Estrogen is one of those hormones that is enjoying popularity. In fact, because of it role in menstruation and menopause, it is one of the most widely studied and discussed hormone. Estrogen unknown to many is actually a term used to refer to a group of hormones that are similar in nature. And contrary to what people know, estrogen is not found exclusively in women. Men also have this hormone, except that medical experts and scientists cannot still pinpoint what its role is in the male body.

Hormones act as chemical messengers in the body that triggers a response to the cell or a group of cells to behave in certain ways. These chemicals are important in the regulation of cell growth and development. It also aids in tissue function, sexual function and even the way we handle our moods and emotions.

Estrogen is one of the female hormones that are specifically responsible for the growth and development of a female’s sexual characteristics and features. This includes development of the breasts and the production of egg cells for reproduction. It is composed of other hormones such as estrone, estradiol and lastly estriol. They can also be produced in the adrenal glands as well as in the fatty tissues of the body.

This hormone is primarily produced in the ovaries, particularly the estradiol and the estone. Estriol, on the other hand, is found in the placenta.

Estrogen circulates in the blood streams, binding to the estrogen receptors found in cells of the breasts and the uterus. It also helps in the regulation of metabolic processes such as growth and development of the bones as well as the management of cholesterol levels. Estrogen also controls the development of the lining of the uterus during the first part of the menstrual cycle. This control also causes the breasts to change during adolescence and of course during pregnancy.

Follicles that can be found in the new egg released every month also produce estrogen which thickens the lining of the uterus. When fertilization does not occur, the levels of both estrogen and another hormone progesterone drops causing the lining to break down. This is the time when menstruation occurs.

When fertilization does occur, both hormones will work to prevent additional ovulation. Thus, the uterine lining thins down, which is unreceptive to fertilized egg. Cervical mucus are also thickened in order to prevent the sperm from entering the cervix.

Its role in the menstrual cycle is the reason why estrogen is used to relieve menstrual cramps and pain as well as regulate the menstrual cycle especially for those women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Estrogen also helps in the prevention of bone lose by working with calcium to build bones. This prevents the occurrence of Osteoporosis. However, when menopause starts, estrogen levels dip, making it hard for women to deal with bone loss. This is why women who are nearing their menopausal years are advised to drink or take in estrogen in tablets.

Another role of Estrogen is the regulation of hormonal levels in the body especially during the monthly period of women. This results in lesser mood swings and lesser number of migraine attacks.

Estrogen also plays a role in keeping the vagina and the urinary tract moist. This is the reason why it is more painful for women in their menopausal years to have sex because of the drier and thinner vaginal walls.



Thanks to Bob Janeway for contributing this article to our Menopause blog:

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Can you answer sunsetts00’s question about Menopause?:

I maybe looking at a Toatle Hysterectomy in a few months and I was just wondering how long it takes one to heal from this sergery and be able to get back to normal activities?
Also, does your pelvic area, lower adonoman feel any different after a hysterectomy, since there is Nothing down there anymore? I know it will put me straight into menopause, (I am premenopausal now). Thank you Ladies for any help, suggestions, opions you can lend me. I appreciate it.
P.S- Men, please do not try to comment on this please as you will be of no help to me whatsoever. Thanks…

Menopause And Joint Pain

The signs and symptoms of menopause experienced by women actually vary. Some feel extreme hot flashes and mood swings, while others do not really realize that they are already in the pre-menopause stage until the complete cessation of their menstruation. However, majority of women are aware that they will eventually go through with the signs of menopause in their late 40s or early 50s.

Since menopausal problems do not only affect the woman involved but her whole family as well, it would be best for husbands, boy friends or partners of the women experiencing menopause to have a better understanding of the situation. However, based on studies and polls, a lot of men are either unaware of menopause or have wrong notions about this stage.

For men out there, if you want to keep your relationship with your spouse or partner, you need to have a deeper knowledge of The Change, which is what many women call menopause. It is now time to debunk the following myths about menopause that most men believe in.

Women Become Forgetful And A Little Crazy During Menopause

Men think that a lot of brain cells of women are magically zapped during menopause, causing women to become forgetful and a little bit silly and loopy. This is one of the most appalling myths that men believe about menopause.

Although it is true that women may show mood changes and memory lapses during menopause, these changes are just normal. Menopause does not cause insanity or Alzheimer’s disease. In reality the aging process is the one responsible for the shrinking of the brain and both older men and women experience brain shrinkage of about 10%. Experts also say that a 10% decline in the size of the brain in men and women as a result of aging does not necessarily mean that they will lose 10% of their cognitive abilities.

Women Are Hysteric During This Stage

Sometimes men can be so dramatic in describing the effects of menopause in women. As mentioned earlier, there might be mood changes and women can be a little bit emotional because of hormonal imbalance. However, the reason behind women’s depression or emotional outbursts may also be caused by a lot of factors, which may include alcohol and drug use, genes, environmental influence and of course the state of their relationship with their families, husbands or partners in life.

No Woman Can Be Spared Of All The Symptoms Of Menopause

Another myth that men seem to believe ardently is that every woman experiences hot flashes, night sweating and all the other annoying symptoms of menopause. The truth, however, is that each woman has a different experience during menopause or perimenopause. Some go through extreme cases of hot flashes, while others do not really experience this symptom. Research shows that about 15% of women do not experience any symptoms of menopause. They just know that they are through with menopause because they are not having their monthly periods anymore for 12 consecutive months.

Menopause Can Be Cured

Menopause does not really need to be cured because in the first place, it is not a disease or illness. Menopause is actually a natural phase or stage. Some experts say that even men could experience some kind of menopause too.

However, there are some ways to help ease the symptoms of menopause. Some women prefer to take Hormone Replacement Therapy. However, majority prefer to just rely on natural supplements and good diet to help them cope with the different signs of menopause.  One all-natural product for menopause is Menersa. If you want to know more about how Menersa can help you, just visit http://www.menersa.com/.



Thanks to Janet Martin for contributing this article to our Menopause blog:

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Can you answer carladaniels32’s question about Menopause?:

I’ve been told there is anew hormonal test which can determine when they think the menopause will start. Is this right?

Estrogen Replacement Menopause