When your estrogen levels are off, your body can feel off too. Estrogen is a sex hormone that has many functions: It controls the menstrual cycle; keeps cholesterol in check; protects bone health; and affects your brain, bones, heart, skin, and other tissues.
"There are many reasons you can have low estrogen, but most commonly, it is a normal change women go through during menopause," explains Navya Mysore, MD, family provider at One Medical. "Symptoms at that time can be hot flashes, excessive sweating, and vaginal dryness. One sign that is common is low bone mass, as we have reduced estrogen levels in menopause."
Your estrogen levels are highest in the middle of your menstrual cycle and lowest during your period. According to the Endocrine Society, other symptoms of low estrogen levels include menstrual periods that are less frequent or that stop, trouble sleeping, low sexual desire, mood swings, and dry skin.