Estrone (E1)
- A moderately potent estrogen. Binds primarily to Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα).
- Estrone is metabolized into 2-OH E1 ("good"), 16-OH-E1 ("bad"), and 4-OH-E1 ("bad").
Produced by the ovaries, the estrone hormone is one of three types of estrogen, and it is one of the major hormones found in the bodies of postmenopausal women. While research into estrone function is still ongoing, largely due to the fact that it is the least powerful of the three types of estrogen, women should still understand this hormone and its known effects on the body.
Specifically, estrone (also called oestrone) is estrogen-like estradiol and estriol. Unlike the other two, estrone comes from the ovaries, as well as the adipose tissue and adrenal glands.
It is a weaker estrogen, commonly found in higher quantities in postmenopausal women.
How Does Estrone Function?
As an estrogen, estrone is responsible for female sexual development and function. Because it is less powerful than the other estrogens, estrone can sometimes serve as a repository for estrogens, and the body can convert it to estrogen when needed.
Possible Problems with Estrone
The effects of low Estrone or high Estrone levels are not yet well known. Women who have breast cancer or men who are being treated to reduce testosterone levels — such as in prostate cancer treatment — may need to have their estrone levels monitored because estrone levels can increase in these cases. Women who are obese will produce more estrone from fatty tissue. Too much estrone has been linked to breast and endometrial cancer growth. Besides this potential outcome, other results of increased estrone levels are not yet known.
Women who have too little estrogen hormones, including oestrone, may develop osteoporosis. Low estrogen levels can also cause the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, fatigue, poor sex drive, and depression. For women who are postmenopausal and who are still struggling with these symptoms, low oestrone levels may be the reason. However, research has not yet found a definite link between the ovary hormone and these symptoms.
Estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) are three endogenously produced estrogens.
- Made via aromatization in several tissues like fat and muscle
- Weaker compared to Estradiol (Research says the estrogenic activity is about 4% of estradiol’s activity)
- Most abundant in menopause
- Converts into estradiol (E2)
What does Estrogen do?
1. Growth and development of female secondary sex characteristics
2. Thickens the uterus for implantation, increases vaginal acidity to protect against infection, important for vaginal lubrication (particularly E3)
3. Necessary for bone health
4. In the brain helps maintain body temperature, protects against memory loss, increases serotonin and serotonin receptors
5. Important for collagen production, skin thickness, and getting blood supply to the skin
6. Helps protect against atherosclerosis
7. Estrogen through the ER helps induce or upregulate the expression of the PR
What does it mean if your Estrone (E1) result is too high?
Why do Estrogen levels increase?
1. Overweight/obesity
2. Peri-menopause = surges of estrogen
3. Diabetes
4. PCOS
5. Estrogen supplementation
6. Steroid medications
7. Poor liver clearance so estrogens build-up
8. Dysbiosis/Estrobolome problems
9. Over aromatization from testosterone
10. Environmental estrogens (difficult to test, however)
11. Alcohol (2 or more glasses/day shown to increase E)
12. Ovarian cysts
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What does it mean if your Estrone (E1) result is too low?
What is Estrone (E1)?
Estrone (E1) is one of the three main estrogens in the body, along with estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3). It is primarily produced in adipose tissue, the ovaries, and the adrenal glands. Estrone plays a crucial role in hormonal balance, especially in postmenopausal women, where it becomes the dominant form of estrogen.
A low estrone level on a DUTCH test may indicate estrogen deficiency, which can lead to menopausal symptoms, reduced bone density, and metabolic imbalances.
Symptoms of Low Estrone (E1)
Women with insufficient estrogen, including estrone, may experience:
- Menopausal symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings
- Fatigue and low libido
- Depression and anxiety
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Increased risk of osteoporosis due to weakened bone density
In postmenopausal women, persistent symptoms may be linked to low estrone levels, though research has not yet confirmed a direct link between estrone and menopause-related symptoms.
Why Does Estrone (E1) Decrease?
Several factors can contribute to low estrone levels, including age, ovarian function, lifestyle factors, and metabolic conditions.
Age-Related Causes
- Perimenopause and menopause – Natural decline in estrogen as ovarian function diminishes.
- Hysterectomy with ovary removal – Surgical removal of the ovaries eliminates a major source of estrogen.
Ovarian and Pituitary Dysfunction
- Irregular or skipped cycles (anovulation) – Reduced ovarian estrogen production.
- Hypogonadism – Ovarian failure leading to low estrogen.
- Hypopituitarism – Pituitary gland dysfunction, impairing hormonal signaling.
- Decreased blood flow to the ovaries – Can result from surgery or smoking.
Nutritional and Metabolic Factors
- Anorexia or extreme calorie restriction – Reduces hormone production.
- Low cholesterol – Cholesterol is the building block of steroid hormones, including estrone.
- Excessive exercise or endurance training – Overtraining can disrupt estrogen levels and cause amenorrhea (loss of periods), particularly in women with <15% body fat.
Hormonal and Endocrine Conditions
- Hypothyroidism – Low thyroid function can disrupt ovarian hormone production.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Can cause estrogen imbalances and menstrual irregularities.
- Fertility medications – Some drugs used in fertility treatments can alter estrogen levels.
- Opioid medications – Chronic opioid use can suppress hormone production.
Other Contributing Factors
- Breastfeeding – Suppresses estrogen due to increased prolactin levels.
- Hormonal birth control (pill, patch, ring, implant, injection) – Can suppress the body's natural estrogen production.
How to Address Low Estrone Levels
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Maintain a healthy weight – Avoid extremes in body fat percentage.
- Balance nutrition – Ensure adequate intake of healthy fats and cholesterol for hormone synthesis.
- Manage stress – Chronic stress can suppress hormone production via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
- Monitor thyroid function – Treating hypothyroidism may improve estrogen levels.
Medical and Supplement Support
- Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) – In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be beneficial, especially for postmenopausal women.
- DHEA supplementation – Since estrone can be synthesized from DHEA, addressing low DHEA levels may help.
- Phytoestrogens – Natural estrogenic compounds in foods like flaxseeds, soy, and legumes may provide mild hormonal support.
Final Thoughts
Low estrone levels on a DUTCH test can be a sign of hormonal imbalance, aging, ovarian dysfunction, or metabolic issues. Identifying the root cause is essential for addressing symptoms and optimizing hormone health.
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