Estrogen: what it does and how to spot a problem

Ever feel tired, bloated, or moody and wonder if hormones are to blame? Estrogen is more than a reproductive hormone — it helps your bones, brain, skin, and heart. When levels are too high or too low, your body sends clear signals. Knowing what to look for and what to test can save you time and stress.

Common signs of estrogen imbalance

Low estrogen often shows up as hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, low libido, and trouble sleeping. You might also notice joint pain or thinning skin. Low estrogen can make bones weaker over time.

High estrogen can cause heavy or painful periods, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and weight gain around the hips. Some people with excess estrogen also report headaches or more frequent mood dips. If you’re on hormone therapy, symptoms that worsen deserve a quick check-in with your provider.

Testing, treatment options, and simple steps you can take

Want to know your levels? Doctors usually check blood estradiol (E2) and may look at FSH and LH if periods have changed. Timing matters — for premenopausal women, tests are often done at a specific point in the cycle. For postmenopausal people, a single estradiol test gives useful info.

Treatment depends on the cause. For low estrogen during menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can relieve hot flashes, protect bone, and improve sleep and mood. HRT comes in pills, patches, gels, or vaginal products. If excess estrogen is the issue, doctors focus on the root cause—like certain tumors, medications, or lifestyle factors—and treat that specifically.

Be aware of risks: estrogen can raise the risk of blood clots and may affect breast cancer risk depending on type and duration of use. That’s why doctors pick the lowest effective dose and tailor treatment to your health history. Always talk openly about family history, smoking, and past blood clots before starting HRT.

Simple things you can do now: keep a symptom diary to spot patterns, quit or cut back on smoking, move your body regularly (weight-bearing exercise helps bone), eat a balanced diet with calcium and vitamin D, and maintain a healthy weight. These steps support hormone balance and overall health.

If you’re taking other meds, mention estrogen to your provider — it can change how some drugs work. And if you have sudden severe symptoms, like chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden leg swelling, seek care right away.

Want a next step? Note your top symptoms, get a timed blood test, and schedule a short call with your clinician to review options. Estrogen issues are common and manageable with the right plan.