Estrogens

Overview

Estrogens are a group of Female Sexual Steroid Hormones produced in the Ovaries and (to a lesser extent in males) the Testes.  Estrogens are also produced within the Brain by Astrocytes.

 

 Metabolic Pathway for Estrogens

Cardiovascular System

 Estrogens may increase High Density Lipoproteins levels and may lower Low Density Lipoproteins levels. 

 Estrogens may improve Blood Circulation to the Brain and thereby alleviate Cerebral Insufficiency.  ^[1]

Musculoskeletal System

 Estrogens may inhibit the production of excessive quantities of Osteoclasts by inhibiting the production of Interleukin 6. 

 Estrogens administered during the five years immediately following Menopause may inhibit the rate of Bone loss that occurs during Osteoporosis by inhibiting the production of Interleukin 6 which in turn inhibits the production of Osteoclasts). Estrogens do NOT influence Bone building which is mediated by Osteoblasts, upon which Estrogens do not exert any effects.  ^[2]

 Supplemental Estrogens only retard the Bone loss associated with Osteoporosis during the five years following Menopause.

        After that period Osteoclast-mediated Bone loss proceeds at the same rate as in those women who are not undergoing Estrogen replacement therapy.

 

Nervous System

 Estrogens, preferably Bio Identical Estrogens, may help to prevent Alzheimer's Disease in post-menopausal women and may improve the mental function of persons afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease.  Estrogens may help to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease via numerous mechanisms.  ^[3]

 Estrogens may improve Blood Circulation to the Frontal Lobe of the Brain.

 Estrogens may normalize Brain Wave generation.

 Estrogens may stimulate the production of and increase the Brain’s sensitivity to the effects of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).

 Estradiol (one of the Estrogens) may inhibit the ability of Amyloid-Beta Protein to destroy Neurons.

 Estrogens facilitate the growth of Dendrites.  ^[4]

 Estrogens are speculated to inhibit the deposition of Ceroid in the Brain. 

 Estrogens may improve Blood Circulation to the Frontal Lobe and Precentral Gyrus areas of the Brain. 

 Estrogens may improve Memory (studies have demonstrated the ability of Estrogen Replacement Therapy to improve Short-Term Memory and Long-Term Memory in women).  ^[5]