Estrogen Dominance: Symptoms, Causes, Natural Solutions

Are you feeling puzzled by symptoms like irregular periods, unexpected weight gain, or mood swings? You’re not alone – these confusing signs may point to estrogen dominance, a common issue among women. But don’t worry, we’re here to provide clear answers and practical solutions to help you understand and manage estrogen dominance naturally.

Estrogen dominance affects women of all ages and can leave you feeling lost and frustrated. It’s like trying to solve a complex puzzle without all the pieces. The ups and downs can take a toll on your emotions and well-being, but there’s hope.

In this guide, we’ll break down the mysteries of estrogen dominance using straightforward language and expert insights from Ayurvedic medicine. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools to take control of your health, find relief, and achieve hormonal balance. Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a healthier, harmonious life.

What is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance is a condition that results when there is too much estrogen in the body relative to progesterone.

Although estrogen and progesterone are both female hormones, they have opposite effects in the body. Estrogen promotes growth and development of female sexual characteristics, while progesterone has a calming effect and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle.

When there is an imbalance between these two hormones, it can cause a variety of symptoms. There are two cases where estrogen dominance shows up:

Estrogen dominance can happen in two ways:

1. Absolute high or too much estrogen in your body. In this case your progesterone levels may be normal. This means that your body has much more Estrogen than it should normally have.
2. Estrogen is normal, but Progesterone is very low. This really leads to high Estrogen levels relative to Progesterone. And this kind of hormone imbalance often leads to its own set of inconvenient high Estrogen symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Estrogen dominance in Women

Excess estrogen in a woman’s body can have a profound impact on her overall health. Understanding these effects is crucial for recognizing and addressing estrogen dominance:

Short-Term Effects of Excess Estrogen

1. Menstrual Irregularities: High estrogen levels can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, heavy menstrual bleeding, heavy period with clots, or missed periods, affecting a woman’s reproductive health.
2. Breast Changes: Enlargement or tenderness in the breasts may occur due to estrogen dominance.
3. Mood Swings: Hormonal imbalances can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and irritability.
4. Weight Gain: Increased estrogen levels may make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
5. Fluid Retention: Swelling, bloating, and water retention are common symptoms associated with high estrogen.

Long-Term Consequences of Untreated Estrogen Dominance

1. Hormonal Disorders: Prolonged estrogen dominance can lead to more severe hormonal disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Fibroids and Adenomyosis.
2. Increased Cancer Risk: Studies have linked prolonged exposure to excess estrogen with an increased risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast and uterine cancer.
3. Osteoporosis: High estrogen levels can affect bone health, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis in the long run.
4. Cardiovascular Issues: Estrogen dominance may contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure.
5. Fertility Challenges: Estrogen imbalances can interfere with fertility and make it difficult to conceive.

Differentiating Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance symptoms can overlap with other conditions. It’s crucial to differentiate these symptoms from other health issues:

1. Thyroid Dysfunction: Fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes can be linked to thyroid problems. A healthcare provider can help distinguish between thyroid issues and estrogen dominance.
2. Perimenopause and Menopause: Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can mimic some estrogen dominance symptoms. Understanding your age and hormonal changes is essential for accurate assessment.
3. Estrogen-Predominant Body: Women with estrogen dominance may exhibit specific physical characteristics, such as increased body fat in the hip and thigh area.
4. Skin Changes: Estrogen dominance can lead to skin issues like acne or skin sensitivity.

What is the Root cause of Estrogen Dominance?

The exact cause of “estrogen dominance” can vary from person to person. However, there are some common causes that contribute to this condition.

Estrogen dominance often occurs when there is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. This can be due to a variety of factors, including your diet and lifestyle.

Estrogen dominance is often caused by exposure to environmental toxins, stress, and poor diet. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as birth control pills.

Exposure to environmental toxins

• Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals found in plastics, can mimic estrogen in the body. These compounds, known as endocrine disruptors, can disrupt hormonal balance.
• Personal Care Products: Some personal care products contain chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and disrupt hormonal function.

Poor diet

• Unhealthy Diet: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can disrupt hormonal balance. These foods may promote the production and circulation of excess estrogen in the body.
• Lack of Fiber: Inadequate fiber intake can impair the body’s ability to eliminate excess estrogen through the digestive system.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can impact liver function, hindering its ability to metabolize estrogen effectively.

