About Low Estrogen Levels Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment By Sherry Christiansen Sherry Christiansen Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 20, 2023 Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD LinkedIn Renita White, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist who practices at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Estrogen Functions Causes of Low Levels Risk Factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Frequently Asked Questions Low estrogen levels can be normal with aging. However, in some cases it can be caused by chronic illnesses, excessive exercise and more. Estrogen is a hormone produced in the ovaries that controls sexual development in females. It plays a major role in the female reproductive system. It is also present in small amounts in males. A woman's estrogen levels peak in her mid- to late-20s then decline by 50% by the time she is 50. Estrogen declines more rapidly after menopause. This article covers the causes and symptoms of low estrogen, along with how low estrogen is diagnosed and treated. Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee How Estrogen Levels Affect Your Body Having consistently low levels of estrogen can affect your reproductive system as well as other systems in your body. Estrogen is the hormone that's mainly responsible for sexual development in girls as they reach puberty. Some of its other functions include: Regulating menstrual cycles Helping regulate body weight by helping to control metabolism Assisting in the development and growth of healthy bone tissue (prevents bone loss by promoting absorption and retention of calcium levels) Playing a role in promoting healthy cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) health, according to the American Heart Association Causes of Low Estrogen Levels A number of different conditions can result in low estrogen levels in females. Some causes include: Damage or removal of the ovaries, such as a complete hysterectomy—a surgical procedure removing the uterus and ovaries Excessive exercise Thyroid conditions Pituitary gland dysfunction Anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders Malnutrition Turner syndrome, a genetic defect in which a person has only one X chromosome, instead of two sex chromosomes, which causes developmental abnormalities and infertility Genetic defects that cause premature ovarian failure Autoimmune conditions Chronic (long term) kidney disease Perimenopause, the time before menopause, during which estrogen levels fluctuate Menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, with very low estrogen Effects of chemotherapy Risk Factors Age is the number one risk factor for low estrogen. As a female approaches age 47—perimenopause age—she experiences fluctuating estrogen levels for several years until full menopause. A family history of hormonal problems is also a risk factor for low estrogen. Defining Premenopause, Perimenopause, and Menopause Symptoms There are several effects of low estrogen. Many of these mimic the symptoms of menopause. Symptoms of low estrogen may include: Hot flashes Night sweats Insomnia Amenorrhea (missing periods often) Breast tenderness Headaches Worsening migraines Depression Difficulty concentrating Fatigue Weight gain Infertility Painful sex due to a decrease in vaginal lubrication Osteoporosis, which is the weakening of bones that can lead to fractures Impaired sexual development and sexual function Diagnosis If you have symptoms of low estrogen, your healthcare provider will likely begin a diagnostic evaluation of your symptoms. The tests your doctor selects will be determined by your symptoms, risk factors, and other medical conditions. Diagnosis may involve: Family history to assess for possible genetic causes of low estrogen A medical history and physical examination Blood tests to check hormone levels Testing for underlying causes, such as thyroid disease or a pituitary disorder A brain scan DNA testing to evaluate genetic abnormalities of the endocrine system Can Hormone Levels Determine If You Are Menopausal? Treatment Synthetic hormone supplementation, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a common treatment for low estrogen in females. There are several modes of administration your healthcare provider may choose for HRT therapy, including: Oral (by mouth)Topical (such as patches or creams)InjectionsSubdermal (pellets inserted under the skin)Vaginal The type of HRT therapy, the mode of administration, and the dosage that you are prescribed depend on many factors. These include the underlying cause, severity, and symptoms of your low estrogen. Basic facts about HRT include: Not all females qualify for estrogen therapy. It is contraindicated in people who have had conditions such as breast cancer, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or another type of blood clot. There are various types of HRT available. Some combine estrogen with progesterone, another female sex hormone. When used for treating symptoms of menopause, estrogen