What is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance refers to a condition where a woman has too much estrogen relative to progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can lead to various symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Low libido
- Heavy periods
There are two main causes of estrogen dominance:
- Excess estrogen production - This can happen due to obesity, high alcohol intake, high stress levels, or exposure to estrogen-mimicking compounds.
- Low progesterone levels - Progesterone opposes estrogen. So if progesterone levels are low, estrogen can become dominant.
Some risk factors for estrogen dominance include:
- Use of hormonal birth control
- Perimenopause and menopause (declining progesterone)
- Poor liver function - less elimination of excess estrogen
- Environmental toxin exposure
Signs that you may have estrogen dominance include:
- Irregular periods
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Difficulty losing weight
- Fibrocystic breasts
Estrogen dominance is usually diagnosed through blood or saliva testing to evaluate estrogen to progesterone ratios.
To treat estrogen dominance, here are some tips:
- Improve liver detoxification - Take supplements or try intermittent fasting
- Reduce xenoestrogen exposure - Limit use of plastics and cosmetics with chemicals
- Increase fiber intake - Helps eliminate excess estrogens
- Try progesterone cream - Can help oppose estrogen
- Reduce stress - Consider meditation, yoga, or journaling
Making lifestyle changes is the most effective and safest way to treat estrogen dominance long-term. Working with a practitioner at Horizon Wellness Clinic can also help provide individualized testing and protocols.
Balancing hormones takes time but can provide tremendous benefits like relief from period symptoms, easier weight loss, and better mood. Be patient and make step-by-step changes to reduce excess estrogen production and rebalance your hormones.