Age and Lifestyle

• Liver Function: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing and excreting excess estrogen from the body. Impaired liver function can lead to estrogen buildup.
• Stress and Cortisol: Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance by increasing cortisol production, which, in turn, can affect estrogen metabolism.
• Age and Menopause: As women age and approach menopause, estrogen levels can fluctuate, sometimes leading to estrogen dominance.
• Genetics: You may be exposed to high levels of Estrogen as a fetus. Or the genetic factors may be passed down to you from your parents.

Insulin and cortisol imbalance

These two are the primary hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and stress responses in the body. If their function is disturbed, they can influence other hormones in the body, particularly the ovarian, thyroid, progesterone, testosterone, and sleep hormones.

The Birth Control Pills or Hormone Therapy

The birth control pill prevents ovulation. If you do not ovulate, you do not produce progesterone, which can lead to higher levels of estrogen. HRT delivers high amounts of synthetic estrogen, making it more difficult for the body to eliminate than natural hormones.

Belly Fat or Hormonal Belly

Fatty tissues are capable of generating natural Estrogen in the form of Estrone. And when you have high levels of belly fat (also called as visceral fat), it leads to excessive Estrogen in your body.

Constipation and Gut Problems

Excess Estrogen from the body is flushed out primarily via the digestive tract. If you are not taking in sufficient fibre in your diet or you are struggling with constipation, then it is highly likely that your intestines will have excess Estrogen and other toxins lying in the digestive tract for long. Eventually, they are reabsorbed and create hormone imbalance symptoms as Estrogen dominance.

Who should check for Estrogen Dominance?

You may be more likely to have elevated estrogen and low progesterone if:

• You have PCOS
• You aren’t ovulating regularly
• You’re in your 40’s and are going through perimenopause
• You have signs of low progesterone

Estrogen dominance can also lead to an increased risk for certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

They can order tests to check your hormone levels and determine if estrogen dominance is the cause. There are also a number of natural ways to treat estrogen dominance, which will be discussed below.

Estrogen Imbalance during Menopause

Your hormones start to shift in the 40’s during the perimenopause time, leading to fluctuating estrogen and low progesterone.

As hormone levels start to decline, progesterone levels can fall out of balance with estrogen, leading to estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency. So, even though both Estrogen and Progesterone are low, it is Progesterone that has become relatively lower to Estrogen.

Some of the typical signs of Estrogen dominance in menopause are heavy periods, weight gain in menopause, worsened PMS, sleep problems and hot flashes.

Estrogen Dominance during Adolescence

Estrogen dominance can happen during puberty, when ovulation and menstrual cycles are not regular. During adolescence soon after menarche (the onset of the first period), it is quite common to “skip” ovulation, which results in low progesterone, and relatively high estrogen.

This results in typical symptoms of estrogen dominance as heavy periods, cramps, acne, and crazy mood swings in teens.

During adulthood, this hormonal imbalance often leads to irregular ovulation and skipped or absent periods. Some of the common problems of Estrogen dominance in adulthood are Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Breast Lumps, Endometriosis, Cysts and Fibroids. All of these hormonal health issues point towards elevated estrogen and low progesterone levels in women.

Here’s How You can Reverse Estrogen Dominance with Ayurveda

High Estrogen level can be handled at its root by making suitable changes in your diet and lifestyle. When you start taking in foods that naturally up your levels of Progesterone and help you get rid of the excess Estrogen in your body, then you can treat your hormone imbalance. Here are some steps for you:

1. Diet to Address Estrogen Dominance

Maintaining a balanced diet is paramount for hormone regulation and overall well-being. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support the body’s ability to manage estrogen levels naturally.

1. Increase Fiber Intake: High-fiber foods like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables help promote the excretion of excess estrogen from the body.
2. Cruciferous Vegetables: Include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts in your diet as they contain compounds that support estrogen metabolism.
3. Healthy Fats: Consume sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and fatty fish, which aid in hormone production and balance.
4. Protein Sources: Choose lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, and plant-based options like tofu and tempeh to support overall health.
5. Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with water and herbal teas to help your body flush out toxins and maintain optimal hormonal function.

2. Estrogen-Rich Foods to Limit or Eliminate

1. Soy Products: Soybeans and soy-based foods contain phytoestrogens, plant compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. Limit your intake of soy sauce, tofu, and soy-based snacks.
2. Dairy: Conventionally produced dairy products may contain synthetic hormones given to dairy cows. Choose organic or hormone-free options when possible.
3. Processed Meats: Processed meats like sausages, bacon, and deli meats can contain artificial hormones and preservatives, which may disrupt hormonal balance.
4. Non-Organic Produce: Fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides can contain chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors. Opt for organic produce to reduce exposure.
5. Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can impair liver function, which plays a crucial role in metabolizing and eliminating excess hormones.

