5 Common Causes of Estrogen Dominance and How to Reverse Them

Estrogens are female sex steroid hormones (estradiol, estriol and estrone) that are produced primarily in the ovaries and play an important role in the normal functioning of the female reproductive system. Estrogens also protect the human body from a number of pathological processes, therefore, a decrease in their level during menopause is associated with an increased risk of various health problems. However, the state of the female body is adversely affected not only by the lack, but also by the excess of estrogens. Therefore, today estet-portal.com will talk about the main symptoms, the causes of estrogen dominance and methods for neutralizing them.

General information about the symptoms and causes of estrogen dominance

For the smooth functioning of the body, hormones must be in a state of balance, however, in the case of the dominance of estrogens over progesterone, the following symptoms and pathologies may appear in the female body:

• menstrual irregularities;
• pain during menstruation;
• infertility;
• increased blood pressure;
• weight gain;
• irritability;
• insomnia;
• swelling;
• breast tumors;
• endometriosis;
• appearance of acne, oily skin;
• increased tendency to allergic reactions.

The dominance of estrogens, as well as their lack, negatively affects the health of a woman, and therefore, in the presence of the above symptoms, it is better to immediately consult a gynecologist.

The dominance of estrogens, as well as their lack, negatively affects the health of a woman.

As for the reasons for the dominance of estrogens, they can be divided into two groups:

• diseases;
• lifestyle features.

Diseases that may be the cause of estrogen dominance

It goes without saying that the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that may be the causes of estrogen dominance should be entrusted to a qualified specialist, and not to resort to self-medication. These diseases and pathologies include:

• polycystic ovaries;
• liver disease;
• pituitary adenoma;
• tumors associated with the female reproductive system;
• endocrine disorders;
• Pathologies of the adrenal glands.

In view of the seriousness of the above diseases, when symptoms of estrogen dominance appear, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist. After conducting an examination, taking an anamnesis and all the necessary diagnostic measures, the doctor will be able to identify the cause of the hormonal failure or refer you to another specialized specialist.

Peculiarities of lifestyle as the causes of estrogen dominance and their neutralization

Unlike diseases, the lifestyle habits that can contribute to abnormal estrogen levels are within your control. Thus, the following factors can provoke estrogen dominance:

1. Excess body fat

Why:

• large amounts of aromatase are stored in fat cells – an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiol;
• the more fat cells, the more estrogens they synthesize;
• high estrogen levels promote fat storage;
• excess estrogen leads to the production of sex hormone-binding globulin, which blocks the action of testosterone;
• Decrease in free testosterone results in decreased muscle mass, fatigue, decreased endurance and lack of energy.

Excess estrogen contributes to the accumulation of fat, and excess fat – increased estrogen production.

What to do:

• regular exercise reduces stress, improves sleep, helps strengthen muscles and get rid of body fat;
• select the optimal exercise regimen (strength, high intensity interval training, aerobic exercise, stretching, yoga, etc.) to help the body balance hormones;
• try to eat healthy (maximum fresh fruit and vegetables, minimum processed food).

2. Alcohol

Why:

• an association has been established between alcohol consumption and elevated levels of estrone and estradiol associated with estrogen dominance and cancer;
• this connection occurs because the liver is responsible for neutralizing toxins in the bloodstream (including alcohol and estrogen); when you drink alcohol, the liver first of all "neutralizes" this toxin, as a result of which the excretion of estrogen from the body slows down.

What to do: limit or cut out alcohol completely, take care of liver health (move more, eat less fatty and fried foods).

3. Caffeine

Why:

• caffeine stimulates the adrenals, causing them to produce more stress hormones;
• caffeine in moderate doses does not have a harmful effect on the body, however, in the case of regular use of this substance, malfunctions of the adrenal glands occur over time;
• when insufficient amounts of glucocorticoids are synthesized in the adrenal glands, insulin levels rise in the body, which entails an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, diseases of the cardiovascular system, etc.

What to do: drink coffee in reasonable amounts (no more than 2–3 cups per day); if you often encounter stress, it is better to refuse this drink altogether.

4. Contraceptive pills

Why:

• synthetic estrogens that are part of oral contraceptives can cause estrogen dominance;
• Birth control pills also stimulate the production of sex hormone-binding globulin, which blocks the action of testosterone;
• Oral contraceptives suppress the production of progesterone, which balances estrogens in the body.

What to do: Seek a specialist who can advise you on the risks associated with taking birth control pills, determine if a particular drug is right for you and, if necessary, recommend a safer alternative.

5. Estrogens from outside the body

Why:

• phytoestrogens (especially in soy, legumes, flaxseeds) and estrogens that are naturally produced in animals and therefore found in animal products (meat, milk, eggs) can also increase estrogen levels in the human body;
• xenoestrogens – synthetic compounds that can affect the human hormonal background (sources – PCBs, BPA, phthalates).

What to do:

• restrict (but not eliminate) consumption of animal products;
• refuse to eat canned food;
• avoid using plastic utensils, especially for hot food and drinks.

Read also: Overweight, puffiness, varicose veins – it's all about estrogen dominance

Thus, in order to neutralize most of the causes of estrogen dominance, it is necessary to: adjust the diet, be sure to exercise regularly, control weight and reduce the intake of xenoestrogens. In addition, estet-portal.com recommends mastering methods of dealing with stress (meditation, breathing techniques, pleasant procedures, healthy sleep) and maintaining a positive attitude!