Trying to Coneive: Can Low Estrogen Levels Affect Ovulation and Fertility?
What role does estrogen play in the first half of your cycle prior to ovulation? Can low estrogen levels affect whether or not you will conceive?
Question:Most definitely, estrogen plays a role in fertility. Estrogen is the dominant hormone in the first half of the menstrual cycle and continues to play a part throughout the second half as well.
Review the pregnancy calendar for the exact role of all the hormones.
If a woman is deficient in estrogen, as she may be during perimenopausal period, symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, night sweats and vaginal dryness may occur. If estrogen is low, the normal feedback mechanisms of the hypothalmus and pituitary do not function. The lining of the uterus is scant and not hospitable to a pregnancy. Ovulation may not occur at all.
Natural remedies such as tofu, dong quai and yams have some estrogenic qualities, but there has not been much medical literature published on their benefits.
If you suspect an infertility problem, I would recommend that you start noting cervical mucus changes, taking your basal body temperature and noting cervical position changes. Such information is provided in a book called "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. It is an excellent resource.
I wish you well and do seek expert help if you suspect a problem.
[Editor's Note: Taking Charge of Your Fertility is available for purchase online at Amazon.com. For more information or to order the book, click on the link in the book title.]
