In women, estrogen circulates in the bloodstream and binds to estrogen receptors on cells in targeted tissues, primarily the breast and uterus. Low estrogen hormones have many effects on your body, for example they are responsible for the growth and development of female sexual characteristics and reproduction. The image below shows some of the effects estrogen has in the brain, bones, ovary, heart and other tissues.

Estrogen controls the growth of the uterine lining during the first part of the menstrual cycle, what makes the receiving and nutrition of a fertilized egg and later a developing fetus possible. The natural estrogen hormone also causes changes in the breasts during adolescence and pregnancy. Additionally estrogen regulates various other metabolic processes, including bone growth and density as well as the production of cholesterol.

Estrogen plays a very important role in the development of a fetus. The effects of low estrogen will not trigger maturation of the lungs, kidneys, liver, adrenal glands and other organs. In fact, the placenta itself would never grow and operate properly with the effects of low estrogen. Also, an important role of estrogen during pregnancy is to regulate the production of progesterone over the full term. As estrogen is produced by the placenta, progesterone production is stimulated and regulated.

There are many more effects of estrogen hormones to the female body. The list below shows some of these:

. Helps to protect against heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis
. Assists in the lactation process
. Maintains the endometrium during pregnancy
. Promotes blood flow within the uterus
. Maintains, regulates and triggers the production of other hormones

How to treat the effects of low estrogen: Three levels of approaches can be considered for balancing hormonal levels: (1)lifestyle changes, (2)alternative approaches and (3)drugs and surgery. The safest way is to start with the least risky approach and go on to the next level only if it is necessary. To read more about the three approaches of treating the effects of low estrogen, click on the link and go on to treatments.