alone is commonly prescribed after hysterectomy, whereas estrogen and progesterone combinations are used for people who have a uterus. Progesterone is needed to protect the uterine lining from cancerous changes that can occur when using estrogen alone. High doses of estrogen may be given to females who are not menopausal and who have very low estrogen levels—such as those who have had a hysterectomy— to prevent other hormonal imbalances, bone fractures, and heart disease. The healthcare provider usually prescribes the lowest effective dose of estrogen, or estrogen/progesterone combinations, to reduce the risk of side effects. There are many side effects of HRT including vaginal bleeding, leg cramps, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and more. The duration of HRT treatment depends on each person’s individual situation. Serious risks of HRT may involve conditions such as blood clots or cancer. Lifestyle Changes Sometimes lifestyle or dietary adjustments are recommended. Natural remedies for low estrogen can include: Maintaining a healthy weightReduction of exercise if you are over-exercisingNatural foods or supplements such as soy Note that the use of soy or soybean isoflavones in the setting of low estrogen is controversial, according to a 2010 report by Harvard Health, which explains that soy may increase the risk of breast cancer. It's best to speak to your healthcare provider before adding this or any supplement to your diet. Does Vitamin D Increase Estrogen? The hormone vitamin D supports the production of reproductive hormones in both men and women. However, more research is needed to determine if vitamin D supplementation could boost estrogen, and if so, what dose would do so effectively. Summary Low estrogen levels can impact many aspects of overall health and wellbeing, including physical, emotional, and sexual health. They may also increase the risk of serious conditions, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and obesity. While hormone replacement therapy is a primary treatment for low estrogen, it isn't right for everyone. The outcome of treatment for females with low estrogen levels varies. A Word From Verywell If you are experiencing symptoms of low estrogen, you should consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Many experts say that earlier treatment for low estrogen levels leads to a more effective treatment outcome. A Mayo Clinic report stated, “Some data also suggest that estrogen can decrease the risk of heart disease when taken early in the postmenopausal years.” As a rule, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss what is best for your individual case. Frequently Asked Questions How common is it for women to experience side effects with hormone replacement therapy? About 5% to 10% of women have some common side effects when treated with HRT. These may include mood swings, headaches, fluid retention, stomach cramps, or bloating. How serious are side effects of hormone replacement therapy? Most side effects of HRT are not severe. However, HRT can rarely cause severe side effects, including double vision, depression, extreme weakness and fatigue, fever, and severe abdominal pain. If you experience these or any other concerning or persistent symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately. What is a natural estrogen supplement? Isoflavones, which are compounds naturally found in soy, are thought to support estrogen production. However, researchers have yet to conclude whether soy is a safe and effective option for boosting estrogen naturally. What causes low estrogen in your 30s? You can have low estrogen in your 30s due to excessive exercise, a problem with your thyroid, an autoimmune condition, or another condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of low estrogen in your thirties, talk to your healthcare provider. You may need to be evaluated for the possibility of an underlying condition. 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lephart E. A review of the role of estrogen in dermal aging and facial attractiveness in women. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Jun;17(3):282-288. doi:10.1111/jocd.12508 Gordon CM, Ackerman KE, Berga SL, et al. Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(5):1413-1439. doi:10.1210/jc.2017-00131 Fairview Health Services. Menopause: Effects of Low Estrogen Levels. Cleveland Clinic. Estrogen & hormones. Harvard Health Letter. An update on soy: It's just so-so. Chu C, Tsuprykov O, Chen X, Elitok S, Krämer B, Hocher B. Relationship between vitamin D hormones important for human fertility in reproductive-aged women. Front Endocrinol. 2021 Apr;12(1):1-8. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.666687 Mayo Clinic. Hormone therapy: Is it right for you? MedlinePlus. Estrogen and progestin (hormone replacement therapy). Chen LR, Ko NY, Chen KH. Isoflavone supplements for menopausal women: A systematic review. Nutrients. 2019 Nov;11(11):2649. doi:10.3390/nu11112649 By Sherry Christiansen Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit