Is It Better to Have High or Low Estrogen? The Truth Revealed

Estrogen. It’s one of those hormones that we hear about constantly, but how much do we really know about it? Honestly, I’ve had my own struggles with understanding whether high or low estrogen is better for me. You’ve probably wondered this too. Is it good to have a lot of it, or is it better to keep it low? Let’s dive into the facts, because the answer isn’t as simple as you might think.

What is Estrogen and Why Does it Matter?

Well, before we start talking about high or low levels, let’s quickly break down what estrogen actually is. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density, and even affecting mood. It’s mainly produced in the ovaries, though smaller amounts are also produced in the adrenal glands and fat tissues.

I remember chatting with a friend about this a while ago, and she was surprised to learn that estrogen is also involved in keeping our skin smooth and even influencing our metabolism. Honestly, I didn’t realize just how much estrogen impacts everything until I looked deeper into it.

The Importance of Balanced Estrogen

In an ideal world, your estrogen levels would be balanced—neither too high nor too low. When your levels are just right, everything functions like a well-oiled machine. But we all know that our bodies don’t always cooperate, right? This is when things can get tricky.

High Estrogen: Good or Bad?

Okay, now let’s talk about high estrogen levels. On the surface, it might seem like more estrogen would be a good thing, especially since it plays a key role in fertility and overall health. But too much estrogen can actually cause some serious issues. High estrogen levels are often linked to conditions like estrogen dominance, where the ratio of estrogen to progesterone is out of balance.

Symptoms of High Estrogen

• Weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs
• Mood swings, irritability, or even anxiety
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Breast tenderness or fibrocystic breast changes

I’ve had friends tell me how they’ve struggled with mood swings and weight gain, and it turns out their estrogen was off the charts. Honestly, it was an eye-opener for me to realize how much estrogen could impact not just our body, but also our mind.

Risks of High Estrogen

• Increased risk of breast cancer and uterine cancer
• Higher chance of developing blood clots
• Endometriosis flare-ups

You know, I’ve always thought of estrogen as something positive for my body, but when it gets too high, it’s definitely not something you want to mess around with. In fact, it can cause more harm than good.

Low Estrogen: The Silent Struggles

On the flip side, low estrogen can also be problematic. For many women, estrogen levels drop significantly during menopause, and this can lead to a variety of symptoms. But it’s not just menopause that affects estrogen. Stress, poor diet, excessive exercise, or certain health conditions can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels too.

Symptoms of Low Estrogen

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Dry skin and hair
• Mood swings or depression
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex

I’ve had moments where I felt emotionally drained and just couldn’t put my finger on why. A quick blood test later, and I learned that my estrogen was lower than it should’ve been. Honestly, the emotional rollercoaster that came with it was no joke! When your body’s hormones aren’t in balance, it can mess with your entire day-to-day life.

Risks of Low Estrogen

• Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
• Decreased libido
• Increased risk of cardiovascular issues

Honestly, I never really considered how important estrogen is in protecting my bones. The thought of osteoporosis as a risk freaked me out a bit. And, let’s face it, who wants to lose their energy or drive because of low estrogen?

Finding the Balance: The Key to Hormonal Health

So, after all this, you might be wondering: Is there a perfect answer to whether high or low estrogen is better? The short answer is no. The key is balance. Your estrogen levels need to be just right—not too high and not too low. I know, it’s easier said than done, but it’s the truth. Maintaining that balance can mean avoiding the health problems associated with both high and low estrogen.

How to Achieve Balanced Estrogen Levels

• Maintain a healthy diet with a good mix of fats, proteins, and fiber.
• Exercise regularly, but don’t overdo it.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques or hobbies you enjoy.
• Speak to your doctor about hormone therapy or supplements if needed.

Honestly, I’ve learned that even small changes in lifestyle can help you keep your estrogen levels in check. I started paying attention to what I eat, making time for stress-relieving activities, and guess what? It really made a difference. But, hey, I’m still learning along the way.

Conclusion: Trust Your Body, But Pay Attention

So, is it better to have high or low estrogen? The real answer is neither. The goal is to find the sweet spot, where your estrogen levels are in balance, allowing you to feel your best physically and mentally. If you’re dealing with any of the symptoms we’ve talked about, it might be worth checking your levels with a healthcare provider. In the end, your body knows what it needs—you just have to listen to it. And remember, it’s okay to seek help if things feel off.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to pay closer attention to your estrogen levels?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.