Can I take estrogen pills as a woman?
Emily Ross
Published Jan 24, 2026
You can take estrogen in the form of a pill, patch, gel, vaginal cream, or slow-releasing suppository or ring that you place in your vagina. If you experience only vaginal symptoms related to menopause, estrogen in a low-dose vaginal cream, tablet or ring is usually a better choice than an oral pill or a skin patch.
When should a woman start taking estrogen?
If used in an adolescent, hormone therapy typically begins at age 16. Ideally, treatment starts before the development of secondary sex characteristics so that teens can go through puberty as their identified gender.
What happens if you take estrogen as a woman?
Estrogen increases your risk of blood clots, which can cause a stroke, a heart attack, and even death. Cancer. Estrogen may increase your risk of certain cancers, specifically breast cancer. Talk with a doctor about your personal health history, your family history, and your risk of breast cancer.
What are the benefits of estrogen to a woman's body?
In females, it helps develop and maintain both the reproductive system and female characteristics, such as breasts and pubic hair. Estrogen contributes to cognitive health , bone health, the function of the cardiovascular system , and other essential bodily processes.
Can I buy estrogen pills over the counter?
Fortunately, estrogen supplements are now available over the counter. These medications contain either lower doses of naturally-occurring estrogen or other compounds that prompt the body to produce more. Nature's Way Dim-Plus Supplement is a bioidentical form of estrogen that can help relieve the symptoms of menopause.
30 related questions foundCan estrogen increase breast size?
The hormone estrogen, if taken in high enough doses, increases breast size by stimulating growth of breast tissue. However, it is not safe to use estrogen in this way because when breast cells are stimulated to grow, they are more likely to turn cancerous.
How can I increase my estrogen naturally?
7 Ways You Can Boost Estrogen Naturally
- Phytoestrogen-Rich Foods. Phytoestrogens, found in plants and plant-based foods, have a similar structure to estradiol, which is the strongest of the estrogen hormones. ...
- B Vitamins. ...
- Vitamin D. ...
- Chasteberry (also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus) ...
- Boron. ...
- Black Cohosh. ...
- Evening Primrose Oil.
What does lack of estrogen do to a woman?
Low estrogen: May delay puberty, slow or prevent sexual development. Occurs in perimenopause and menopause, often leading to painful sex, lower sexual desire and hot flashes.
How can I raise my estrogen levels quickly?
Food
- Soybeans. Soybeans and the products produced from them, such as tofu and miso, are a great source of phytoestrogens . ...
- Flax seeds. Flax seeds also contain high amounts of phytoestrogens. ...
- Sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are another dietary source of phytoestrogens.
Should I take estrogen supplements?
Doctors most often prescribe a low dose of estrogen to be taken as a pill or patch every day. Estrogen may also be prescribed as a cream, vaginal ring, gel or spray. You should take the lowest dose of estrogen needed to relieve menopause symptoms and/or to prevent osteoporosis.
Does estrogen change your face?
Coming back to the main question, of whether HRT changes your face, if you are undergoing HRT it is possible you may notice some facial changes. The main ones you may experience are increased skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration, along with the possibility of less wrinkles.
Does estrogen make you fat?
Estrogen promotes the storage of fat for healthy reproductive years. When estrogen is balanced, the right amount of fat helps carry out female reproductive functions. However, when there's too little or too much estrogen, weight gain often results.
How do I know if I have low estrogen?
Telltale indicators of low estrogen include hot flashes and missed periods. But some of these symptoms can also occur as a result of other conditions, including thyroid problems. To determine the cause of low estrogen, a doctor may do a blood test to check hormone levels.
What does low estrogen feel like?
Estrogen affects the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature. Low estrogen causes hot flashes and night sweats, two annoying symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.
How do I know my estrogen level?
If your doctor suspects that you might have high estrogen, they'll likely order a blood test to check your hormone levels. A trained professional will collect a sample of your blood to be tested in a laboratory. The results will indicate if your estrogen levels are too low or too high.
How can I test my estrogen levels at home?
Estrogens can be tested in blood, urine, or saliva. Blood or urine is usually tested in doctor's office or lab. Saliva tests can be done at home.
What causes low estrogen?
The most common risk factors for low estrogen levels include: age, since your ovaries produce less estrogen over time. family history of hormonal issues, such as ovarian cysts. eating disorders.
Can I buy estrogen over the counter uk?
At present, all types of HRT require a prescription from your doctor. Now, one type of HRT for vaginal dryness could be made available over the counter. The UK medicines regulator is currently consulting on whether to reclassify vaginal oestrogen tablets as a pharmacy medicine.
Does Green Tea raise estrogen?
Although research on this subject is scarce, current evidence confirms green tea helps lower estrogen or contributes to improving hormonal balance. You see, green tea intake is associated with decreased estrone and estradiol levels. Both estrone and estradiol are forms of estrogen hormone.
Does estrogen increase buttocks size?
Excess estrogen, also called estrogen dominance, can change your body shape, causing an increase in fat deposits in the area of your thighs and butt. This is what gives some women a “pear” shape, where the hips are far wider than the shoulders.
Does estrogen make you prettier?
The researchers found that the higher a woman's oestrogen levels the more attractive on average she was judged to be. "Oestrogen levels related positively to femininity and attractiveness," said Dr Law Smith. The women thought most attractive had large eyes, a large forehead, a small jaw and large lips.
What vitamins can increase estrogen?
There are no vitamins that can increase estrogen levels, Dr. Langdon says. Ramello agrees: "There are no foods or vitamins that can be taken and directly turn into estrogen in the body," she says. And, she notes, "it is unlikely that a food or vitamin will correct clinically low levels [of estrogen]."
How do I balance my hormones?
10 Natural Ways to Balance Your Hormones
- Eat enough protein at every meal. ...
- Engage in regular exercise. ...
- Maintain a moderate weight. ...
- Take care of your gut health. ...
- Lower your sugar intake. ...
- Try stress reduction techniques. ...
- Consume healthy fats. ...
- Get consistent, high quality sleep.
What is estrogen tablets used for?
This medication is a female hormone (estrogen). It is used by women to help reduce vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen.
Does estrogen reduce belly fat?
Because estrogen affects how your body distributes fat, low estrogen levels can contribute to gaining fat in your belly area. However, estrogen replacement therapy can help your body redistribute this fat to different areas on your body, rather than your abdominal area.