What is the effect of the hormone estrogen in females, and what relation does it have to emotions?

There are three different types of estrogen created naturally in women. They are Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3).

The most common form of estrogen found in women who are not pregnant is estradiol (E2) as Estriol is the primary estrogen produced during pregnancy, and Estron is introduced in the body during menopause. They are mostly produced in the ovaries by developing follicles. These follicles are called corpus luteum and placenta. This process starts in the internal cells in the ovary by the synthesis of Androstenedione, 19-carbon steroid hormone, from cholesterol.

Then this compound is converted to estrogen Estrone or Estradiol, usually immediately. Estrogen can also be produced in other tissues such as the liver, breasts, or in fat cells which is why being over or underweight in woman can be dangerous to fertility.

As far as estrogen affecting emotions in woman this usually happens just before or during the menstrual cycle. During this time the woman’s estrogen levels spike to thin out the blood in the body. This also seems to make women extra emotional although the reasons as to why remains a mystery to scientists and doctors. It is thought it has something to do with the fact that it is active in every part of the body including the part of the brain that controls emotions and releases endorphins into the body.