Use this announcement bar to draw your user’s attention to important updates and deals.

Estrogen Dominance—Signs, Symptoms, Tests and Treatment

Medically Reviewed by

Estrogen Dominance: Understanding Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

The Vital Role of Estrogen in Women's Health

Estrogen, the primary hormone responsible for female sexual development and health, plays a crucial role from puberty through menopause. It regulates physical characteristics, ovulation, the menstrual cycle, and is essential for cognitive, bone, and cardiovascular health. However, an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone levels, known as estrogen or oestrogen dominance, affects many women, leading to a variety of symptoms and health risks.

Identifying Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance manifests through symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, bloating, menstrual discomfort, weight gain, and more. This imbalance can escalate the risk for serious conditions such as blood clots, stroke, thyroid dysfunction, and various cancers. Understanding these signs is crucial for early detection and management.

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance include:

  • Brain fog
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Breast sensitivity
  • Menstrual discomfort
  • Weight gain 
  • Tender breasts
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Excessively heavy menstrual flow
  • Irritability
  • Thyroid issues
  • Mood swings
  • Cold hands/feet
  • Sleepiness
  • Memory difficulties
  • Hair loss
  • Insomnia
  • Low libido
  • Increased PMS symptoms
  • Headaches
  • Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)

Excessive estrogen levels can put women at risk for other serious medical conditions including: blood clots, stroke, thyroid dysfunction, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and according to the American Cancer Society, endometrial cancer.

The Journey Through Hormonal Changes: Premenopause to Postmenopause

  • Premenopause: A decrease in ovulatory activity and progesterone production.
  • Perimenopause: Erratic ovulation cycles lead to fluctuating estrogen levels.
  • Postmenopause: A significant drop in estrogen with progesterone levels nearing zero, marking the end of ovulation.

Additional Causes of Estrogen Dominance

Beyond natural hormonal changes, estrogen dominance can stem from synthetic estrogen exposure or the body's inability to properly metabolize estrogens. Certain medications for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also contribute to this imbalance.

Balancing Estrogen: The Importance of Testing

Testing for estrogen dominance involves measuring progesterone, estradiol, and their ratio. These tests provide insight into hormone levels and guide treatment options.

Normal Estrogen Levels Across Different Life Stages

Understanding estrogen levels for prepubescent, pubescent, premenopausal, and postmenopausal females is essential for identifying hormonal imbalances.

Estrone/Estradiol levels

Prepubescent female: Undetectable–29 pg/mL/Undetectable–20 pg/ml

Pubescent female: 10–200 pg/mL/Undetectable–350 pg/ml

Premenopausal adult female: 17–200 pg/mL/15–350 pg/ml

Postmenopausal adult female: 7–40 pg/mL/<10 pg/ml

Effective Treatments for Estrogen Dominance

Treatment varies based on the underlying cause and may include medication adjustments, surgery, or dietary changes. Medications like Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors play roles in managing estrogen-sensitive conditions. In some cases, surgical options such as oophorectomy are considered.

Dietary Changes for Managing Estrogen Dominance

A diet low in fat and high in fiber, alongside weight management, can help mitigate estrogen dominance symptoms. Supplements like DIM (Diindolylmethane) and specific dietary adjustments are recommended for balancing estrogen levels.

Conclusion: Path to Hormonal Health and Wellness

Achieving balanced hormones is vital for women at any life stage. With the availability of at-home testing kits and professional healthcare guidance, managing estrogen dominance becomes more accessible. Understanding estrogen's role, recognizing symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment are key steps toward long-term wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Estrogen Dominance

What are symptoms of estrogen dominance?

Symptoms of estrogen dominance include brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, bloating, menstrual discomfort, weight gain, tender breasts, uterine fibroids, excessively heavy menstrual flow, irritability, thyroid issues, mood swings, cold hands and feet, sleepiness, memory difficulties, hair loss, insomnia, low libido, increased PMS symptoms, headaches, and vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

How do you fix estrogen dominance?

Fixing estrogen dominance involves a combination of medication adjustments, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Physicians may recommend hormone replacement therapy adjustments, specific diets low in fat and high in fiber, and supplements like DIM (Diindolylmethane). In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary.

How can I lower my estrogen levels quickly?

Quick ways to lower estrogen levels include adopting a healthier diet rich in fiber and cruciferous vegetables, reducing alcohol and processed foods, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and considering supplements like DIM. It's also important to manage stress as it can impact hormone levels.

How do you flush excess estrogen?

Flushing excess estrogen can be facilitated by improving liver function and digestion. Consuming a diet rich in fiber helps eliminate excess hormones through the digestive tract. Supplements such as milk thistle may support liver health, enhancing its ability to metabolize estrogen. Staying hydrated and engaging in regular exercise also support the body's natural detoxification processes.

What does estrogen dominance look like?

Estrogen dominance can present through various physical and emotional symptoms, including but not limited to, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, mood swings, fatigue, and changes in hair and skin quality. It can also lead to more serious health conditions if left unmanaged.

What does estrogen do to a woman?

Estrogen plays a key role in the development of female physical features and reproductive functions. It regulates the menstrual cycle, affects the reproductive system, supports mood and bone health, and influences skin and hair health.

How do I get rid of estrogen dominance?

Getting rid of estrogen dominance involves identifying and addressing its root cause. This may include changing medication, improving diet, incorporating regular exercise, reducing exposure to environmental estrogens, and possibly surgical interventions in severe cases.

What is prescribed for estrogen dominance?

Treatment for estrogen dominance may include medications such as aromatase inhibitors, which reduce estrogen production, or Tamoxifen, which blocks estrogen receptors. The specific prescription will depend on the individual's symptoms and underlying causes.

How do I balance my hormones with too much estrogen?

Balancing hormones when there's too much estrogen involves lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and possibly medication. Reducing stress, cutting out xenoestrogens from plastics and certain personal care products, and adjusting your diet to include foods that support hormonal balance are key steps.

What would happen if a woman took too much estrogen?

Taking too much estrogen can lead to symptoms of estrogen dominance, increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers like breast and ovarian cancer. It's important to use estrogen therapy under the guidance of a healthcare provider to avoid these risks.

How do I know if my estrogen is high or low?

Symptoms can indicate if estrogen levels are high or low, but the most accurate way to know is through hormone testing. High estrogen can present as weight gain, bloating, and mood swings, while low estrogen may cause hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Consulting with a healthcare professional for testing and diagnosis is recommended.

How do you detox your body from estrogen?

Detoxing the body from estrogen involves supporting liver function and digestion, eating a nutrient-rich diet, avoiding alcohol and processed foods, and considering supplements that support hormonal balance and liver health. Regular exercise and staying hydrated also support the body's detoxification processes.

Newsletter

Get thoughtful, spam-free articles direct to your inbox every week.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Add a note about your Privacy Policy and how you intend to use your user’s information.

Continue reading