Estrone (E1) is one of the three main estrogens produced in the human body, mainly in the ovaries for women and in smaller amounts in the adrenal glands for both genders. It's a potent hormone that plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system. During a woman's reproductive years, estrone works together with two other estrogens, estradiol and estriol, to manage the menstrual cycle. However, after menopause, estrone becomes the primary estrogen in the body. It's also unique because it can be converted from androstenedione, a hormone that can change into testosterone, highlighting the complex interaction of hormones in the body.
If Your Levels Are High
Elevated E1 levels might suggest a hormonal imbalance in your body, which can be caused by various factors. For instance, as you approach menopause, your body produces less of other estrogens, making E1 more dominant. Lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and exercise can also impact your E1 levels. Some medications, such as hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, might raise E1 levels too. Additionally, certain conditions like obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to higher E1 levels, as fat cells produce estrone and hormone production is affected in PCOS.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of E1 could include irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and weight gain.
If Your Levels are Low
Low levels of E1 might suggest that there's an imbalance in your body's hormones, which could be due to various reasons. For women, this can happen naturally as they age, especially during menopause when the ovaries produce less estrogen. Some lifestyle factors might also contribute to lower E1 levels, such as high stress, poor diet, not enough exercise, and certain medications like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. There are also some health conditions that could lead to lower E1 levels, like adrenal fatigue, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid issues. Keep in mind that hormones are all connected, so when one is out of balance, it can affect the others, creating a complex network of interactions within your body.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of E1 may include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, decreased libido, fatigue, and bone loss.