How to Know If One Needs Estrogen

Estrogen is a group of steroids that aid the menstrual cycle in the female body. Estrogen is most commonly given to women who are post-menopausal to lessen the symptoms of menopause. Symptoms like hot flashes, depression, mood swings and vaginal dryness can be lessened with a small dose of estrogen therapy. Although most women will not be given the amount of estrogen that their body had originally been producing before menopause, it is just enough to provide relief for menopause symptoms during the difficult transition.

Instructions

1

Monitor your symptoms. It is difficult to pinpoint a mood swing if you are in the middle of one, so ask your spouse or a friend if they think you are suffering from mood swings and to notify you when they think you are experiencing one. If you feel you are getting hot during the day or experience heavy sweating, you may be suffering hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause. Finally, if you are experiencing irregular periods or not menstruating whatsoever, this is a clear sign you are going through menopause.

2

Take your age into account. If you are around the age of 51, the average age most women start to experience menopause, you are probably suffering from a lower estrogen than in the rest of your life. If you are under the age of 51 but still experiencing these symptoms, you may be in perimenopause, where your body is still menstruating, but you are transitioning into menopause.

3

See a doctor. A doctor is best able to determine whether your symptoms are as a result of menopause or if you are suffering from another ailment where the symptoms may be similar.

4

Get an estrogen test. A doctor can administer a blood test to determine if your estrogen levels are low. If you are suffering symptoms and your estrogen levels are also low, your doctor will likely prescribe a low-level estrogen pill to decrease the symptoms.