Estrogen is a vital hormone that regulates and guides the sexual and reproductive functions of a woman. However, while this essential ingredient is naturally produced in the body, certain situations can cause this hormone to fluctuate. Although menopause is the most common cause for low estrogen in women, especially older women, young women can experience low estrogen symptoms through anorexia nervosa, stress, lifestyle, nutritional choices and the late onset of puberty, all of which can influence estrogen levels in women.

Here are some common symptoms associated with low estrogen levels in women.

Hot Flashes - One of the most common symptoms of menopause, hot flashes are triggered by a hormonal imbalance in women. Described as a sudden rush of heat that circulate around the neck, arms, chest and shoulders, hot flashes generally last around five or six minutes. Hot flashes, as their name implies, produces heat and can cause sweating, nausea and vomiting and are not influenced by environmental factors. A woman can be out in a snowstorm and still experience a hot flash.

Fatigue – Reduced levels of estrogen can sap a woman’s energy and lead her to become easily fatigued. While lifestyle choices can often impact the degree of fatigue a woman with low estrogen experiences, common signs of fatigue due to estrogen imbalances include becoming fatigued after mild physical activity or everyday activities and easily tiring during walking, household chores or moving up the stairs. Sleep may also be impacted along with activity levels, resulting in conditions like obesity, restlessness, stress and depression.

Migraines – Very intense headaches often accompany low levels of estrogen. While women are already more prone to migraines, localized headaches that are often highly intense and can last for hours, having low levels of estrogen can increase the probability that a woman will suffer from a migraine.

Concentration Difficulties – While concentration problems can be attributed to hot flashes and other symptoms, low estrogen can often cause women to have trouble focusing in its own right. Such problems may extend beyond not being able to focus and affect a woman’s ability to remember dates, places, times and appointments and to also frequently misplace items.

Osteoporosis – A potentially crippling symptom of low estrogen, osteoporosis is a gradual softening of the bones until they reach the point of becoming brittle and easily fractured. Estrogen is a vital element to bone strength in women and helps bones absorb calcium and vitamin D, both essential elements to protecting bone density and strength. A lack of estrogen can cause strength to be reduced unless supplements are provided that bolster bone strength.

Mood Swings – Low estrogen levels can also cause the mood or mental state of a woman to wildly fluctuate. A woman with low estrogen may also suffer from depression, sadness and low levels of self esteem.

All of these low estrogen symptoms can be addressed by consulting with a medical professional. Hormone replacement therapies can be instituted to help combat estrogen loss and low levels of estrogen in the body.