Hormones play a crucial role in the life of all. When it comes to bodily functions, the day, hormones regulate sleep patterns as well as appetite, stress, and libido among others. But, understanding the hormone system and how it regulates the same is not always black and white. This makes it challenging to know the effects they have on the human body and our overall wellbeing. In many instances, it can result in an issue called estrogen dominance.
How do we define estrogen dominance?
In the normal menstrual cycle, the hormone that dominates is the first two weeks. In the final 2 weeks after ovulation, estrogen levels are in balance with progesterone. If estrogen levels are excessively high relative to progesterone levels, this delicate balance gets disrupted and causes a myriad of symptoms. There are three types of estrogen present in our bodies: estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Some studies suggest estrone as the most harmful and the reason for these signs however, for the sake of this post, we’ll only use the word estrogen. It is important to remember, that, in addition to the information below excessive estrogen has been linked with allergies, cancer, and infertility.
The Signs and Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance
Although the symptoms and signs of estrogen dominance differ, however, there are some common symptoms that are common to the majority of those who suffer from this condition.
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Weight gain as well as water retention
The excess estrogen may make it difficult to lose weight, more likely to gain weight, and cause your body to become bloated. The reason for this is the decreased levels of progesterone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and insulin.
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The tenderness of the breasts is usually either cyclical or painful or breasts that have swelling due to fibrocystic
Women may have an increase in breast fullness or tenderness during ovulation, or just prior to their menstrual period. This is because of fluctuating estrogen levels throughout your menstrual cycle.
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Hair loss
While women typically lose hair as they age estrogen dominance may be the cause. This is particularly true if hair loss is noticed prior to menopause.
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Acne breakouts.
If you are prone to breaking out during the first part of your menstrual cycle, or at the time of ovulation, this could be related to testosterone.
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Moodiness
Hormonal imbalances trigger mood swings. It’s an unfortunate fact of daily life. Estrogen dominance can trigger mood swings, particularly if there aren’t any other reasons to take into consideration.
Here are some more reported symptoms of estrogen dominance:
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Depression
- Fatigue and Insomnia
- Painful or heavy periods
- More prominent PMS symptoms
- Brain fog, headaches or headaches
- Bloating, weight gain or fat gain
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
What is the reason it is so difficult to Detect?
Estrogen dominance can be hard to recognize because people assume that it is a sign of an estrogen deficiency. This is particularly the case when women think they’re experiencing symptoms of menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms.
In this way, women are seeking to reduce symptoms of estrogen dominance with hormonal replacement therapies, especially estrogen replacement therapy. It’s crucial to remember that estrogen levels rarely decline dramatically until a woman’s last period.
The hormonal balance can change during the menopausal transition phase However, this fluctuation could result in estrogen dominance. Indeed, women younger than 35 years old may suffer from this and may endure for 10 years.
What are the options to treat estrogen dominance?
If you’re looking to tackle the issue that is estrogen dominance it is important to first understand the process by which estrogen is processed before it’s removed from your body. Our liver processes excess estrogen and then moves it to the intestines which are then eliminated by our (ideally regularly) daily bowel movements. If there’s a problem with this that the liver or the digestion isn’t working properly the excess estrogen is not eliminated, but remains throughout the body. Additionally, the body produces more estrogen. This is why an optimal function of the liver and health of the gut are two of the most vital pillars of health and hormonal balance.
Remember: To prevent or manage estrogen-related conditions The organs that detoxify function at their best and be properly supported.
If you can, avoiding these items is helpful.
- Coffee, refined sugar, and alcohol
- highly processed foods
- environmental toxins
- Use of plastic bottles use of plastic bottles, plastic Tupperware
- Animal products from factory farming
It is also possible to help your liver with diverse herbs. Milk thistle and dandelion are highly recommended to support the liver.