Do you suffer from gut wrenching cramps and PMS? Headaches before your period and wicked sweets cravings? Do you dread your cycle because of the tender breasts and sleepless nights?

It could be estrogen dominance! But what is it exactly? And why does it matter?

Estrogen dominance is a condition in which there's too much estrogen in the body relative to progesterone. This can happen in your 20’s, during perimenopause, and before and during menopause.

Too much estrogen can lead to some serious symptoms and even health risks so it's important to understand what causes estrogen dominance and how to avoid it. Here's everything you need to know about estrogen dominance.

Why Should You Care About Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are out of balance, leaving estrogen floating around like a teenage rebel with too much time on their hands.

Women experience estrogen dominance in two ways: frank or relative estrogen dominance – frank means you produce too much estrogen and levels are simply too high, while relative estrogen dominance occurs when progesterone levels are low compared to estrogen.

Estrogen dominance is frequently triggered during perimenopause and menopause when your hormones shift, but can also be triggered by certain external sources – including xenoestrogens found in some food, plastics and beauty products.

Although estrogen is essential for bodily functions like regulating metabolism and maintaining healthy bones and skin, it can cause havoc if levels are too high in the case of dominance and too low during menopause.

Research suggests that unchecked estrogen dominance could increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers so you should get tested to better understand your risk profile.

What Else Causes Estrogen Dominance?

While perimenopause and menopause are the most common reasons for estrogen dominance, there are several other factors that can contribute to this condition:

1. Obesity: Fat cells produce estrogen, and excess body fat can result in higher levels of estrogen.
2. Xenoestrogens: Prolonged exposure to xenoestrogens (industrial chemicals that mimic the function of naturally occurring estrogen) can lead to estrogen dominance.
3. Environmental toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, and plastics can disrupt hormone balance and lead to estrogen dominance.
4. Hormonal birth control: Hormonal birth control, including birth control pills, can increase estrogen levels in the body.
5. Chronic stress: Chronic stress can lead to higher cortisol levels, which can disrupt hormone balance and lead to estrogen dominance.
6. Poor liver function: The liver is responsible for metabolizing and eliminating excess estrogen from the body. Poor liver function can lead to an accumulation of estrogen in the body.
7. Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance, a condition in which the body becomes less responsive to insulin, can lead to higher insulin levels, which can disrupt hormone balance and lead to estrogen dominance.
8. Poor gut health: The gut microbiome plays a role in estrogen metabolism and elimination. Poor gut health can lead to an accumulation of estrogen in the body.
9. Thyroid dysfunction: Thyroid dysfunction can disrupt hormone balance and lead to estrogen dominance.
10. Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids and hormone replacement therapy, can increase estrogen levels in the body.
11. Genetics: Certain genetic issues like having mutations in the MTHFR & COMT gene can make estrogen detox challenging and thus play a role in estrogen dominance, as it can lead to a slower liver metabolism that results in more estrogen buildup in the body.

It's important to note that each person's experience with estrogen dominance may be unique, and several factors may contribute to this condition. If you're experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider who can help diagnose and treat the problem.

Treating Estrogen Dominance Naturally

There are many natural remedies to help women tackle this common issue.

Some of the best go-to remedies are high fiber foods like berries and broccoli, flax, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, probiotics, and chasteberry.

While these might not work for everyone all the time, research shows that natural solutions can make a real difference in reducing symptoms related to estrogen dominance and decreasing risks associated with conditions such as breast cancer and other estrogen-positive cancers. So grab your broccoli and brush up on high-fiber superfoods – you’re just a few steps away from detoxing estrogen more efficiently.

Choosing A Knowledgeable Provider

If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with estrogen dominance, it is important that you seek help from a functional medicine practitioner specializing in hormone expert testing and BHRT who can test your hormone levels and also your genetics to see if you are at risk.

As a licensed health practitioner with deep expertise in hormone imbalances and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), our team will provide the appropriate guidance for your unique situation so you can determine whether you are a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

We examine lifestyle factors that could be unnecessarily draining your natural hormone levels and also provide guidance on natural ways to boost your resilience and longevity.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can potentially reduce the risk of adverse side effects, alleviate symptoms leading to a healthier and happier life. If you think that this type of treatment might be right for you, then consider signing up for a free consultation so we can answer any questions you may have.