Legend has it that there was a magical bottle of liquid in the old cosmetics store in town, and female customers lined up just to get a few drops. It is said that the liquid has an incredible magical power, which can make women glow with enviable charm and make their bodies healthier.
The proprietress smiled and told every customer that it was nothing more than a bottle of estrogen essence - the source of women. In the glow of medicine, we can't help but ask: what are the indispensable roles of estrogen, the "lubricant" of femininity?
1. Estrogen
Estrogen, a term you've probably heard in health magazines or TV commercials, is the guru of the female body, dominating the stages of adolescence and menopause.
Don't underestimate this thing, it affects a woman's body shape, skin, mood, and even bone health. In short, estrogen is to women what water is to fish and the sun is to flowers.
Let's talk about the relationship between estrogen and reproductive health, which is the cornerstone of sex and reproduction. In a woman's body, this thing is like an intelligent system that regulates the reproductive system. It is responsible for planning every aspect of the menstrual cycle to ensure the stability of the uterine lining and prepare for pregnancy.
Without it, women's fertility would be greatly reduced. Think about it, the troubles that come every time the menstrual events come, the ups and downs in the cycle of each month, are all silently manipulated.
Estrogen ensures that women can survive their reproductive years in good health, and in the process, it also adjusts a woman's mood and emotional state, keeping her body and mind in the best possible condition.
2. The important role of estrogen in bone health
Estrogen is a key hormone that regulates women's physiological activities and plays a vital role in maintaining bone health. Physiologically, estrogen acts by binding to estrogen receptors on the surface of bone cells, thereby regulating bone metabolic balance.
Bones maintain a dynamic homeostasis, which is controlled by two processes: bone formation and bone resorption. Under the influence of estrogen, the rate of bone resorption decreases, while promoting the production of bone matrix, maintaining bone density and bone mass.
Studies have shown that estrogen slows down the degradation of collagen and increases the activity of osteoblasts, while inhibiting the formation and function of osteoclasts, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
In premenopausal, women have higher bone density due to higher estrogen levels, while postmenopausal women have an increased risk of osteoporosis as estrogen levels decrease. For this reason, estrogen replacement therapy (HRT) is often used to treat osteoporosis in menopausal women.
In addition to acting directly on bones, estrogen also affects bone health by affecting the absorption and metabolism of calcium, maintaining calcium homeostasis.
Estrogen can increase the efficiency of calcium absorption in the small intestine and reduce the excretion of calcium by the kidneys, ensuring the efficient use of calcium in the body and providing essential mineral support for bone health.
Studies in this area have shown that timely and effective estrogen intervention can significantly improve osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fracture in women.
However, it should be noted that estrogen replacement therapy is not suitable for all populations, and its possible side effects and long-term risks need to be carefully considered under the guidance of a doctor.
3. Estrogen and cardiovascular health: the invisible umbrella
When it comes to cardiovascular health, estrogen plays an invisible but vital role. It not only affects the function and structure of blood vessels, but also participates in the regulation of lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory effects.
Estrogen helps to dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure by enhancing the function of endothelial cells and promoting the production of nitric oxide. In addition, estrogen can act directly on vascular smooth muscle, reduce vascular inflammatory responses, and inhibit the development of atherosclerosis.
Clinical studies have shown that estrogen can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in a number of ways. Specifically, it helps to reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), thereby improving blood lipid levels and blocking the development of cardiovascular disease.
In terms of heart structure, estrogen can inhibit cardiac hypertrophy and ventricular remodeling, and protect heart function.
We should also recognize that the protective effect of estrogen on the cardiovascular system is complex and double-edged. Estrogen replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke in a subset of women, especially those with a family history of cardiovascular disease or other risk factors, while relieving menopausal symptoms.
Therefore, the decision to use HRT, its dosage and duration, needs to be considered individually and under the guidance of a physician.
4. The relationship between estrogen and emotional and cognitive function
Estrogen is not only an important hormone that regulates women's physiological characteristics, but also profoundly affects mood and cognitive function. Scientific studies have shown that estrogen is able to act on the brain through a variety of mechanisms, which in turn affects emotional state and cognitive performance.
Estrogen has a protective effect on the brain, promotes neuronal growth and repair, and strengthens synaptic connections, thereby improving memory and learning.
The regulatory effect of estrogen on mood is mainly reflected in its regulation of the neurotransmitter system. For example, estrogen increases levels of serotonin in the brain, an important mood-regulating neurotransmitter that is closely linked to the treatment of depression.
When estrogen levels decline, such as during menopause or postpartum, women may experience mood swings and even depression, which is related to changes in serotonin levels in the brain.
In terms of cognitive function, the effects of estrogen should not be overlooked. Studies have found that estrogen can improve the function of the hippocampus, a key area of the brain responsible for memory formation and spatial navigation.
Memory decline tends to accelerate with age and declining estrogen levels, suggesting that estrogen plays an important role in maintaining cognitive health.
5. Warning and adjustment of estrogen imbalance
An imbalance in estrogen levels can lead to a range of physical and psychological problems. For example, abnormally high estrogen levels may be associated with an increased risk of diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome and breast cancer, while low levels may lead to health problems such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, monitoring and adjusting estrogen levels is essential for maintaining women's health.
Clinically, doctors usually assess a patient's estrogen levels through blood tests to make appropriate medical interventions based on the results. For women with low estrogen levels, estrogen replacement therapy may be needed to reduce menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
However, estrogen therapy is not without risks, and long-term use may increase the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, so it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and have regular health check-ups when using it.
In addition, lifestyle modifications are also an effective way to regulate estrogen levels. Moderate physical activity, a balanced diet, and good sleep quality all help maintain a balance of hormone levels.
In particular, phytoestrogens in food, such as soy isoflavones, can mimic the effects of estrogen to some extent, helping to regulate estrogen levels in the body.
summary
Through scientific monitoring and appropriate interventions, we can better maintain women's health and reduce various problems caused by changes in estrogen levels.
At the same time, the importance of good lifestyle habits to maintain estrogen balance is emphasized, which is also a non-negligible part of women's health.