Estrogen:
When we think of Estrogen we usually reference this hormone to the female
reproductive system. But in fact estrogen is produced in both men and women
just at different amounts.
There are three different varieties of estrogens, which are: Estrone (E1), Estradiol
(E2) and Estriol (E3).
Estrone (E1) is produced in small amounts in men and women in the adrenal
glands and adipose tissue, which is fat, where it is also stored.
Estradiol (E2) is the hormone specifically responsible for most of the estrogen
activity. In men it is produced in the testes and adrenal glands and in women it is
produced in the ovaries. This form of estrogen is synthesized from the androgen
testosterone. Estriol (E3) is the form of estrogen most abundant during
pregnancy and is produced by the placenta.
In women Estrogen has a great responsibility in tending to the reproductive
organs including vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, utter and mammary glands
found in the breasts. The estrogen found in the ovaries helps to stimulate the
pituitary gland, which sends a signal to the brain to release hormones to aid in
follicle development. The egg then travels down the fallopian tubes by way of
muscular contractions, which estrogen is responsible for safely transporting the
egg into the uterus. Estrogens provide the adequate amount of mucosal
secretions lining the uterine wall as well as the cervix in the vagina to aid in ease
of transport of the sperm.
Estrogens are the hormones that influence the formation and bone structure in
women. Estrogen influences the narrower shoulders, broader hips, shorter bones
and softer contour of tissue around the muscles and in the breasts giving women
a distinctive form. Estrogen also affects the pitch of the voice in women. The
voice box is smaller and hair is finer and more prominent on the head and less on
the body than men.
In men estrogen also helps with the development of the male reproductive
system. Specific characteristics being a deeper voice, greater amount of body
hair, longer and stronger bones, growth and maturation of sperm as well as
muscle development. Estrogen also influences the regulation of the heart rate
and the function and development of the brain. If the levels of estrogen in men
are too high they can experience a wide array of negative symptoms; increased
weight gain, male boobs, loss of muscle mass and sex drive just to name a few.
The more fat a man has accumulated around the mid section will create an
environment where greater levels of Aromatase are present and therefore a man
will have greater levels of estrogen in the body.
Estrogen is a very specialized fat that plays a very important part in the
development of the physical and sexual characteristics of men and women as
well as reproduction. It is important to maintain the delicate balance of estrogen
levels to ensure a system that is harmonious in its function. As we age estrogen
increases in men due to the drop in testosterone and estrogen decreases in
women causing the gradual cessation of ovulation, which comes with it great
symptoms of discomfort. These don’t have to be endured, and can be managed
with wisdom and attention to our unique hormonal levels.
Awareness of the importance of these hormones within your body and knowing
their purpose and function is the first step to consciously taking charge of your
health at a cellular level. This will have a lasting impact on your ability to thrive
physically and enhance your emotional well being.