3. Ayurvedic Lifestyle to Beat Estrogen Dominance

If you suspect that you may be suffering from estrogen dominance, there are a few things you can do to address it. First, it’s important to identify any potential root causes.

• If you are exposed to environmental toxins, try to limit your exposure as much as possible. This may mean switching to natural personal care products and cleaning supplies, eating organic foods, and filtered water.
• You should also aim to reduce stress in your life by incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine.
• Improve your diet. Make sure you’re eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Be physically active to naturally flush excess Estrogen. Exercise that involves sweating out is one of the best ways to flush excess Estrogen out of your skin, melt the body fat and improve the health of your liver and detoxification pathways.
• Get sufficient sleep. Due to lack of sleep, you end up disturbing the levels of Melatonin in your body. This is a sleep hormone that also directs the functioning of your menstrual cycle. Low Melatonin translates to irregular ovulation, which creates Estrogen dominance symptoms.

4. Ayurvedic Herbs for Estrogen Dominance

Here is a list of Ayurvedic herbs that can help you to balance hormones, prevent and reduce the intensity of estrogen dominance. These herbs are not concentrated form of supplements, which often aggravate hormone imbalance symptoms.

Also, Ayurvedic plant based remedies remove the root cause of hormone imbalances by acting on specific body tissues. Thus, you also avoid the side effects that often come with generic medications.

However, these herbs are potent in nature. They can have deep effect on your body and mind. Hence, they should always be consumed under a trained Ayurvedic Physician. Please do not do self treatment with herbs.

1. Aloe vera gel – Reduces Heat, Detoxifies, Improves circulation, stimulates uterus and thyroid
2. Kapikacchu – Hormone Balance, Antioxidants, uterine tonic, improves mood
3. Yashtimadhu (Licorice) – Promotes hormone balance, gut health and improves brain function
4. Dashamula – Hormone balance thyroid and progesterone, improves circulation, detoxifies
5. Saffron – Hormone Balance and Progesterone, Detoxifies
6. Amla – Detoxifies, Boosts Metabolism, Reduces Heat and Inflammation
7. Arjuna Bark – Reduces heat and balances Pitta, promotes hormone balance, uterine tonic
8. Motherwort – Balances Pitta, reduces heat, prevents hot flashes, heavy bleeding and fibroids
9. Lady’s Mantle – Balances hormones, prevent heavy periods and reduces period pain
10. Shatavari – Uterine tonic, reduces heat, Hormone Balance, Improves Mood, Detoxifies
11. Triphala – Detoxifies, Supports digestion, reduces heat and inflammation

5. Yoga Poses to Lower Estrogen Dominance

Yoga goes much deeper than just the physical movement of the body. Regular practice of suitable yoga asana help to tone the muscles thus increase strength, relax the mind to reduce stress levels and also increase bone density.

That’s why yoga is one of the best ways to naturally support your hormone balance and keep your detox pathways active.

Here are some yoga asana that you can practice to find relief from Estrogen dominance symptoms:

1. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
3. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
4. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Half Spinal Twist Pose)
5. Natarajasana (Supine Dancing Shiva Pose)
6. Chakki Chalanasana (Churning Mill Pose)
7. Janu Sirsasana (One Legged Seated Forward Bend Pose)
8. Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations)

Conclusion

In the challenging journey to reclaim your health from the grip of estrogen dominance, there is hope and a natural solution that offers lasting relief. Our Ayurvedic approach at Medhya Herbals is all about holistic, root cause treatment, and we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthier, more balanced life.

By addressing the underlying imbalances, Ayurveda offers a path to long-term relief from estrogen dominance. We understand the frustration you’ve faced in finding effective solutions, and we empathize with the hurdles on this journey. However, we want to assure you that Ayurveda’s time-tested methods can provide the lasting relief you’ve been searching for.

Take the first step towards a brighter, healthier future by scheduling a consultation with our Ayurvedic doctors at Medhya Herbals. Let us guide you towards a life free from the burden of hormonal imbalances. Your journey to lasting well-being begins here, and your relief is just a click away. Don’t wait; take control of your health today.

References

• Clinical evaluation of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome
• Ayurveda Intervention in Perimenopausal Syndrome
• Estrogens, Migraine, and Stroke
• Estrogen Hormone Biology
• Mechanisms of Estrogen Action
• https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/estrogen-dominance.asp
• Estrogen-gut microbiome axis