Estrogen is an important hormone for both reproductive and non-reproductive health in women. During the reproductive years, estrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries. However, after menopause, when ovarian function declines, peripheral tissues take over as the main source of estrogen.
The most significant sources of estrogen after menopause are:
- Adipose tissue: Body fat is the primary source of estrogen after menopause. The enzyme aromatase converts adrenal androgens like androstenedione into estrone, the main form of estrogen post-menopause. Higher body fat = higher aromatase activity = more estrone production.
- Adrenal glands: The adrenals continue to produce androstenedione after menopause. This androgen is converted to estrone in fat cells and other tissues. Stress and adrenal issues can impact postmenopausal estrogen levels.
- Skin: Skin has aromatase activity and converts circulating androgens into estradiol, which has stronger estrogenic activity than estrone. Optimizing skin health may support estrogen production.
- Bones: Bone cells like osteoblasts and osteocytes can produce estrogen through aromatase to act locally. This autocrine/paracrine estrogen influences bone health and turnover.
Other peripheral sites that contribute smaller amounts of estrogen:
- Breasts
- Arteries
- Liver
- Pancreatic cells
Importance of postmenopausal estrogen
Even though levels are lower than premenopause, estrogen continues to play vital roles like:
- Bone health: Estrogen reduces bone resorption and loss after menopause
- Heart health: Estrogen has a protective effect on cardiovascular function
- Brain function: Estrogen supports cognition, memory and may reduce dementia risk
- Urogenital health: Estrogen prevents atrophy and dryness of tissues like vagina
Need help balancing hormones in perimenopause or postmenopause?
Our integrative providers at
Elite Hormone Health specialize in the unique hormonal changes that occur at midlife and beyond for women. We offer customized bioidentical
hormone therapy, nutrition plans, stress management and targeted supplements to help ease this transition and optimize your vitality.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call or visit menopausesymptoms.info to learn more.
We are currently offering
25% off initial visits for new perimenopausal and menopausal patients this month.
So in summary, key points about estrogen after menopause:
- Main source shifts from ovaries to tissues like fat cells
- Aromatase converts adrenal androgens to estrone
- Many body systems still require estrogen to function properly
- Bioidentical hormone replacement can help relieve deficiency signs
- Specialists like those at Elite Hormone Health provide support
Let me know if you have any other questions!