Estrogen dominance - Hormone Health Center

What is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance refers to a condition where a woman has excess estrogen relative to progesterone in her body. This hormonal imbalance can lead to various symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Irregular periods or spotting
• Bloating
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Low libido
• Mood changes
• Breast tenderness

What causes Estrogen Dominance?

There are a few potential causes:

• Perimenopause - As women approach menopause, progesterone levels decline faster than estrogen levels. This leads to estrogen dominance.
• Stress - Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance and metabolism.
• Environmental estrogens - Xenoestrogens from plastics, cosmetics, etc. can accumulate in the body.

Risks if Untreated

Left unchecked, estrogen dominance can increase risks for:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Infertility
• Certain cancers

Lifestyle changes and natural remedies can often help restore balance. But in some cases, medical treatment may be warranted.

Tips to Reduce Estrogen Dominance

Here are some tips that may help:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Choose organic produce to avoid pesticides with estrogenic effects
• Avoid BPA from canned goods and plastics
• Manage stress with exercise, meditation, etc.
• Eat foods that support healthy estrogen metabolism - cruciferous veggies, citrus fruits, berries
• Consider supplements - DIM, calcium d-glucarate, B6, magnesium

Estrogen dominance can be frustrating to deal with. But with a multifaceted approach, it's possible to reduce symptoms and risks. Visit Hormone Health Center for professional guidance and treatment options.