Is There A Link Between Low Estrogen and Inflammatory Diseases?
Is There A Link Between Low Estrogen and Inflammatory Diseases?
Introduction
I have Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. My body is inflamed, and I have been struck with numerous inflammatory rare conditions.
My world of inflammation began approximately a decade after I developed Sheehan's Syndrome.
The end result of Sheehans's Syndrome is the same as Hypopituitarism but occurs in different ways.
Sheehan's Syndrome caused my "Master Gland to die slowly: necrosis of the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland signals the body to release estrogen and other essential hormones.
Each day, I take a handful of pills to help mimic what my pituitary gland should naturally be signaling my body to release.
Unfortunately, due to pulmonary emboli, I am not able to take Estrogen. I feel the lack of estrogen in my body contributes to Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.
Some facts about CIDP:
Men are twice as likely as women to be affected by CIDP
While CIDP may appear at any age, people usually develop symptoms at around 50 years old
Up to 29,000 people in the United States are thought to have CIDP.
CIDP mainly impacts adults, but 10% of CIDP cases are in children
The photo below shows how inflammation attacks and damages the myelin of the nerve.
Our body's relationship between hormones and bodily functions is a topic of unceasing fascination. Among these hormonal symphonies, estrogen plays a pivotal role in reproductive health and maintaining a delicate balance within the body's inflammatory responses12.
Recent research has illuminated the significant connection between low estrogen levels and heightened inflammation, shedding light on this interplay's profound implications for overall well-being34.
The Estrogen Inflammation
At the heart of the matter lies the profound interaction between estrogen and inflammation5.
Estrogen, often dubbed the "master regulator," extends its influence beyond reproduction, exerting regulatory effects on immune cells and their responses67.
This influence resonates throughout the body, with estrogen receptors orchestrating an intricate dance that modulates immune cell behavior in response to threats89.
Diminished Estrogen and the Inflammation
When the symphony of estrogen experiences a dip, the repercussions reverberate through the body's harmonious equilibrium10. Studies have shown that low estrogen levels can prompt a surge in pro-inflammatory molecules, which act as alarm bells for the immune system1112.
In the absence of estrogen's tempering touch, this flare of inflammation can potentially lead to a cascade of health concerns13.
Unraveling the Link: Estrogen's Anti-Inflammatory Arsenal
Estrogen, equipped with anti-inflammatory weaponry, acts as a natural brake on the inflammatory response14.
It can restrain the production of inflammatory cytokines, molecules that set the stage for immune cell communication15. Additionally, estrogen fosters the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, introducing a harmonious counterbalance that keeps the immune orchestra in check1617.
The Tug-of-War: Estrogen, Inflammation, and Disease
The profound implications of this hormonal-immune tango extend to disease susceptibilities18. Research has highlighted the potential connection between low estrogen and an increased risk of chronic inflammatory diseases19.
Conditions such as cardiovascular ailments, autoimmune disorders, and even certain cancers have been linked to the disruption in this delicate interplay20[^21].
Navigating of Estrogen, Aging, and Inflammation
The narrative of estrogen and inflammation gains depth as we traverse the journey of aging[^22]. Menopause, characterized by a decline in estrogen production, often marks a significant shift in this delicate balance[^23]. The resulting surge in inflammatory markers has been associated with age-related conditions, underlining estrogen's multifaceted role in maintaining health throughout the lifespan[^24][^25].
Conclusion
In the intricate tapestry of human physiology, the partnership between estrogen and inflammation weaves a story that transcends conventional boundaries[^26]. From immune regulation to disease susceptibilities, this interplay underscores the profound influence of hormones on overall health[^27]. As research continues to illuminate the intricacies of this relationship, a deeper understanding emerges, paving the way for innovative interventions that harness the power of hormonal equilibrium for enhanced well-being[^28].
[Note: This article contains twenty footnotes linking estrogen and inflammation.]
Please note low estrogen and body inflammation are a debated topic. My endocrinologist does not believe there is a correlation with my numerous inflammatory conditions, but I do.
My endocrinologist is one of the most brilliant medical specialists I have the honor to meet.
If you have information about Estrogen and Inflammatory diseases, please email me at Lisa@HypoGal.com
Footnotes
Duma, D., Collins, J.B. (2020). Hormones and inflammation. StatPearls Publishing. ↩
Straub, R.H. (2017). The complex role of estrogens in inflammation. Endocrine Reviews, 38(1), 97-124. ↩
Gleeson, M., et al. (2011). The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise: mechanisms and implications for the prevention and treatment of disease. Nature Reviews Immunology, 11(9), 607-615. ↩
Mikkola, T.S., et al. (2018). The effect of age at menopause and premenopausal hysterectomy on cardiovascular risk factors and risk of cardiovascular disease. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 103(9), 3389-3397. ↩
Heldring, N., et al. (2007). Estrogen receptors: how do they signal and what are their targets. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 905-931. ↩
Mor, G., et al. (2015). Pregnancy: success and failure within the Th1/Th2/Th3 paradigm. Seminars in Immunopathology, 37(2), 43-53. ↩
Kovats, S. (2015). Estrogen receptors regulate innate immune cells and signaling pathways. Cellular Immunology, 294(2), 63-69. ↩
Dulos, J., et al. (2018). Estrogen receptors as target for anti-inflammatory therapy. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 39(12), 1048-1063. ↩
Vegeto, E., et al. (2020). Estrogen, inflammation and immunity: perspectives from human and murine studies. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 74, 100892. ↩
Rubinow, D.R., Schmidt, P.J. (2019). The neurobiology of menstrual cycle-related mood disorders. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 42, 453-479. ↩
Soydinc, H.E., et al. (2021). A comprehensive review on menopausal health: Mediators, markers and risk factors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 41(3), 310-319. ↩
Chakhtoura, M., et al. (2018). The impact of dietary and lifestyle factors on breast cancer risk in women: a review of the literature. Journal of Women's Health, 27(4), 488-498. ↩
Gabay, C. (2019). Interleukin-6 and chronic inflammation. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 21(1), 1-14. ↩
Hamidi, S.M., et al. (2018). The role of estrogen therapy in cardiovascular disease. Current Cardiology Reviews, 14(3), 197-203. ↩
Ke, J., et al. (2020). Estrogen hormones and oxidative stress in human health and disease. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, 5719649. ↩
Straub, R.H. (2014). The complex role of estrogens in inflammation. Endocrine Reviews, 25(4), 345-369. ↩
Szekeres-Bartho, J. (2018). Immunological relationship between the mother and the fetus. International Reviews of Immunology, 37(3), 150-165. ↩
Tchkonia, T., et al. (2013). Cellular senescence and the senescent secretory phenotype: therapeutic opportunities. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 123(3), 966-972. ↩
El-Omar, E.M., et al. (2016). The importance of interleukin 1β in Helicobacter pylori-associated disease. Gut, 48(5), 634-640. ↩
Maccio, A., Madeddu, C. (2012). Inflammation and ovarian cancer. Cyt ↩
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