Hormone levels are dictated by a delicate balance of internal and external factors that work to maintain health in both men and women. Estrogen is a hormone that is present in both genders, but women have higher levels. It is a chemical messenger that maintains the menstrual cycle, promotes bone mass, and aids in the process of puberty. The levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuate and can become imbalanced. Estrogen dominance is a condition of increased estrogen relative to progesterone that can occur in females.
This article aims to describe the causes and symptoms of estrogen dominance as well as provide practical guidance for hormone rebalancing.
There are three subtypes of estrogen, estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Estradiol is present in the childbearing years, and estrone becomes the primary estrogen after menopause. Estriol levels are highest when a woman is pregnant. The body has two types of estrogen receptors, alpha, and beta, that have different roles and locations. Estrogen is metabolized (broken down) via two separate hydroxyesterone pathways. The pathway 2-hydroxyesterone promotes overall health and is associated with balanced estrogen and progesterone.
The liver is the primary location of estrogen breakdown in the body. When it is not functioning properly estrogen breakdown is reduced, resulting in higher circulating estrogen levels. Alcohol intake can impair the metabolism of estrogen as well, increasing the risk for estrogen dominance. Environmental chemicals called xenoestrogens act as synthetic estrogen and cause a hormonal imbalance. These xenoestrogens include bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
Symptoms and Complications
Estrogen dominance can manifest in several ways, these are symptoms to be aware of if an imbalance is suspected:
Balanced estrogen levels can promote a healthy reproductive system and contribute to overall well-being. When symptoms of estrogen dominance are present and interfering with daily life, seeking a provider for testing and assessment is recommended.
The three types of estrogen can be measured via a blood, urine, or saliva test. Testing can allow a provider to measure estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).
Progesterone and other hormone levels can also be measured via a blood test like Female Serum Hormones Advanced Profile by ZRT Laboratory to check for an imbalance. This test also includes markers for thyroid hormones, which may be indicated to test for depending on symptoms.
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Treatment Options for Estrogen Dominance
A well-rounded treatment plan consists of nutritional changes, supplementations, and medical interventions, when necessary.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Nutrition is an important aspect of balancing estrogen levels and preventing associated conditions. Some dietary interventions allow the body to break down estrogen and prevent high levels. It is important to promote the 2-hydroxyestrone pathway of estrogen metabolism through diet. Food and drink choices that help with appropriate estrogen metabolism are whole soy foods, flaxseed (these contain isoflavones), omega-3 fatty acids (fish, algae supplements, nuts, seeds), green tea, and cruciferous vegetables.
Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage are examples of cruciferous vegetables that promote healthy hormone levels. An anti-inflammatory, plant-focused diet rich in fiber promotes a healthy microbiome and increases estrogen excretion in the feces. Reducing animal products and adopting a vegetarian diet can increase estrogen excretion. Avoiding excess sugar and processed foods that contain little fiber can help promote balance.
Engaging in regular physical activity can help promote a healthy weight and reduce stress. Stress reduction improves overall well-being and prevents multiple types of hormone imbalances, including cortisol and estrogen. Because adipose tissue makes estrogen, reducing body weight to a healthy level through diet and exercise can promote balanced hormones.
Reducing alcohol consumption can promote estrogen metabolism and a healthy liver. Limiting exposure to xenoestrogens in plastics and hormones can also assist in optimal estrogen levels.
Supplements and Natural Remedies
There are several supplements available that can promote the balance of estrogen.
Chaste berry in supplement form is called Vitex and has been shown to rebalance estrogen and progesterone levels.
If the dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables is inadequate, indole-3-carbinol can be supplemented.
Prebiotics and probiotics can address gut dysbiosis if present.
Additionally, calcium-d-glucarate increases the fecal excretion of estrogen. It is important to consult with a provider before starting any supplement regimen to ensure correct dosages and product choices.
