Feeling Tired, Moody, or Off Lately? It Might Be Low Estrogen—Here’s What You Need to Know Before It Gets Worse!

Feeling off lately—tired, unfocused, or not quite yourself? These subtle changes might be signs of low estrogen, a key hormone that affects your mood, energy, sleep, bones, skin, and more. When estrogen drops, your body can feel out of sync.

While low estrogen is common with aging and menopause, it can also happen earlier and lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Many people dismiss the symptoms as stress or aging, but if they’re disrupting your daily life, it’s time to pay attention.

This guide will help you understand what low estrogen is, how it impacts your health, and what you can do to feel better.

What Is Estrogen and Why Does It Matter

Estrogen is a hormone made mostly in the ovaries, and it's essential for much more than just reproduction. It supports bone strength, skin health, heart function, and brain performance, making it vital for overall well-being.

Estrogen levels naturally rise and fall during the menstrual cycle. But when levels stay consistently low, it can lead to health issues. This often happens during menopause, but younger people can also experience low estrogen due to stress, health conditions, or other factors.

Importantly, estrogen isn’t just a “female” hormone. Everyone has it—including men, who need small amounts for bone and body health. A hormone imbalance can affect anyone, so it’s crucial to recognize when estrogen levels drop and understand what that means for your body.

Who Is Affected by Low Estrogen

Low estrogen isn’t just a concern for women in menopause—it can affect people at different stages of life. According to studies, certain groups are more at risk, including:

• Menopausal or postmenopausal women, as estrogen naturally drops with age
• Women who’ve had their ovaries removed due to surgery or medical conditions
• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation that affects the ovaries
• Young women with primary ovarian insufficiency, where the ovaries stop functioning before age 40
• Teens or young adults with delayed puberty, who may not produce enough estrogen for normal development
• People with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, which can disrupt hormone production
• Female athletes under high stress, who may develop hypothalamic amenorrhea and stop menstruating
• Men with low estrogen, who may experience bone loss, increased belly fat, or reduced sex drive

While it’s more common in women, low estrogen can affect anyone. Paying attention to your body and recognizing unusual changes early can make a big difference in getting the right care.

Key Symptoms to Watch For

Low estrogen can cause many different symptoms. These signs may show up slowly or become more noticeable over time. Some people feel like something is off, but can’t explain why. Knowing what to look for can help you take action sooner.

Here are common symptoms linked to low estrogen:

• Hot flashes or sudden waves of heat in your face and body
• Night sweats that interrupt your sleep
• Mood swings, feeling easily irritated, or low moods
• Fatigue and a lack of energy during the day
• Trouble concentrating or feeling like your brain is foggy
• Vaginal dryness, which can make sex painful
• Irregular periods or no periods at all
• Weight gain, especially around your belly
• Tender breasts or discomfort in your chest
• Dry skin that feels rough or itchy
• Decreased sex drive or interest in intimacy
• Headaches, especially before or during your period
• Trouble sleeping, even when you feel tired
• Weak or brittle bones, which may lead to fractures later on

You may not have all these symptoms, but even a few can be a sign that your estrogen is low. If these changes are making life harder, it’s time to talk to a doctor.

Common Causes of Low Estrogen

Low estrogen can result from age, health conditions, or certain treatments. Identifying the cause helps guide the best treatment plan. Common causes include:

• Aging: Estrogen naturally drops during menopause as the ovaries stop working.
• Eating disorders: Conditions like anorexia or bulimia can stop the body from making hormones.
• Genetic conditions: Disorders like Turner syndrome or Fragile X syndrome can affect hormone levels.
• Autoimmune diseases: These can attack the ovaries and stop them from working properly.
• Primary ovarian insufficiency: This happens when the ovaries stop before age 40, causing early menopause.
• Cancer treatments: Radiation and chemotherapy can damage the ovaries and lower estrogen levels.
• Ovary removal surgery: Taking out one or both ovaries lowers the amount of estrogen in the body.
• Pituitary gland problems: This gland sends signals to make estrogen. If it’s not working, hormone levels may drop.
• Hypothalamic amenorrhea: When the brain doesn’t send the right signals due to stress or too much exercise, estrogen drops, and periods can stop.

