Where are Estrogens Made?

Very recently I received a DM from a perimenopausal woman asking WHERE estrogens are made in the body once someone goes into menopause.

This is a great question and one I wish was explained to us at a much younger age.

We have a variety of estrogens in our bodies. The 2 big ones discussed often are estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2). During your cycling years, they are predominantly produced in your ovaries month after month. 

We also have the ability to take our androgens, such as testosterone, and convert them into estrogens in tissues outside of our ovaries, such as our fat cells (adipocytes). This process uses an enzyme called Aromatase thus it is the act of aromatization. 

When the ovaries are “done” in menopause, you will still make some estrogen through that process of aromatization. This means, you’ll make estrogens in tissues like your fat cells. It’s not at the same level as you made when you were younger, but you will make some. 

Women who have more adipose tissue or who have higher levels of inflammation or higher levels of insulin (insulin resistance) or who genetically have a fast aromatase enzyme tend to make MORE estrogen in their body. High inflammation and insulin tend to increase or accelerate aromatase.

This can result in symptoms such as PMS, heavy periods, clots, worse cramps, breast tenderness, mood swings, acne, and more. 

Be aware, you’ve probably heard of endocrine disrupting chemicals such as parabens, BPA, or phthalates that can act LIKE estrogens. They are not actually estrogens but look very similar to your body. As a result, these problematic chemicals can also cause estrogenic type symptoms even though they are not made by your ovaries or from aromatase. 

Testing your estrogen levels does require a bit of research on your end as to where you are in your cycle, or if you cycle at all. Estrogen levels follow a very distinct up and down pattern like a controlled rollercoaster month after month. This does change or become more erratic in perimenopause for most women, and then dramatically drops down to more of a low, flat, curveless rollercoaster in menopause.

Make sure if you’re testing your estrogen levels, you know what day of your cycle you’re on so you can read the appropriate reference range!