Little-Known Signs of Low Estrogen Levels

When you think of low estrogen, you might picture hot flashes or irregular periods. However, the effects of low estrogen go beyond the usual symptoms, and some of them may surprise you. 

Estrogen is involved in many of your body’s systems, and when levels drop (due to menopause, certain medical conditions, or hormonal imbalances), the ripple effects can present in unexpected ways.

Below, Dr. N'Dama Bamba, MD, MPH, and our Dr. Bamba’s Health and Medical Center team highlight six little-known signs of low estrogen and how we can help restore your hormones. 

1. Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal infections

Estrogen helps maintain the natural acidity and moisture in your vaginal tissues, which can create a protective barrier against bacteria. When estrogen levels fall, this barrier weakens and increases the risk of UTIs, yeast infections, and general irritation.

2. Brain fog

If you’ve been struggling to remember words, stay focused, or keep up with multitasking, low estrogen might be partly to blame. Estrogen supports cognitive function and helps regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. 

The bottom line is that when levels drop, mental clarity can also be impacted.

3. Arthralgia (joint pain)

Many people don’t realize that estrogen affects their joint health. Low estrogen levels can lead to inflammation and reduced joint lubrication. This can lead to stiffness, aches, or even symptoms that mimic arthritis. 

As many as 50% of post-menopausal women experience this type of joint pain.

4. Hair and skin changes

Estrogen keeps your skin elastic and hydrated. When levels decline, you might notice your skin becoming drier, thinner, or more wrinkled. Some women also experience thinning hair or increased hair shedding — especially around the crown and hairline.

5. Sleep issues

Estrogen helps regulate your body’s temperature and sleep cycle. If you’re tossing and turning, waking up drenched in sweat, or feeling unrested in the morning, a hormonal imbalance might be disrupting your natural rhythm.

6. Digestive issues

Bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion can all be tied to estrogen changes. Estrogen interacts with your gut microbiome and supports smooth muscle function in the intestines — so when it dips, your digestion can slow down.

The estrogen-microbiome axis isn’t just linked to digestion speed. Poor gut health (due to hormonal imbalances) can also lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. 

What to do if you spot these signs of low estrogen

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms — especially in combination — it may be time to check your hormone levels. Dr. Bamba and our team at Health and Medical Center offer comprehensive evaluations to help identify whether low estrogen or other hormone imbalances are affecting your health.

Restore your estrogen levels with hormone replacement therapy 

If your lab work shows that your estrogen levels are low, Dr. Bamba can recommend the right type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to meet your unique needs and health goals.

HRT is available in several forms, including patches, pills, creams, injections, and oral medications. You’re not limited to daily pills and creams, though. Dr. Bamba also offers long-acting implants. 

Dr. Bamba inserts a tiny pellet — about the size of a grain of rice — just beneath your skin. This implant steadily releases hormones into your system and gives you a consistent, safe, and long-lasting way to restore balance and reduce symptoms of low estrogen. No need to fuss with daily pills! 

Talk to us

With the right treatment, you don’t have to live with the discomfort of hormone imbalance. Dr. Bamba’s personalized approach helps you feel more like yourself again.

To find the solution that’s right for you, schedule an appointment online or give us a call at 443-493-7760.