Each person’s body is different. That’s why it’s important to find out what’s causing the change in your hormones before starting any treatment.

Getting Diagnosed

If you think your estrogen might be low, the only way to confirm it is through a blood test. According to studies, this test is the most accurate way to measure estrogen levels in your body. It checks for three types of estrogen:

• Estrone (E1): the main type found after menopause
• Estradiol (E2): the strongest form, most common during your reproductive years
• Estriol (E3): is mostly present during pregnancy

Your doctor may recommend this test if you’re experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, missed periods, or other signs of a hormone imbalance. It’s also useful if you’ve had surgery like a hysterectomy, or are unsure whether menopause has started. While not everyone needs an estrogen test, studies show it can provide important answers when symptoms begin to interfere with daily life.

Treatment Options for Low Estrogen

If you have low estrogen, treatment depends on your age, symptoms, and what’s causing the imbalance. According to studies, some people see improvements through lifestyle changes, while others may need medical treatment.

Lifestyle changes to support hormone balance

• Keep a healthy weight—being underweight can lower estrogen levels
• Exercise in moderation—too much intense activity can disrupt hormones
• Get 7–9 hours of sleep each night
• Manage stress through deep breathing, journaling, or gentle movement

Medical treatment for low estrogen

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may be recommended to raise estrogen levels. It comes in forms like pills, patches, creams, or vaginal rings.

• Estrogen-only therapy is for people without a uterus
• Estrogen + progesterone therapy is for those with a uterus, to balance hormones

Doctors usually prescribe the lowest effective dose, as long-term use (over 5 years) has been linked to higher risks of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke.

For symptoms like vaginal dryness or pain during sex, local estrogen treatments—like creams or inserts—can help without affecting the whole body.

Every treatment plan should be tailored to your needs. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for your body and health goals.

Natural Ways to Support Estrogen Levels

While natural remedies won’t replace medical treatment, they can support hormone balance as part of a healthy routine. Always check with your doctor before starting anything new.

Some foods have plant-based estrogens called “phytoestrogens”. These are natural compounds that act like weak forms of estrogen in your body. Some studies suggest they may help with symptoms like hot flashes.

Foods that contain phytoestrogens include:

• Soybeans and soy products (like tofu and soy milk)
• Lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts
• Flaxseeds and sunflower seeds
• Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
• Fruits like apples, pears, plums, and grapes

Helpful vitamins and minerals:

• Boron, a mineral that helps your body use hormones
• Vitamin B, which helps your body make estrogen
• Vitamin D, which works like a hormone and supports estrogen levels
• Vitamin E, which may help ease hot flashes and improve sleep

Popular herbal supplements (use with caution):

• Black cohosh – for hot flashes
• Red clover – may ease menopause symptoms
• DHEA – a hormone that helps make estrogen

Supplements aren’t FDA-regulated, so quality and safety vary. Always talk to your doctor first, especially if you’re on other medications or managing health conditions.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Hormone changes are normal, but persistent symptoms—like hot flashes, mood swings, or trouble sleeping—shouldn’t be ignored. If something feels off, it’s time to check in with your doctor.

Questions to ask at your visit:

• Should I get my estrogen levels tested?
• Could low estrogen signal another health issue?
• What lifestyle changes could help?
• Do I need treatment to raise my estrogen?
• Is hormone therapy safe for me? What are the risks?
• Are there specific foods or supplements you recommend?

Your doctor can help pinpoint the cause and guide you to the right care—whether that’s medication, natural support, or both—tailored to your body and your needs.

Wrap Up

Low estrogen can affect your mood, energy, sleep, and overall health. While some changes are part of aging, others may be signs that your body needs help. Knowing the symptoms and causes can guide you toward the right treatment. Simple habits like eating well, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can make a big difference. If symptoms are strong or don’t improve, talk to your doctor. Could your hormones be the reason you haven’t felt like yourself? Getting answers now can help prevent bigger problems later. Don’t wait to take care of your health.