I thought we could talk about the actions and functions of estrogen in the body. Estrogen is actually a family of hormones that have over 400 functions in the body. We will discuss the primary ones that attract the most attention:
- It helps our heart and kidneys by protecting blood vessels against forming plaque and inflammation.
- It does this by dilating the vessels and preventing platelets from clotting too quickly.
- Because of the dilation of blood vessels, it also increases cerebral blood flow.
- It also increases the production of HDL and decreases LDL cholesterols.
- It protects bones by decreasing the breakdown of bone and increasing absorption of calcium in the digestive track.
- It helps regulate body temperature.
- It stimulates the hippocampus, which is important for memory and learning.
- Its antioxidant effects reduce harmful free radicals and decreases inflammation.
Being postmenopausal does not mean we must take hormones since the body is capable of making hormones and converting them in other organs once the ovaries are no longer the primary source. The adrenal glands and fat cells are able to produce testosterone and androstenedione. Androstenedione gets converted to estrone and estradiol. Every woman’s body is unique in its capacity to make and utilize these hormones. It certainly does give us plenty to think about when making informed decisions about how to best take care of our body.
Brenda
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Brenda Houdlette
