Estrogen-dependent condition

An estrogen-dependent condition can be that relating to the differentiation in the steroid sex hormone that is associated with the female reproductive system and sex characteristics. These conditions can fall under the umbrella of hypoestrogenism, hyperestrogenism, or any sensitivity to the presence of estrogen in the body.

Estrogen

Estrogen is a critical sex hormone for women. Estrogen is responsible for all different functions in a female body, but is also seen in any gender. These functions are seen in body tracts such as the skeletal system, liver, brain and breasts. There are three different formulations of estrogen: estrone, estradiol, and estriol. These are commonly referred to as E1, E2, and E3, following the listing stated prior. These three formulations have different functions in a women's life. Estradiol is seen in the reproductive time period. Estriol is seen primarily during pregnancy. Finally, estrone is the form the body uses during the postmenopausal period. From all of the three formulations stated earlier, Estradiol is known to be the strongest. In a normal adult female, the normal range of estrogen in the luteal phase is 100 pg/ml, in comparison to the proliferative phase 40-250 pg/ml.

Known estrogen-dependent conditions

Known estrogen-dependent conditions include:

mastodynia
breast fibroids
mammoplasia
macromastia
gynecomastia
breast cancer
precocious puberty in girls and isosexual precocious puberty in boys
melasma
menorrhagia
endometriosis
endometrial hyperplasia
adenomyosis
uterine fibroids
uterine cancers
ovarian cancer
hyperestrogenism and associated feminization in males
* such as in certain conditions like cirrhosis, Klinefelter's syndrome, and aromatase excess syndrome.

Such conditions may be treated with drugs with antiestrogen actions, including selective estrogen receptor modulators such as tamoxifen and clomifene, estrogen receptor antagonists such as fulvestrant, aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole and exemestane, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues such as leuprorelin and cetrorelix, and/or other antigonadotropins such as danazol, gestrinone, megestrol acetate, and medroxyprogesterone acetate.

Menopause

Menopause is the state in which the menses cease to occur. This is seen throughout the years 49–52. This termination of menses is associated with a dramatic drop in estrogen levels. The estrogen levels stated previously dramatically decrease to approximately 20 pg/ml or less when menopause begins. Menopause falls under the umbrella of conditions related to hypoestrogenism. There are many symptoms associated with the transition and entrance into menopause.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition characterized by the growth and development on the endometrium tissue, found within the uterus, is growing outside of the uterus. Endometriosis is commonly found on the ovaries and other organs near/in the pelvic cavity, but it has also been seen in other organs such as the spleen or lungs. A handful of the symptoms associated with endometriosis are dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, dyspareunia, menorrhagia, and fertility complications. This inflammatory disease shares numerous symptoms with other conditions, so this at times leads to misdiagnoses. Endometriosis can have a confirmed diagnosis with exploratory surgery. This surgery is generally called a laparoscopy.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is seen as numerous cysts developing on the ovaries, and this can be seen with additional symptoms such as oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, acne, weight gain, and fertility issues. PCOS is caused by the ovaries having an excessive amount of male sex hormones. Because of this, PCOS is associated with hyperandrogenism.