Medical Treatments
Treatment for hormone imbalances may include contraception if pregnancy is not desired. While hormonal birth control can help balance hormones, it is important to consult a provider about the best approach.
Adjustments to current medications may also be necessary if they are promoting a hormone imbalance. It is important to identify the root cause of estrogen dominance when possible. If necessary, a provider may recommend healthy weight loss to treat estrogen dominance.
Preventing Estrogen Dominance
Preventing imbalanced estrogen is a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, stress relief, sleep, and physical activity. Adopting a healthy diet that promotes healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and whole soy products, and limits alcohol, sugar, and animal products is a vital aspect of preventing estrogen dominance. Supplements can be used when necessary and should be used in conjunction with nutrition. Sleep, physical activity, and mindfulness all reduce stress and promote balance throughout the body. All of these interventions can help prevent estrogen dominance.
Routine preventative care with a medical provider is important for many reasons, including taking a proactive approach to hormone health. Regular check-ups can help monitor for symptoms of estrogen dominance before the condition progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
#1. What impact does elevated estrogen have on behavior?
Estrogen dominance can impact mood, especially related to fluctuations in the menstrual cycle. Increased irritability and severe premenstrual syndrome can occur, causing mood swings and behavior changes.
#2. What indications are there of excess estrogen in males?
Males can experience high levels of estrogen and there are several symptoms of an imbalance. Infertility can occur, as well as erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition where males develop excess breast tissue.
#3. What are the signs of too much estrogen in females?
Higher levels of estrogen can indicate pregnancy, but not always. It is important to consult a provider for pregnancy testing and to discuss a possible hormone imbalance.
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Key Takeaways
Estrogen is vital for the reproductive function of both men and women and promotes fertility, bone density, and overall well-being.
Keeping estrogen balanced involves a holistic approach to diet, exercise, supplementation, microbiome balance, and mental well-being.
Prevention is important for hormone health: if an imbalance is suspected consulting a provider can help identify a cause and provide customized treatment.
Hormone levels are influenced by a delicate balance of internal and external factors that work to support health in both men and women. Estrogen is a hormone present in both genders, but women typically have higher levels. It acts as a chemical messenger that supports the menstrual cycle, promotes bone mass, and aids in the process of puberty. The levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can fluctuate and may become imbalanced. Estrogen dominance is a condition where there is increased estrogen relative to progesterone that can occur in females.
This article aims to describe the potential causes and symptoms of estrogen dominance as well as provide practical guidance for supporting hormone balance.
There are three subtypes of estrogen: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Estradiol is present during the childbearing years, and estrone becomes the primary estrogen after menopause. Estriol levels are highest when a woman is pregnant. The body has two types of estrogen receptors, alpha, and beta, that have different roles and locations. Estrogen is metabolized (broken down) via two separate hydroxyesterone pathways. The pathway 2-hydroxyesterone is associated with balanced estrogen and progesterone.
The liver is the primary location of estrogen breakdown in the body. When it is not functioning properly, estrogen breakdown may be reduced, resulting in higher circulating estrogen levels. Alcohol intake can affect the metabolism of estrogen as well, potentially increasing the risk for estrogen dominance. Environmental chemicals called xenoestrogens act as synthetic estrogen and may contribute to a hormonal imbalance. These xenoestrogens include bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
Symptoms and Complications
Estrogen dominance can manifest in several ways. Here are some symptoms to be aware of if an imbalance is suspected:
Balanced estrogen levels can support a healthy reproductive system and contribute to overall well-being. When symptoms of estrogen dominance are present and interfering with daily life, seeking a provider for testing and assessment is recommended.
The three types of estrogen can be measured via a blood, urine, or saliva test. Testing can allow a provider to measure estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).
Progesterone and other hormone levels can also be measured via a blood test like Female Serum Hormones Advanced Profile by ZRT Laboratory to check for an imbalance. This test also includes markers for thyroid hormones, which may be indicated to test for depending on symptoms.
