Estrogen, a vital hormone in the body, impacts various aspects of health, from reproductive functions to mood and metabolism. Maintaining balanced estrogen levels is crucial for overall well-being, as imbalances can lead to numerous health complications.
This article highlights the importance of balanced estrogen levels and offers practical methods to flush out excess estrogen. By understanding how to manage estrogen levels effectively, individuals can proactively optimize their health and reduce the risk of associated health problems.
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What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a steroid hormone associated with both male and female physiology. Estrogen plays a role in vascular, skeletal, neuroendocrine, reproductive, and immune system health.
The three forms of estrogen are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Estradiol, produced in the ovaries during reproductive years and in smaller amounts in the adrenal glands, is the most potent form of estrogen (25).
Why is Estrogen Balance Important?
In women, estrogen levels start to increase during puberty. Once menstruation begins, estrogen levels rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle.
During the first half of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase), estradiol levels gradually increase to kick-start ovulation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is released from the brain to stimulate the maturation of ovarian follicles.
Later in the follicular phase, FSH levels start to decrease, and only one mature follicle is released from the ovary. The dominant follicle begins to release estradiol, which signals the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) to start the next phase of the menstrual cycle (the ovulatory cycle). During the ovulatory phase, the rise of LH causes the ovarian follicle to increase in size and rupture, releasing a mature egg.
During the next phase of the menstrual cycle (the luteal phase), estradiol levels continue to increase with progesterone to thicken the endometrium and prepare for a possible fertilized egg.
After ovulation, estradiol levels start to decline, and progesterone levels begin to increase. If estrogen levels are imbalanced, it can disrupt the menstrual cycle leading to PMS, infertility, anovulation, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and many more reproductive symptoms. Estrogen imbalance can also impact liver detoxification, mood, and heart and bone health (45).
What Causes High Estrogen?
High estrogen levels may be due to pre-existing conditions such as insulin resistance, PCOS, adrenal tumors, or fibroids. Symptoms of elevated estrogen can also be due to estrogen dominance, a term used to describe high estrogen levels in relation to progesterone.
Several underlying factors can lead to a disruption of estrogen and progesterone, leading to symptoms of high estrogen (9):
- High stress levels increase cortisol production, leading to decreased progesterone and unopposed estrogen.
- Synthetic xenoestrogens are chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and cleaning products that bind estrogen receptors, leading to elevated estrogen levels.
- Hormonal therapy like oral contraceptives (birth control) can deplete progesterone and elevate estrogen.
- Obesity can trigger estrogen dominance because adipose tissue secretes estrogen.
- Impaired liver function can lead to high estrogen levels because the liver works to break down and eliminate estrogen from the body.
- Excessive alcohol intake can damage the liver, causing impaired estrogen detox.
- Poor gut health can lead to estrogen dominance by increasing beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme that prevents estrogen excretion.
Symptoms of Excess Estrogen
Symptoms of estrogen excess include:
- Menstrual irregularities: PMS, heavy menstrual bleeding
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Depression or anxiety
- Low thyroid hormone
Natural Ways to Reduce Estrogen
Reducing excess estrogen levels naturally can be a key component of maintaining hormonal balance and overall health. Here are some top ways to do that:
Dietary Changes
Dietary modifications are a practical way to reduce excess estrogen in the body. The following are recommendations to aid in estrogen detoxification (30):
- Eating cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) helps promote estrogen elimination.
- Increase fiber intake, such as flaxseed and whole grains.
- Increase the intake of healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts, or supplement with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Limit processed foods, refined sugar, and alcohol.
Lifestyle Modifications
Certain lifestyle modifications can support estrogen detoxification:
Medical Interventions
Occassionally, medical interventions are appropriate. Consider the following:
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
When balancing hormone levels, it is important to consult healthcare professionals to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Estrogen imbalances can result from various factors, such as PCOS, menopause, thyroid issues, or lifestyle changes.
It is important to avoid self-treatment without a proper workup to ensure serious conditions are ruled out and to decipher the root cause of symptoms.
Medications and Treatments
Estrogen excess disorders such as endometriosis, infertility, breast/ovarian cancer, and male hypogonadism are becoming more prevalent. Some patients may need pharmaceutical medications to block and lower estrogen activity in the body.
The following are common medications used to treat estrogen excess (38):
- Aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole) are anti-estrogen agents used to treat some cancers, endometriosis, and PCOS.
- Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat estrogen-excess cancers. This drug can cause undesired side effects such as hot flashes, blood clots, irregular periods, loss of sex drive, and vaginal dryness.
The Importance of Detoxification
Detoxification is a key component for naturally reducing estrogen levels.
Liver Health
The liver is critical in digestion, detoxification, metabolism, and hormonal regulation. It helps synthesize multiple hormones, such as thyroid hormone, vitamin D, sex hormones, and cholesterol.
Estrogens are metabolized in the liver through Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification. Phase 1 liver detoxification is characterized by oxidation and reduction of toxins by metabolizing harmful toxins into smaller metabolites. This process is dependent on a group of enzymes known as cytochrome p450.
Phase 2 liver detoxification comprises many pathways that convert toxins to water-soluble elements for easier elimination from the body. By supporting phase 1 and 2 detoxification, we can support the proper elimination of estrogen.
The following can support the liver to aid in estrogen detoxification (42):
- Indole-3-Carbinol: Aids in phase 1 liver detox promoting the breakdown of estrogen
- NAC: Promotes liver detoxification by increasing glutathione levels
- Methylation: Supporting methylation with B-vitamins supports phase 2 liver detoxification
- Glutathione: Known as the "master antioxidant," supports detoxification of chemicals, metals, and pesticides that may contribute to estrogen excess
- Calcium-D-Glucarate: Inhibits beta-glucuronidase, promoting estrogen detoxification
Avoiding Xenoestrogens
Xeno-estrogens are chemical compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. Xenoestrogens are found in plastic, cleaning products, skin care products, and pesticides. You can minimize xenoestrogens by:
- Choosing organic foods
- Hormone-free meats
- Reduce the use of plastic and only use BPA-free plastics
- Avoid synthetic fragrances
- Filter drinking water
(51)
Monitoring Your Progress
Regular check-ups and monitoring of symptoms are crucial aspects of managing and balancing estrogen levels effectively. Working with a trained functional medicine doctor while balancing hormones helps personalize treatment, monitor treatment efficacy, and prevent side effects from therapy.
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Key Takeaways
- Estrogen is a steroid hormone involved in reproductive, cardiovascular, bone, and immune health.
- Estrogen excess occurs due to stress, poor diet, use of hormonal contraceptives, exposure to xenoestrogens, and poor liver function.
- Promoting liver health and making lifestyle changes can help decrease estrogen.
- Avoidance of xenoestrogens is crucial in the treatment of estrogen excess.
- Always consult your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing hormonal imbalance.
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