Natural Ways to Flush Out Excess Estrogen From Your Body

Estrogen, a vital hormone in the body, impacts various aspects of health, from reproductive functions to mood and metabolism. Maintaining balanced estrogen levels is important for overall well-being, as imbalances can affect various bodily functions.

This article highlights the importance of balanced estrogen levels and offers practical methods that may help manage estrogen levels. By understanding how to support estrogen balance, individuals can proactively optimize their health and support overall wellness.

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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 support 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, which may lead to symptoms such as PMS, infertility, anovulation, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and other reproductive symptoms. Estrogen imbalance can also impact liver function, mood, and heart and bone health (45).

What Causes High Estrogen?

High estrogen levels may be due to various factors 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, potentially leading to symptoms of high estrogen (9):

High stress levels may increase cortisol production, which can lead to decreased progesterone and unopposed estrogen.
Synthetic xenoestrogens are chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and cleaning products that may bind estrogen receptors, potentially leading to elevated estrogen levels.
Hormonal therapy like oral contraceptives (birth control) can affect progesterone and estrogen levels.
Obesity can influence estrogen levels because adipose tissue secretes estrogen.
Impaired liver function can affect estrogen levels because the liver helps break down and manage estrogen in the body.
Excessive alcohol intake can impact the liver, affecting estrogen management.
Poor gut health can influence estrogen levels by affecting beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme involved in estrogen processing.

Symptoms of Excess Estrogen

Symptoms of estrogen excess may 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 Support Estrogen Balance

Supporting estrogen balance 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 support estrogen balance in the body. The following are suggestions that may aid in estrogen management (30):

Eating cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) may help support estrogen processing.
Increase fiber intake, such as flaxseed and whole grains.
Increase the intake of healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts, or consider including omega-3 fatty acids.
Limit processed foods, refined sugar, and alcohol.

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle modifications can support estrogen management:

Regular exercise
Stress management
Getting adequate sleep

Medical Interventions

Occasionally, medical interventions are appropriate. Consider the following:

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

When managing hormone levels, it is important to consult healthcare professionals to ensure an accurate understanding of your health. 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 understand the root cause of symptoms.

Medications and Treatments

Estrogen-related conditions such as endometriosis, infertility, breast/ovarian cancer, and male hypogonadism may require medical attention. Some patients may need pharmaceutical medications to manage estrogen activity in the body.

The following are common medications used to address estrogen-related concerns (38):

Aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole) are used to manage some cancers, endometriosis, and PCOS.
Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to manage estrogen-related cancers. This drug can cause side effects such as hot flashes, blood clots, irregular periods, loss of sex drive, and vaginal dryness.

The Importance of Supporting Detoxification

Supporting detoxification is a key component for managing estrogen levels.

Liver Health

The liver plays a critical role in digestion, detoxification, metabolism, and hormonal regulation. It helps synthesize multiple hormones, such as thyroid hormone, vitamin D, sex hormones, and cholesterol.

Estrogens are processed in the liver through Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification. Phase 1 liver detoxification involves the transformation of substances by metabolizing them into smaller components. This process relies on a group of enzymes known as cytochrome p450.

Phase 2 liver detoxification comprises many pathways that convert substances to water-soluble elements for easier elimination from the body. By supporting phase 1 and 2 detoxification, we can support the proper management of estrogen.

The following may support the liver in managing estrogen (42):

Indole-3-Carbinol: May aid in phase 1 liver detox, supporting the breakdown of estrogen
NAC: May promote liver detoxification by supporting glutathione levels
Methylation: Supporting methylation with B-vitamins may support phase 2 liver detoxification
Glutathione: Known as the "master antioxidant," may support detoxification of chemicals, metals, and pesticides that may contribute to estrogen levels
Calcium-D-Glucarate: May inhibit beta-glucuronidase, supporting estrogen management

Avoiding Xenoestrogens

Xenoestrogens 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
Reducing the use of plastic and only using BPA-free plastics
Avoiding synthetic fragrances
Filtering drinking water

(51)

Monitoring Your Progress

Regular check-ups and monitoring of symptoms are important aspects of managing and supporting estrogen balance effectively. Working with a trained functional medicine doctor while managing hormones helps personalize treatment, monitor treatment efficacy, and prevent side effects from therapy.