Estrogen dominance refers to a condition where a woman has excess estrogen in relation to progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can develop due to various factors like:
- High levels of xenoestrogens (estrogen-mimicking compounds) from sources like pesticides, plastics, personal care products, etc.
- Low progesterone levels due to chronic stress, lack of ovulation, perimenopause, etc.
- Health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity where more estrogen gets produced
Some key signs and symptoms of estrogen dominance include:
- Irregular, heavy, or painful periods
- PMS symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings
- Fat gain especially around the hips and thighs
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Foggy thinking and memory lapses
- Low libido
- Headaches and migraines
- Mood changes like anxiety, irritability, depression
To address estrogen dominance, it's important to:
- Clean up your diet - Avoid xenoestrogens by reducing exposure to pesticides, plastics, chemicals in food/water
- Manage stress levels - Chronic stress inhibits progesterone production
- Exercise regularly - Being active helps metabolize excess estrogen
- Support liver detoxification - The liver helps flush out old hormones
- Increase fiber intake - Fiber binds to estrogen so it can be eliminated
- Consider supplements - Herbs like vitex, DIM, calcium d-glucarate block estrogen production/activity
"I went through terrible PMS, fatigue, and weight gain in my 40s before getting diagnosed with estrogen dominance. Getting my hormones re-tested and starting a combination of diet changes, stress management, and herbs like vitex has helped me find balance again. I feel much better these days with regulated cycles and reduced menopausal symptoms." - Sarah Johnson
Estrogen dominance can severely impact a woman's menstrual health, fertility, metabolism, as well as mood and quality of life. Identifying and addressing the root causes early on can help restore hormone balance naturally and prevent issues down the road. Lifestyle changes related to diet, exercise, stress management, along with targeted herbs and supplements, can help overcome this condition at Harmonize Hormones.