Hormone Imbalances 101: Estrogen Dominance
Welcome back to the second week in our Hormone Imbalance 101 series where we’re diving in to common hormone imbalances and how to identify associated symptoms so you can make the first step towards feeling alive again.
Last week was our intro into hormone imbalances, what that means, and common symptoms associated so if you missed that, I would start there.
This week we are covering one of the most common hormone imbalances that women deal with, estrogen dominance. This hormone imbalance might be the reason behind irregular or heavy/painful periods, mood swings and extreme emotions, hot flashes, insomnia, bloating, and unexplained weight gain… all of which are not normal. Our hormones fluctuate naturally, but a persistent imbalance in sex hormones can lead to these frustrating symptoms.
So let’s dive in.
SEX HORMONES
Estrogen & progesterone are the two primary female sex hormones and their balance is crucial for the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Estrogen dominance occurs when there is a higher level of estrogen compared to progesterone (yes, even if your estrogen is in the “normal” range, you can still be considered to have estrogen dominance because your estrogen is too high compared to progesterone) or if your estrogen is flat out above normal range for that time in a woman’s cycle.
This imbalance can result from:
Overproduction of Estrogen —
Birth Control: With the prevalence in hormonal birth control being prescribed, it is not surprising that symptoms associated with estrogen dominance are common. The birth control pill can create a burden over time on the liver by adding more estrogen to the body, making it difficult to keep up with the rate of elimination needed to maintain an optimal balance. It’s important to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider if utilizing birth control for family planning purposes to minimize the chances of this imbalance occurring.
High Body Fat Percentage: fatty tissue contains estrogen precursors that can be converted into estrogen through a process called “aromatization,” specifically occurring in belly fat.
Inefficient Estrogen Excretion — The liver plays a crucial role in breaking down estrogen. If the liver is overburdened, estrogen may not be efficiently removed and can be reabsorbed into the body. Additionally, if the gut is compromised (specifically with symptoms such as constipation), estrogen may be reabsorbed instead of being excreted.
Low Progesterone Levels — Progesterone must be sufficiently present to prevent estrogen dominance. Stress significantly affects progesterone levels since the body uses cortisol, produced during stress, for its creation. Chronic stress can deplete progesterone levels as the body prioritizes cortisol production.
SYMPTOMS OF ESTROGEN DOMINANCE
Mood swings
Irritability
Decreased sex drive
Exaggerated PMS symptoms
Irregular periods
Bloating and water retention
Unexplained weight gain
Anxiety
Hair loss
Insomnia or trouble sleeping
Fatigue
Fertility issues
Brain fog
Hot flashes and night sweats
DIAGNOSING ESTROGEN DOMINANCE
Testing estrogen and progesterone levels through blood, urine, or saliva is the best way to determine estrogen dominance. Timing is crucial for accurate results, ideally 5-7 days after ovulation. Many practitioners, including our team at Alive, recommend the DUTCH test, an at-home saliva and urine test, which also measures cortisol, testosterone, and DHEA for a comprehensive hormonal assessment.
REVERSING ESTROGEN DOMINANCE
Addressing estrogen dominance involves both dietary and lifestyle changes to balance the body's systems, particularly the endocrine system. Here are some strategies:
Diet
Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Remove inflammatory foods like added sugars and processed foods, and consider eliminating gluten, dairy, nightshades, grains, eggs, soy, and nuts.
Support Liver Health: Eat cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts to boost liver metabolism.
Increase Fiber Intake: A high-fiber diet helps remove estrogen from the body by regulating bowel movements. Incorporate more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
Limit Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake allows the liver to process estrogen more efficiently.
Supplementation: While we do follow a whole foods first approach to hormone balance, there are supplements we can utilize that further support liver detoxification and the thyroid.
Lifestyle
Exercise Regularly: Moderate exercise reduces inflammation and stress, helping balance cortisol and progesterone levels.
Manage Stress: Lowering stress reduces cortisol production, thereby allowing for more progesterone production and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Avoid Xenoestrogens: Xenoestrogens are chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system by mimicking estrogen and binding to estrogen receptors, preventing estrogen from being able to be effectively used and re-circulate through the body. The most common objects that contain these chemicals are in plastics, pesticides, tap water, and household products. Use the Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living App to find products free from endocrine-disrupting chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and triclosan.
If you suspect you have estrogen dominance, consult a qualified health professional. You can also contact our team for testing needs and guidance in making changes to help manage this condition.
Remember, being a woman is a privilege, and we should not have to endure the discomfort of hormonal imbalances.
Feel free to follow us over on Instagram where we like to share not just educational information, but success stories of women who have worked with our practice & are able to live their lives in a way that feels GOOD again.
See ya next week when we talk about all things thyroid!
xx,
Ashley Trawick | Owner & Head Coach
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