( image Estradiol-E2 )
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a female hormone produced in the ovaries. Estrogen affects many different systems in the body and has over 400 crucial functions. There are estrogen receptors throughout the body and the effects of estrogen include: regulate body temperature, helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, helps prevent muscle damage and maintain muscles, helps regulate blood pressure, enhances energy, improves mood, maintains memory, increases sexual interest, decreases wrinkles and maintains bone density. Estrogen is not a single hormone but a group of three main related hormones (estrone, estradiol and estriol). Estrogen levels are lower in smokers, which can result in more menopausal symptoms than non-smokers.
Estrone E1
Estrone is the main estrogen produced post menopausally and is derived from conversion of estradiol (E2). E1 is a reserve source of estrogen so when levels are low, estrogen can be drawn from stored E1. High levels of E1 stimulate breast and uterine tissue, which can increase a woman’s risk of developing cancer. Before menopause, E1 is made by the ovaries, adrenal glands, liver, and fat cells, then converted to E2 by the ovaries. As women age, and ovarian function declines, little E1 is made to E2. Subsequently, E1 is made in fat cells, (and in liver and adrenal glands to a lesser amount). Alcohol consumption and obesity contribute to higher E1 levels which can lead to increased risk of breast cancer.
Estradiol E2
Estradiol is the main estrogen produced before menopause and is produced mainly in the ovaries. It is the strongest form of oestrogen, being 12 times stronger than E1 and 80 times stronger than E3. E2 is the main estrogen that is lost at menopause. High levels of E2 are associated with increased risk of breast and uterine cancer. The beneficial effects of E2 include decreased fatigue, works as an antioxidant, improves cholesterol, helps maintain memory, bone, potassium levels, improves sleep, increases endorphins, serotonin and growth hormone and helps with absorption of calcium, magnesium and zinc.
Estriol E3
Estriol E3 is the weakest estrogen but most protective against breast cancer. E3 has been shown to control menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, insomnia and vaginal dryness. Other benefits are seen on the vaginal lining, restoring pH which in turn prevents urinary tract infections and painful intercourse. E3 also increases HDL (good cholesterol), decreases LDL (bad cholesterol) and helps the gut maintain good bacteria.
Biest
A combination of two estrogens: E3 and E2. It is most commonly used in a ratio of 80:20, estriol to estradiol. This combination allows for all the protection of oestriol while providing cardiovascular and osteoporosis benefits. It is important for all women with an intact uterus to take natural progesterone toprotect the uterus from hyperplasia while taking oestrogen.
Triest
A combination of E3, E2 and E1 in the ratio 80:10:10. It is slightly weaker in its effect when compared to biest but this can be compensated for by changing the ratios.
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