How much estrogen does a woman produce

Skip to content. Blood Estrogen Levels Estrogens are natural hormones. Researchers are studying a possible link to breast cancer before menopause.

Blood estrogen levels and breast cancer after menopause Studies have shown postmenopausal women with higher blood levels of the estrogen estradiol have an increased risk of breast cancer [ 19, ]. Certain factors may increase breast cancer risk by affecting estrogen levels.

Blood estrogen levels and breast cancer before menopause A pooled analysis of data from 7 studies found women with higher blood estrogen levels may have a modestly increased risk of breast cancer before menopause [ 62 ]. Factors that affect blood estrogen levels Blood estrogen levels are affected by many factors. Throughout your life, your body depends on estrogen to keep it healthy and going strong.

Hormones that are out of whack can wreak havoc, causing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and similarly uncomfortable conditions. Our dedicated physicians strive to help our patients achieve balance in their health and their hormones. For women, your lifelong good health depends largely on your gynecological care, and our team takes that responsibility seriously. Depending on your season of life, your body produces different types and amounts of estrogen in an effort to maintain balance.

Very high levels can increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer. However, low levels can result in weight gain and cardiovascular disease. Levels of estriol rise during pregnancy , as it helps the uterus grow and prepares the body for delivery. Estriol levels peak just before birth. Ovaries: Estrogen helps stimulate the growth of the egg follicle.

Vagina: In the vagina, estrogen maintains the thickness of the vaginal wall and promotes lubrication. Uterus: Estrogen enhances and maintains the mucous membrane that lines the uterus.

It also regulates the flow and thickness of uterine mucus secretions. Breasts: The body uses estrogen in the formation of breast tissue. This hormone also helps stop the flow of milk after weaning. Estrogen levels vary among individuals. This fluctuation can sometimes produce effects such as mood changes before menstruation or hot flashes in menopause. Learn more about high estrogen levels and low estrogen levels here.

An imbalance of estrogen leads to :. Some hereditary and other conditions can lead to high levels of estrogen in males, which can result in:. Estrogen therapy can help manage menopause symptoms as part of hormone therapy, which people usually refer to as hormone replacement therapy.

The treatment may consist solely of estrogen estrogen replacement therapy, or ERT , or it may involve a combination of estrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone. Hormone treatment is available as a pill, nasal spray, patch, skin gel, injection, vaginal cream, or ring. It may also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which increases when people enter menopause. Side effects include :.

Some types of hormone therapy can also increase the risk of a stroke, blood clots, and uterine and breast cancer. There may be alternative treatments based on a woman's health profile.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Hormone replacement therapy update To learn more about women's health, and specifically hormone replacement therapy, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health NIH started a large study in The FDA states that hormone therapy should not be taken to prevent heart disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers the following suggestions for women who are deciding whether or not to use postmenopausal hormone therapy: The most important thing a woman can do in deciding to continue hormone replacement therapy is discuss the current research with her healthcare provider and health care team.

Always see your healthcare provider for more information.