Estrogen dominance is a condition where a woman has excessive levels of estrogen relative to progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can cause various symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, irregular periods, breast tenderness, mood changes, and more.
Some key things to know about estrogen dominance:
- It's often caused by excess estrogen production or impaired metabolism of estrogen. Contributing factors include obesity, high-stress lifestyles, diet high in xenoestrogens, and conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders.
- Progesterone helps balance out estrogen's effects in the body. With low progesterone, estrogen can become dominant. This happens naturally through perimenopause as progesterone levels decline.
- Symptoms like irregular periods, PMS, and fatigue often reflect the underlying imbalance. However, estrogen dominance can negatively impact many body systems over time if untreated.
| Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance |
| Irregular periods |
| PMS |
| Fatigue |
| Weight gain |
| Breast tenderness |
| Mood changes |
- Diagnosis involves evaluating symptoms and hormone levels via blood or saliva tests. Repeat testing at different times in the cycle gives the most accurate results.
- Treatment focuses on rebalancing hormones by addressing any underlying issues, making lifestyle changes, taking herbs like chasteberry, and using bioidentical hormones like progesterone.
| Treatment Options for Estrogen Dominance |
| Addressing underlying issues |
| Making lifestyle changes |
| Taking herbs like chasteberry |
| Using bioidentical hormones |
- To reduce excess estrogen, try avoiding xenoestrogens in plastics, personal care products, and conventionally-raised meats. Eat more fiber to improve estrogen clearance. Manage stress levels through yoga, meditation, or counseling.
- Supplements like DIM and calcium d-glucarate can aid estrogen metabolism and excretion from the body. Maca, vitamin B6, and magnesium support progesterone levels.
- For moderate to severe cases, bioidentical progesterone prescribed by a functional medicine doctor can help restore hormone equilibrium. This is available in pills, creams, injections, or pellets.
- If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and natural treatments, prescription medications or surgery may be warranted. However, bioidentical hormones and nutritional support can make a big difference for many women with estrogen dominance.
The experts at
WelnessTreatment Pro specialize in treating hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance through an integrative approach. Their cutting-edge testing identifies your specific hormonal deficiencies, excesses, or metabolic issues. Their individually tailored programs combine bioidentical hormones, customized nutrition plans, stress reduction techniques, and targeted supplementation. WelnessTreatment Pro helps women restore hormonal harmony, alleviate troubling symptoms, and regain health, vitality, and quality of life.
Conclusion
Estrogen dominance is a common hormonal imbalance that can cause a wide range of symptoms in women. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, women can take steps to restore their hormonal balance and improve their overall health and well-being. If you suspect you may have estrogen dominance, it's important to work with a qualified healthcare provider who can help you develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.