Think You Know a Lot About Estrogen? Think Again!

Whether you are male or female, it pays to know some basic information about estrogen. Yes, it's technically the most well known as the hormone that makes women women, but there's so much more to it than that. Keep reading to find out exactly what estrogen does in the human body, how estrogen production changes with age, the difference between xenoestrogens, phytoestrogens, and natural estrogen - and a whole lot more!

Estrogen Basics

Estrogen is the most prevalent sex hormone in the female body. First and foremost, it develops and maintains the reproductive systems in women: ovaries, uterus, vaginal health, and the like. It's also responsible for secondary sex characteristics, like breast development, substantial body mass in the hips and thighs, sparse yet concentrated hair growth, and more. It also has a profound effect on bone density.

But contrary to conventional wisdom, estrogen is not one simple molecule; it is divided into three different subclasses of endogenous estrogens. These are called oestrone, estradiol, estriol. Estradiol is the most prevalent impotent of the three. Strangely enough, humans aren't the only species which synthesize estrogen. All mammals do, and even some insects!

Synthetic Estrogens

Aside from the estrogen that your body naturally produces, you may be able to get a prescription for synthetic estrogen under certain circumstances. If you are young and still of reproductive age, the most popular form of synthetic estrogen is birth control pills and hormonal birth control devices. These estrogens either prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg, increase mucus production at the opening of your cervix, or both. Either method - or a combination of the two - prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg and resulting in pregnancy. For the most part, these medications are well tolerated and 99% effective when used as directed.

Another synthetic form of estrogen you may receive a prescription for is estrogen replacement therapy. Most of the time, such therapies are utilized during menopause and perimenopause (the transitional period between when a woman is still hormonally capable of conceiving a child and full-blown menopause). When the female body goes through menopause, it naturally stops producing as much estrogen as it did during its fertile years. This can lead to a host of health problems, such as osteoporosis, hot flashes, mood swings, and more. Doctors often prescribe estrogen replacement therapy to perimenopausal and menopausal women to delay or prevent these problems and improve overall healthspan.

Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens

Endogenous estrogens are the estrogen hormones that your body produces internally on its own. Exogenous estrogens, however, are a very different story. We've already talked about one group of them so far: prescription estrogens which you can get from your doctor. But there are other - and potentially harmful - exogenous estrogens. "Exogenous" means that they come from outside your body. Weather from ingestion or physical contact, we are all exposed to exogenous estrogens on a daily basis. The most toxic of these are known as xenoestrogens and phytoestrogens.

If you took latin in high school, then you have probably guessed by now that phytoestrogens probably refers to plants. And you would be right. Phytoestrogens can be found in the foods you eat, particularly plants. There are most abundant in soy products (soybeans, tofu, soy sauce, etc.) But can be found in other food products as well. There is a robust body of research which connects these phytoestrogens with the growth and development of certain female cancers, especially breast cancer. However, there are conflicting studies out there which claim that these same synthetic estrogens can actually provide an anti-carcinogenic benefit. Obviously, more studies need to be done in order to determine the exact mechanism of action when it comes to phytoestrogens and either causing or preventing cancer. Until we know for sure, though, it's a good idea to limit your phytoestrogen intake and it's especially important to enjoy soy products in moderation alongside a healthy, balanced diet.

Next, of course, are xenoestrogens. There's very little debate here: xenoestrogens are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. They are most abundant in specific types of plastic, as well as chemical pesticides. They have a deleterious effect on men, often resulting in a drastic reduction of testosterone, the development of fatty tissue around the abdomen, and even breast development in extreme cases. The consequences are equally as bad or worse for women, but unfortunately less noticeable.

Tv dinners, cheaply manufactured makeup products, plastic water bottles, and even certain types of tupperware can all leech these toxic xenoestrogens into your skin, food and beverages. This is especially true when the plastics are exposed to heat. The best thing you can do to avoid them is to switch to glass or ceramic containers and dishes. You should also try your best to make your own meals from fresh ingredients which are either organic or are sustainably farmed with natural pesticides. This will significantly reduce your xenoestrogen exposure and protect you from things like:

Miscarriage
Diabetes
Premature Puberty
Endometriosis
Infertility
Obesity
Specific types of cancer, especially of the breast, testicles, and prostate

Fun Facts About Estrogen

So far, this article has been pretty dry and technical. But we want to end things on an informative yet fun note. Below are some very interesting facts about estrogen that most people don't know:

Estrogen makes you feel frisky - For men, testosterone (the male sex hormone) plays a significant role and making sure they have a healthy libido. Well, guess what? The same is true for women! Healthy estrogen levels are important for an active and fulfilling sex life.
Estrogen gives you eagle eye vision - Other problems higher estrogen levels can prevent include blurry vision, dry eye, and vision changes. They can even reduce glaucoma risk.
Estrogen makes you smarter - Estrogen is essential for overall brain health. It regulates things like blood flow, neuronal efficiency, and even helps you grow new brain cells. Estrogen is literally food for thought!
Estrogen is good for your heart - The fact that men are statistically more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease is no coincidence. They have lower levels of estrogen, which can result in arteriosclerosis, artery hardening, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and elevated triglycerides.
Estrogen gives you a golden glow - But be careful, because this may come at a price. Estrogen increases your skin sensitivity to both tanning beds and natural light. So although it's easier for women to get that beach bunny look, be sure to do it in moderation!