"Estrogen buildup" is this a problem or rumor?

[Kysska]

My mom heard an odd tidbit while she was out shopping today from people who, apparently, rescue squirrels that: "estrogen build up" will kill female squirrels if they don't mate in the first 6-12months of their life. (or are spayed). This seems like a hoax to me, but thought I'd ask if anyone has ever heard of this?

[astra]

neither heard of it, nor read about it anywhere.
Knowing so many female squirrels who are thriving and enjoying themselves, I will say this is nonsense.
It is even more nonsense, because female squirrels should NEVER be spayed.
Plus, they do not fully mature till about 1 year old, so mating at 6 months is out of that range
Nonsense imo

[LaurenM]

Perhaps they are confusing squirrels with ferrets as female ferrets develop aplastic anemia which can be fatal if they aren't bred every heat (spaying pet ferrets eliminates this risk). Aplastic anemia is caused by too much estrogen.

[Kysska]

I thought it was nonsense (especially with so many on here having NR females) but figured I ought to check. Thanks :)