Do you think you may have estrogen dominance (high estrogen levels)? Estrogen, the sex hormone, is essential for many functions in the human body. Fertility, normal immune function, healthy bones, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar regulation all depend on estrogen.
Too much estrogen can cause many unwanted symptoms, diseases and other health conditions. For example, high levels of estrogen have been linked to breast cancer (1).
CenterSpringMD Estrogen Dominant Women’s General Hospital in Atlanta
When it comes to estrogen, you want to get just the right amount. Comprehensive Women’s Hospital of Atlanta can help get you there. Estrogen dominance is a term we use when you have too much estrogen compared to your other hormones.
Estrogen dominance: common signs and symptoms
Irregular menstrual cycle and heavy bleeding in women
Weight gain, especially in the hips, thighs and midsection
Fibroids / endometriosis
Fibrous breast cysts and gynecomastia in men (2)
Insomnia
Depression/anxiety/irritability/unusual mood swings
Low libido
Fatigue
Breast CA
Infertility / PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
Living with estrogen dominance
There are many factors to consider when treating estrogen dominance. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you may want to consider working with a women’s health provider in Atlanta. Here are some ways to get rid of the underlying cause of estrogen dominance.
Regular removal
If you don’t have regular bowel movements, your body won’t be able to eliminate excess estrogen. Inadequate digestive enzymes and/or low stomach acid (someone on acid blockers) are some causes of estrogen rebound. Low magnesium levels, dehydration, low fiber, as well as dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) can affect estrogen release and dominance.
Reduce the effects of toxic substances
This includes food sources, toxins in personal care products, cleaning products, and even your drinking water. These toxins are endocrine disruptors and affect your hormonal balance. Glyphosate herbicides are common in our food/water. By eating organic foods and using water filters, you can reduce your overall toxin load and improve your estrogen metabolism.
Reduce stress
Pregnenolone is converted to progesterone and cortisol. When the need to produce cortisol (one of the body’s stress hormones) increases, the overall ability to produce progesterone decreases. The end result is low progesterone and estrogen dominance. So make sure you incorporate a variety of stress-reducing practices, such as deep breathing exercises, heart-centered meditation, yoga, prayer, journaling, being in nature, and meaningful interactions with others. Mental health is disrupted by estrogen.
Improve body structure
An increase in adipose tissue or fat increases the amount of aromatase, which converts androgens into more estrogen. By losing fat and gaining muscle, you can lower estrogen and reduce hormone imbalances. Weight loss is associated with improved hormonal balance.