Go With The Flow

What Is Estrogen’s Role In Menstrual Cycle

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Ladies, let’s talk about hormones and their crucial role in your menstrual cycle, especially estrogen. Estrogen, the sex hormone, is primarily released by your ovaries. We know! You must be thinking, “What is the role of estrogen in the menstrual cycle?” Just read on and get answers to all your doubts.

Estrogen and the menstrual cycle are like two peas in a pod; one cannot work without the other. Understanding its role is crucial for managing your reproductive health. But before that, you should be aware of the hormone in question.

What is estrogen?

Estrogen is a sex hormone responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle. Similarly, estrogen is also important for the development of your secondary sexual characteristics.

It is primarily released by your ovaries and, in smaller amounts, by the adrenal glands. There are three different types of estrogen:

  • Estrone (E1)
  • Estradiol (E2)
  • Estriol (E3)

Your menstrual cycle is regulated by the estrogen hormone. As the hormonal level varies from person to person, it is important that you understand your periods better for proper navigation of your cycle. So, let’s discuss what happens in your body during the periods.

What are the steps in the menstrual cycle?

Your body is a puppet for your hormones. That implies that in their minute variations lies the progression of the menstrual phases. It is usually divided into four parts:

  1. The menstrual phase:This is the phase where you almost bleed dry for 3 to 5 days.
  2. The follicular phase:In this phase, the linen of your uterus thickens, and the follicles in both ovaries grow. Only one of them is allowed to mature after 10 to 14 days.
  3. The ovulatory phase:It nearly begins on day 14 of your menstruating cycle, when your ovary releases one egg.
  4. The luteal phase:This phase lasts from 15 to 28 days during your menstruation. During this, the fertilised egg travels from your ovaries to your uterus. If fertilised, then it attaches itself to the uterine wall, and you become pregnant. Otherwise, the unfertilised egg bleeds out.

And there you go again, bleeding in a new cycle!

If you happen to be a heavy bleeder, then we recommend you to use RIO heavy flow pads with thrice the absorption power and experience leak-free comfort. However, if necessary, you should consult your gynaecologist. Meanwhile, do not stress it out!

What is the role of estrogen in the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen and the menstrual cycle are intertwined with each other.

  • Estrogen levels rise in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the follicular phase. During this phase, estrogen stimulates the development of the uterus lining. This means that your uterus is preparing for pregnancy.
  • Estrogen levels decline in the fourth phase of the menstrual cycle, the luteal phase. If your egg is not fertilized, then your estrogen level drops and bleeding starts.

Estrogen function in the menstrual cycle, however, varies depending on your age and several other factors like pregnancy, mood swings, hot flashes, and menopause. Thus, in certain cases, you can even experience high and low estrogen symptoms.

What are the low estrogen symptoms?

The most common cause for low estrogen in your body is “menopause”. Also, if the ovaries are surgically removed, low estrogen symptoms can be experienced. These are as follows:

  • Hot flashes
  • Loss of sleep
  • Dry vagina
  • Loss of sexual desire
  • No or irregular monthly cycle
  • Headache

Till now, you might think that the role of estrogen in the menstrual cycle is limited to your monthly bleeding. But the reality is quite different. Let’s delve into the next segment and figure out the effects of estrogen beyond the menstrual cycle.

What are the impacts of estrogen apart from the menstrual cycle?

Apart from the role of estrogen in the menstrual cycle, it also has an effect on other parameters in the body. They are as follows:

  • Estrogen increases the level of melanin along with cortisol.
  • Estrogen induces bone formation by reducing bone resorption.
  • Estrogen decreases bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL) in your body.
  • Estrogen also improves collagen content and blood supply in the skin.

Summary

Ladies! menstruation is an unavoidable monthly affair. To experience better comfort during those days, “Choose You, Choose RIO.” Estrogen and menstrual cycle acts in close partnership. Estrogen is a sex hormone that regulates your menstrual cycle in different stages. Any abrupt changes in the estrogen levels during certain stages of your life, like menopause, can result in uncomfortable experiences. Next time you are wondering about the role of estrogen in the menstrual cycle, remember it is keeping a check on your reproductive health.

FAQs

When is estrogen highest in the menstrual cycle?

During the mid-follicular phase, your estrogen levels are the highest in the menstrual cycle.

How does estrogen affect the menstrual cycle?

Estrogen function in the menstrual cycle is to thicken your uterine walls in order to prepare them for pregnancy.

What happens when estrogen levels are high?

Persistently high levels of estrogen can cause certain complications in your body, including weight gain, fatigue, blood clots, low calcium, high blood pressure, and issues with normal menstrual flow.

Can estrogen fluctuation affect period flow?

Yes, estrogen levels naturally fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. It peaks in the follicular phase and declines in the luteal phase. However, consistently high or low levels of estrogen can create issues with your monthly cycle.

How can I check my estrogen level at home?

There are few home test kits that are available where urine or blood samples are analysed. However, it only shows the level of your hormone and does not provide any prescriptions if necessary. Therefore, you can book a healthcare professional to collect your blood or urine samples and send them to a certified lab. This way, you get an accurate diagnosis from your home.

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