Low estrogen symptoms

Common low estrogen symptoms include:

Vaginal dryness
Pain during sex
Mood changes
Hot flashes
Fatigue
Weight gain
Irregular periods
Absent periods
Increased frequency in UTIs (urinary tract infections)
Sore breasts
Headaches and/or migraines
Trouble concentrating
Depression

Some of the side effects of low estrogen can include weakened bones and infertility. Read What does estrogen do? to learn more about how estrogen affects the body.

Let’s take a deeper dive into symptoms and why low estrogen symptoms cause certain physical side effects.

Vaginal dryness and/or pain during sex

Low estrogen may cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness can make penetration during sex painful. Low estrogen slows down the production of natural vaginal lubrication. This often occurs during the menopause.

Mood changes

Low estrogen can lead to mood changes, often times low estrogen and hormone balance in general may lead to feelings of anxiety and/or depression.

Hot Flashes

Low estrogen may lead to hot flashes, as well as night sweats. These physical symptoms are most commonly associated with the menopause. Hot flashes and night sweats while commonly associated with the ageing process, may present during any life stage.

Fatigue

Low estrogen levels can lead to feelings of fatigue. Restoring healthy estrogen levels can boost energy levels and help to fight fatigue.

Weight gain

Low estrogen may lead to unexpected weight gain, especially sudden weight gain.

Irregular or absent periods

Estrogen is a key hormone in the menstrual cycle, without it, or with low levels, the body may not receive the signal it needs to shed the lining that builds up throughout our cycles. Irregular or absent periods are a hallmark sign that you hormones may be unbalanced.

Increased frequency in UTIs (urinary tract infections)

Low estrogen can lead to a thinning of the lining that protects the urinary tract. This can lead to an increased risk of infection.

Sore breasts

Low estrogen, or low estrogen in comparison to progesterone may cause sore and tender breasts.

Headaches and/or migraines

Estrogen levels have an effect on how the brain experiences the sensation of pain. Low estrogen levels may trigger a headache or migraine. Sometimes women will experience a headache or migraine prior to their period starting.

Trouble concentrating

Brain fog is a broad term for the general forgetfulness and memory issues that accompany hormone deficiency. Hormone therapy can help you think more clearly, feel more engaged, and even aid your memory retention during the aging process.