The Effects of Lack of Estrogen

A lack of estrogen can result from disorders in your pituitary gland or ovaries, life events such as pregnancy and hormonal changes after childbirth and menopause. The effects of a lack of estrogen may be intermittent or persistent, and some women may be able to reduce their symptoms by using hormone replacements or making lifestyle changes. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, the effects of a lack of estrogen include mood disorders and sexual dysfunction.

Mood Changes

• A lack of estrogen may increase your risk of mood changes such as irritability, fatigue, a short temper and mental health disorders, such as depression.

Skin Changes

• You may experience changes in your skin as a result of low estrogen, including dryness, increased sweating, hot flashes and new deposits of fat on your stomach and thighs.

Physical Appearance

• Your physical appearance may change as a result of a lack of estrogen. There may be a decrease in the size or shape of your breasts and thinning of the hair on your scalp.

Menstrual Cycle

• Changes in your menstrual cycles, such as irregular or more frequent bleeding, heavier or more sparse bleeding and more cramps may result from a lack of estrogen.

Infertility

• If your estrogen level becomes too low, you may be unable to ovulate or sustain a pregnancy, resulting in primary or secondary infertility.

Sexual Dysfunction

• A decrease in natural vaginal lubrication during intercourse, inability to orgasm and a loss of interest in sex are effects of a lack of estrogen that result in sexual dysfunction.