Can somebody explain to me what estrogens really are?
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This is a topic that I always had trouble to understand because it seems thoroughly propagandized as a sex hormone and it is hard to find sources that do not make that base assumption.
- What is Estrogen on a fundamental level?
- If Estrogen is a toxin then why does the body produce it? Is it a just a byproduct/waste product or is it necessary for some processes?
- Is Estrogen significant for human dimorphism? Why does the female body produce so much more of it than men's body?
- What is the effect of too much estrogen?
I understand that the liver binds other substances to estrogen to get rid of it through the gut and that some bacteria in the gut reactivate the estrogens.
- Do all anti-estrogen substances work by eliminating these bacteria or are there other mechanisms to reduce estrogen?
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It's a stress hormone. You need stress hormones to develop, thrive and survive.
The problem is the excessive and unopposed (by enough progesterone) action of it.
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@natureman said in Can somebody explain to me what estrogens really are?:
It's a stress hormone. You need stress hormones to develop, thrive and survive.
The problem is the excessive and unopposed (by enough progesterone) action of it.
Thanks for summarizing
Are estrogen and estradiol the same thing?
Estrogen is often referred to as estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Of the previously mentioned forms of estrogen, estradiol is the most common form of estrogen hormone for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the treatment of symptoms of menopause.
Estrogen referred as class hormone: E1 E2 E3
Estrone (E1) is the primary form of estrogen that your body makes after menopause. Estradiol (E2) is the primary form of estrogen in your body during your reproductive years. It's the most potent form of estrogen. Estriol (E3) is the primary form of estrogen during pregnancy.
Estrogens utility
Estrogen is a steroid hormone, often associated with the female reproductive organs, responsible for developing female sexual characteristics, but not only. Male body needs estrogen to function properly.
Estrogens play a role in almost all aspects of energy homeostasis and metabolism. DOI: 10.1210/er.2012-1055
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113808
Quoting Natureman:
Estrogen is a stress hormone. “You need stress hormones to develop, thrive and survive”.
The problem is when there is an excess and unregulated situation (by enough progesterone). When it lasts too long (often repetitive). Too much or too little estrogen can cause health problems in all people, including men.
Testosterone in the presence of aromatase enzyme
Testosterone can be converted into estradiol using the enzyme aromatase. Estradiol is used by the male body for:
• regulating sex drive
• achieving erections
• producing sperm
• testicular function
Estrogen also has other functions in the human body. It can help control cholesterol levels and maintain bone and heart health. It also affects mood, skin, and other tissues of the body.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/estrogen-in-men?c=43533153689
Aromatase activity in RA
Pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulate aromatase activity. A hormone involved in aromatase activity is vitamin D, which downregulates aromatase in human RA macrophages.
Note: RA = rheumatoid arthritis.
Sex hormones play an active role in inflammatory responses, with androgens being anti-inflammatory, whereas estrogens have both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects.
DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12398 -
Thanks, what does "stress hormone" specifically mean here? It doesn't sound related to the hormones that are usually called "stress hormones" like adrenalin or cortisol.
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Peatbot.com: Estrogen is considered a stress hormone because it is involved in the body's response to stress and can be produced in response to various stressors. The context provided explains several mechanisms by which estrogen is linked to stress:
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Increased Sensitivity and Production: Estrogen increases the sensitivity of CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) nerves, which are involved in the stress response. It also contributes to hypoglycemia by impairing the counterregulatory system, which can be a stressor for the body.
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Cellular Stress and Estrogen Receptors: Cellular stress, whether chemical, mechanical, hypoxemic, or hypoglycemic, increases estrogen receptors, which activate CRH and the stress response. This means that under stress, cells are more likely to bind estrogen, which modifies their function.
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Production in Response to Stress: Any tissue of the body that is stressed can start to produce estrogen. This is a basic reaction to stress, and with aging or loss of anti-stress hormones like thyroid, progesterone, and pregnenolone, tissues may produce more estrogen.
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Role in Aging and Stress: With aging, estrogen begins to be produced throughout the body, and stress can lead to inappropriate and continuous synthesis of estrogen. This is compounded by factors like polyunsaturated fats, which activate the aromatase enzyme that synthesizes estrogen.
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Impact on Metabolism and Energy: Estrogen can lower the metabolic rate and temperature, acting through mediators like serotonin, which are also involved in stress responses. It can also interfere with mitochondrial energy production, mimicking the effects of age-damaged mitochondria.
Overall, estrogen's involvement in stress responses and its production in stressed tissues highlight its role as a stress hormone.
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@pittybitty said in Can somebody explain to me what estrogens really are?:
Thanks, what does "stress hormone" specifically mean here? It doesn't sound related to the hormones that are usually called "stress hormones" like adrenalin or cortisol.
When estrogen takes place, it is followed by serotonin. So, too long or not adapted (sensitive ground), it is counterproductive. Useful but must be counterbalanced.
Like a soft / light heat. Measure is all.
We could make a comparison with calcium: needed for contraction but must be followed by rest.
RP has explained it in one article. I come back with one excerpt. -
*) Estrogen Induces Hypoxia across Various Biological Sites – Ray PEAT
https://raypeat.com/articles/articles/imprinting.shtml
=> Estrogen brings vasodilation and induces hypoxia. This is mediated by increased levels of prostacyclin and nitric oxide as well as decreased levels of endothelin-1.
DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e31817d1a92
Why do vessels dilate in hypoxia?
Pulmonary arteries (PA) constrict in response to alveolar hypoxia, whereas systemic arteries (SA) undergo dilation. These physiological responses reflect the need to improve gas exchange in the lung, and to enhance the delivery of blood to hypoxic systemic tissues.
DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2010.08.007
*) Estrogens stimulate cortisol production- HPA function is highly influenced by circulating glucocorticoids induced by estrogens.
- In the presence of estradiol there is a dysregulation of the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis).
How does the HPA axis work?
How does the HPA axis work?
• In response to a stressful situation, your autonomic nervous system triggers your hypothalamus to release corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH).
• CRH triggers your anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
• ACTH then triggers your adrenal glands, specifically your adrenal cortex, to release cortisol.
The HPA axis is meant to have a fine-tuned negative feedback loop (to tell the brain to stop releasing cortisol)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-hpa-axis
Shortly said: No need to understand how. Keep in mind that too often or too long is not adapted.
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Can anyone explain why I seem to feel so much better in the first half of my menstrual cycle when estrogen is higher and my temps are lower?
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@Sippy your pituitary activity is most likely tamed by that estrogen, suppressing things like TSH, LH, FSH which are all inflammatory and vexing. It is one effect, but not the way to go about it, but its physiology happens.
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@bio3nergetic thanks for the explanation. I take progesterone in the second half of my cycle but am questioning if it could be making mood and constipation worse. Overall, I know it has helped me but I wish I could feel the way I do before ovulation all the time!
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@Sippy it very well could be interfering with that estrogen activity. Indirectly, higher carbohydrate can have the same positive effects, especially so when taking progesterone. Generally, mineral intake and carbohydrate as easy digestible forms, is important when taking more progesterone.
