Your Hormone ESTROGEN - what you need to know
Mar 11, 2022
Estrogen is a steroid hormone.
There are 3 types of estrogen…
Estrone, estradiol, estriol
- Estradiol E2 - is the main estrogen in reproductive years.
- Estriol E3 - prodominent in pregnancy.
- Estrone E1 - is 10x less potent and is the estrogen present post-menopause.
Given it’s a steroid hormone, it plays a key role in muscle building.
Estrogen rises and falls twice during your cycle. Once mid-follicular phase, then falls post-ovulation, Then again mid-luteal phase and decreases toward the end of the cycle (before your bleed).
Estrogen promotes fluid retention and inflammation - (hello, increase in scale weight around ovulation and before your bleed).
It also stimulates the uterine lining muscle - PMS cramps!
Estrogen goes on a roller coaster in peri-menopause, and from as early as your mid 30’s, you can see this happen.
It can rise 3x higher than when you were younger to only crash down to near nothing, over and over again.
High estrogen symptoms include - Breast pain, heavy periods, fluid retention irritability.
Falling estrogen symptoms include - depression, weight gain, night sweats, and hot flashes.
Understanding these key sex hormones can help you understand your symptoms and better manage them.
Do you want to learn more about your hormones and how to optimise your training and nutrition early to set yourself up for an easier ride into peri-menopause? Join the Proactive Perimenopause Community.
