Estrogen, the primary female hormone used by a women’s body, depends primarily on ovarian follices for production. Once there are no ovarian follicles for egg release, the level of estrogen in the body will start to fall. Because of decreasing ovarian follicles, after a tubal reversal it is important to monitor the ovarian follicles to improve the likelihood of a pregnancy. Estrogen also helps to control a variety of other bodily functions such as the maintenance of vaginal moisture, bone density, skin temperature, and several brain activities. The decrease of Estrogen causes most of the symptoms associated with the menopause.
Decreased Estrogen is associated with:
- Hot flashes,
- Vaginal dryness,
- Mood changes,
- Urinary incontinence,
- Night sweats,
- Loss of sex drive,
- Thinning of the bones which can lead to osteoporosis
Most of these symptoms appear within 2-5 years after the initial decline of Estrogen. The vaginal dryness is likely to worsen in older women if it is not treated. The risk of osteoporosis also increases with age.
Estrogen as a neurotransmitter
Estrogen plays an essential role in brain activities by increasing the amount of mood-regulating neurotransmitters. If not available, some breakdown of mood-regulating neurotransmitter triggers may result in depression. Estrogen has been shown to increase the ability of neurons in the brain to function. Estrogen also plays a role in the appropriate flow of blood to different parts of the brain. As such, Estrogen plays an active role in optimizing emotion, memory, and cognitive functions. Following pregnancy, women often have a severe decrease in their Estrogen level. As a result, 50 -70% women are estimated to have postpartum depression within the first 10 days after their delivery. 10% may suffer a major depression. According to a study, more than 60% of women with postpartum depression may develop depression later in their lives. During menopause and perimenopause, the striking decline in estrogen level makes women more susceptible to acute mood swings. Many studies demonstrate to the close connection between estrogen and mood swings. Patients are often concerned about the relationship between stress and surgery, and how this will affect their Estrogen levels. Most surgeries, such as a tubal ligation reversal surgery, are short outpatient surgeries and should not affect the Estrogen level at all. Tubal reversal surgery alone will not injure the ovaries, and in general any surgery done on the fallopian tubes should not interfere with the production of Estrogen.