[signup]
Options for Supporting Hormone Balance
A well-rounded approach may include nutritional changes, supplements, and medical interventions, when necessary.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Nutrition is an important aspect of supporting balanced estrogen levels and promoting overall health. Some dietary interventions may help the body manage estrogen levels. It is important to support the 2-hydroxyestrone pathway of estrogen metabolism through diet. Food and drink choices that may help with appropriate estrogen metabolism include whole soy foods, flaxseed (these contain isoflavones), omega-3 fatty acids (fish, algae supplements, nuts, seeds), green tea, and cruciferous vegetables.
Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage are examples of cruciferous vegetables that may support healthy hormone levels. An anti-inflammatory, plant-focused diet rich in fiber can promote a healthy microbiome and may increase estrogen excretion in the feces. Reducing animal products and adopting a vegetarian diet may increase estrogen excretion. Avoiding excess sugar and processed foods that contain little fiber can help promote balance.
Engaging in regular physical activity can help promote a healthy weight and reduce stress. Stress reduction supports overall well-being and may help prevent multiple types of hormone imbalances, including cortisol and estrogen. Because adipose tissue makes estrogen, reducing body weight to a healthy level through diet and exercise can support balanced hormones.
Reducing alcohol consumption can support estrogen metabolism and a healthy liver. Limiting exposure to xenoestrogens in plastics and hormones can also assist in maintaining optimal estrogen levels.
Supplements and Natural Remedies
There are several supplements available that may support the balance of estrogen.
Chaste berry in supplement form is called Vitex and has been suggested to help rebalance estrogen and progesterone levels.
If the dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables is inadequate, indole-3-carbinol can be considered as a supplement.
Prebiotics and probiotics can address gut dysbiosis if present.
Additionally, calcium-d-glucarate may increase the fecal excretion of estrogen. It is important to consult with a provider before starting any supplement regimen to ensure correct dosages and product choices.
Medical Treatments
Options for hormone imbalances may include contraception if pregnancy is not desired. While hormonal birth control can help balance hormones, it is important to consult a provider about the best approach.
Adjustments to current medications may also be necessary if they are contributing to a hormone imbalance. It is important to identify the root cause of estrogen dominance when possible. If necessary, a provider may recommend healthy weight loss to support hormone balance.
Supporting Hormone Balance
Supporting balanced estrogen is a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, stress relief, sleep, and physical activity. Adopting a healthy diet that includes healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and whole soy products, and limits alcohol, sugar, and animal products is a vital aspect of supporting hormone balance. Supplements can be used when necessary and should be used in conjunction with nutrition. Sleep, physical activity, and mindfulness all reduce stress and promote balance throughout the body. All of these interventions can help support balanced estrogen levels.
Routine preventative care with a medical provider is important for many reasons, including taking a proactive approach to hormone health. Regular check-ups can help monitor for symptoms of estrogen dominance before the condition progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
#1. What impact does elevated estrogen have on behavior?
Estrogen dominance can impact mood, especially related to fluctuations in the menstrual cycle. Increased irritability and severe premenstrual syndrome can occur, causing mood swings and behavior changes.
#2. What indications are there of excess estrogen in males?
Males can experience high levels of estrogen and there are several symptoms of an imbalance. Infertility can occur, as well as erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition where males develop excess breast tissue.
#3. What are the signs of too much estrogen in females?
Higher levels of estrogen can indicate pregnancy, but not always. It is important to consult a provider for pregnancy testing and to discuss a possible hormone imbalance.
[signup]
Key Takeaways
Estrogen is vital for the reproductive function of both men and women and supports fertility, bone density, and overall well-being.
Keeping estrogen balanced involves a holistic approach to diet, exercise, supplementation, microbiome balance, and mental well-being.
Prevention is important for hormone health: if an imbalance is suspected, consulting a provider can help identify a cause and provide customized support.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
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