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Writer's pictureKathy DePalo-Mooney

How Estrogen Helps Your Everyday Health

Also known as female sex hormone, estrogens are present in both males and

females, although they are more abundant in women. Perhaps the most popular

amongst all hormones, it refers to a cluster of hormones with the same chemical

makeup and they have a significant impact on the organs, cells, and the overall

growth and functioning of the human body. These hormones are formed not only

in the ovaries, but also in adrenal glands and fat tissues. In the rest of this article,

you will know more about the different functions of estrogen in the human body,

and hence, providing you with a better understanding on how it is essential to

one’s health.


Physical Development of the Body

One of the most widely researched effects of estrogens on women’s health deals

with how they have an impact on physical appearance. This is comparable to

the way by which testosterone works amongst men, which is responsible for manly

characteristics, such as muscle mass. Estrogen, on the other hand, is mainly

responsible for defining a woman’s body an in making its physical structure

significantly different from that of a man.


The following are some of the effects of estrogen on the physical body of a

woman:

  • Having lesser and finer body hair

  • Preserving bone density, which makes shoulders narrower and pelvis broader

  • Shorter vocal cords resulting into a higher-pitched voice

  • Reduces muscle mass

  • Accelerates the ability of the body to burn fat

  • Develops fuller breasts

  • Production of milk

Brain Functioning and Development

Aside from the effects of estrogen on the physical health of women, several

studies in the past have resulted into empirical evidences showing its effects on

mental health. For instance, it has been claimed that estrogen is instrumental in

the delaying of memory loss, which often happens as a result of aging. In as early

as 1988, this has already been proven in a study by Barbara Sherwin. Women who

had their uterus and ovaries removed have been the subject of the investigation.

Those who have been given estrogen responded better on verbal tests and

showed better cognitive functions. Aside from delaying memory loss, it also helps

in the modification of endorphins in the brain, or what are also known as happy

hormones, making it able to provide favorable effects on mood.


Bone Health and Formation

As it has been earlier mentioned, estrogen is responsible for the preservation of

bone density and in making women appear to be smaller as against men. More

than that, estrogen is also claimed to be instrumental in preserving the strength of

the bones. This is possible by working together with calcium and Vitamin D,

amongst other vitamins and minerals. Once the level of estrogen in the body

become slower, which happens as a natural effect of aging, it also accelerates

the breaking down of bones.


Skin Health

Most of the concentrations of estrogen in the body of a woman can be seen on

the face and the skin above the thighs and breasts. In a study published at the

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, it has been reiterated that estrogen

can reverse the visible signs of aging. It is believed that the hormone can aid in

increasing skin elasticity and giving it a youthful glow in spite of growing older. In relation to its positive effects on skin health, the same study also supports how

estrogen can speed up the healing of wounds.


Cardiovascular Health

An ample amount of studies in the past have also supported claims with regards

to how estrogen can prove to be an agent of a better heart health and in the

prevention of a wide array of cardiovascular diseases. One research from the

University of London has revealed that this is possible as the hormone allows the

immune system to have a better defense. This can also make a good explanation

on why heart diseases are more commonly experienced by men as opposed to

women. There is also a positive correlation between estrogen levels in the body

and the behavior of white blood cells, which are essential in fighting infections

that can negatively affect cardiovascular health. These white blood cells will stick

to the blood vessels and will prevent any damage that will be bad for your heart.

 

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