While testosterone hormones are associated with men, and estrogen with women, both men and women have levels of testosterone and estrogen in their bodies, albeit in different quantities. Sex hormones are involved in sexual drive (or libido), and maintenance and repair of reproductive tissues. They are also involved in body growth, body tissue, body mass, and bone mass.

Women 

Estrogen is an entire class of hormones including estriol, estradiol and estrone. Estriol is primarily needed during pregnancy. Estradiol affects female characteristics, and gynecologic issues. Estrone is widespread through the body, and is generally the only estrogen hormone present after women reach menopause.

During menopause – which begins at an average age of 50 years old – women’s levels of estrogren decrease, and these levels are associated with a variety of overall health issues. Women can experience symptoms including depression, dryness of vaginal lining, “hot flashes”, and decreased sex drive.

In women, a substantial amount of research has shown that estrogen metabolism is strongly associated with hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer. Estrogen, via its binding to the estrogen receptor, plays an important role in breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor development.

Resveratrol and Menopause

Taking resveratrol has many beneficial effects for menopausal women, as it helps in alleviating menopausal symptoms and prevents some degenerative diseases. In one clinical trial, postmenopausal women received trans-resveratrol for six months experienced increased bone mineral content and bone density.

Other studies with resveratrol indicate that Resveratrol inhibits the activity of aromatase. This enzyme is found in high concentration in malignant breast tumors. In fact, Resveratrol inhibits the conversion of estrogen and decreases the synthesis of the aromatase enzyme, thus indicating that it may support the health of individuals concerned about breast cancer.

Filed under: Science, resveratrol