Low Estrogen: Frequently Asked Questions

Low Estrogen

What does a Low Estrogen face look like?

When Estrogen levels are low, your face may look drier, thinner, and less radiant. You might notice more wrinkles, sagging, or hollowing in your cheeks and temples. Fine lines around your eyes and mouth can deepen, and your skin may feel less elastic, bruise more easily, and react more to sun or irritation.

What are the less common signs of Low Estrogen?

Less common signs of Low Estrogen include joint pain, bloating, headaches, memory issues, Anxiety, and mood swings. You might also notice urinary changes, vaginal dryness, or decreased libido. These symptoms are less obvious but can still affect your overall health and quality of life.

How can Low Estrogen affect my sleep?

Low Estrogen can disrupt your sleep by causing night sweats, hot flashes, and mood changes, which make it harder to rest. It may also affect melatonin and serotonin levels, hormones that regulate sleep. This can lead to trouble falling and staying asleep, or feeling rested.

Will Low Estrogen cause me to gain weight?

Yes, it might cause you to gain weight. When estrogen levels drop, your metabolism slows, and your body tends to store more fat, particularly around your belly or hips. That’s why losing weight can feel harder, but a healthy diet and regular movement can make a big difference.

Estrogen and vitamins

Does vitamin D increase estrogen?

No, vitamin D helps keep your hormones balanced, but doesn’t directly boost estrogen. Some studies show it might be linked to higher estrogen, while others found it can lower it in postmenopausal women. 

Does vitamin B12 increase estrogen?

No, vitamin B12 doesn’t directly raise estrogen levels, but it plays an essential role in overall hormone balance. Low B12 may affect how your body makes and regulates hormones, including estrogen. Keeping your B12 levels healthy can support better energy, mood, and reproductive health.

Ways to increase estrogen

Can I increase estrogen naturally?

Yes, you can boost your estrogen levels by eating foods like soy, flaxseeds, and chickpeas, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and managing stress. Good sleep and certain supplements may also help, but it’s always smart to check with your doctor first.

How do I raise my estrogen levels as a woman?

Lifestyle changes like eating soy, flaxseeds, and legumes, staying active, and managing stress can help. But if your estrogen is very low, especially during or after menopause, doctors often recommend Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT can help you restore estrogen and ease symptoms.

Which exercises increase estrogen levels?

Moderate exercise can help keep your estrogen levels healthy. Regular workouts like strength training, yoga, and brisk walking are great. Just be careful not to overdo high-intensity workouts, as that can actually lower estrogen. Always follow a balanced routine to support your hormones.

Which drinks can help boost estrogen levels?

Drinks containing phytoestrogens can help support estrogen levels. These include soy milk, flaxseed smoothies, and herbal teas like red clover or fennel tea. While they don’t directly boost estrogen like medication, they can help maintain a healthy hormone balance naturally.

Estrogen replacement options

What is the best supplement to replace estrogen?

Phytoestrogens like soy, flaxseed, or red clover, along with vitamins and minerals such as B6, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc, can help balance hormones and ease symptoms like hot flashes or mood swings. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

What are five Estrogen foods to avoid?

If you want to avoid foods high in Estrogen, consider reducing soy products, like tofu and soy milk, red and processed meats, alcohol, dairy products, and some refined/processed foods. 

Which Estrogen replacement option is considered the safest?

The safest option depends on your health and symptoms. Your doctor may suggest low-dose Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in the form of patches or gel, sometimes with bioidentical estrogen that closely matches the estrogen your body makes. Your doctor will make the right choice based on your needs to balance benefits and risks.