Low Estrogen Can Make You Anxious and Irritable

Estrogen plays a significant role in our bodies and helps us maintain mental and emotional balance. When your estrogen levels are low, it can bring on feelings of anxiety and irritability that are tough to handle. If you are feeling this way, you’re not alone. Many women experience a drop in estrogen at various stages of life, so it’s important to understand how this hormone can have a domino effect on your mental health.

At HerKare, we specialize in women’s health and understand the unique challenges you face. We’re here to support you and provide the compassionate care you need to feel your best. If you are struggling with a hormonal deficiency, reach out to us today. We can help you find relief and get back to enjoying life.

How Do I Know If I Have Low Estrogen?

Low estrogen can cause many physical and emotional changes. If you’re experiencing some of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that your hormonal levels need attention:

• • Mood swings: Feeling more irritable, anxious, or even depressed than usual? Fluctuating estrogen levels can disrupt the delicate balance of brain chemicals responsible for mood regulation.
  • Difficulty concentrating: Estrogen affects brain function, including cognitive processes like memory and focus, so when it is low, it can lead to brain fog and trouble concentrating.
  • Irregular or missed periods: Estrogen is vital for regulating menstrual cycles, so pay attention if your periods become irregular, infrequent, or stop altogether.
  • Fatigue and sleep problems: Feeling tired all the time, even with adequate rest, and struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep can be linked to hormonal imbalances.
  • Dry or dull hair and skin: Estrogen plays a role in maintaining skin and hair health. With lower levels, you might notice your hair becoming more brittle or dull and your skin feeling drier than usual.
  • Decreased libido: Estrogen is linked to sexual desire. If you’re experiencing a lower sex drive, it could be related to hormonal changes.
  • Hot flashes and night sweats: Sudden sensations of heat, flushing, and sweating, particularly at night, and is often associated with menopause.
  • Headaches: Hormonal imbalances can trigger or worsen headaches, particularly migraines.
  • Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health. Reduced levels can lead to dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse.

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, a women’s clinic can assess your hormone levels and work with you to explore potential treatment options.

Estrogen Affects Your Serotonin Levels

Help restore balance and reduce mood swings and anxiety by treating your low estrogen.

Estrogen is more than just a sex hormone. It is a powerful chemical messenger that plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including brain chemistry and mood regulation. Think of it as a key that unlocks certain pathways in your brain, influencing how you feel and react to the world around you.

One of the key ways estrogen affects mood is through its interaction with serotonin, a neurotransmitter often referred to as the “happy chemical.” Serotonin helps stabilize our mood, and creates feelings of well-being and happiness. Estrogen boosts serotonin production and enhances its activity in the brain. So, when estrogen levels drop, serotonin levels can also decline.

Consistently low serotonin levels can have a profound impact on your emotional state. You might experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation, characteristic of depression. Anxiety may also become more prevalent, with excessive worrying and difficulty relaxing. Additionally, low serotonin has been linked to irritability, anger outbursts, and difficulty controlling impulses. It can even affect your sleep patterns and appetite.

Who Can Experience Low Estrogen?

A hormonal deficiency isn’t limited to a specific age group or life stage. While it’s commonly associated with menopause, the truth is, any woman can experience fluctuations in estrogen levels, regardless of age.

Menopause is a natural transition at the end of a woman’s reproductive years. As the ovaries gradually decrease their production of estrogen, various symptoms can arise, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. However, the journey to menopause, known as perimenopause, can start years earlier and bring its own set of challenges. During perimenopause, estrogen levels can fluctuate erratically, leading to unpredictable symptoms and emotional ups and downs that can last for several years.

In addition, your lifestyle can play a significant role in your estrogen levels. For example, chronic stress can disrupt hormone production. Excess body fat can also affect estrogen levels, as fat cells produce estrogen, leading to an imbalance.

External factors may also be a contributor. We’re constantly exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our environment, found in everything from plastics to pesticides. These chemicals can mimic or interfere with natural hormones, potentially lowering estrogen levels. Additionally, certain medications, such as those used for hormone-sensitive cancers or endometriosis, can directly impact estrogen production.

An estrogen deficiency can happen to any woman, any time. The key is to be aware of the potential causes and symptoms, so you can seek appropriate support and treatment if needed.

Supplementing Your Hormone Levels with HRT

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers a personalized approach to addressing depleted estrogen levels. Unlike synthetic or animal-derived hormones, HRT utilizes plant-based hormones that are structurally identical to the ones your body naturally produces. 

The primary goal of HRT is to replenish your diminishing estrogen levels in order to alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms associated with a hormonal deficiency. It works on a deep level to help restore the chemical and hormonal balance within your body and brain. As estrogen levels rise, the balance between your hormones and neurotransmitters is re-established. Serotonin production receives a boost, helping to improve mood stability and reduce your feelings of anxiety and irritability. 

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional specializing in HRT to determine if this therapy is right for you. They will conduct a thorough assessment of your hormone levels, medical history, and current symptoms to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. 

Treat Your Hormonal Imbalance with HerKare

Don’t let a hormonal imbalance steal your joy and peace of mind. At HerKare, we can create a customized hormone replacement treatment plan to help restore balance and give you relief from your symptoms. Schedule a consultation with us today and discover the difference that personalized, compassionate care can make.