Estrogen dominance refers to a condition where a woman has excess estrogen in relation to progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can develop due to several factors:
- Excess body fat: Fat cells produce estrogen, so overweight and obese women are more prone to high estrogen levels. Losing weight can help rebalance hormones.
- Stress: Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol, which can interfere with progesterone production and tilt the estrogen/progesterone balance. Reducing stress through lifestyle changes may help.
- Birth control pills: The estrogen in oral contraceptives can contribute to hormone imbalance in some women. Non-hormonal birth control options like copper IUDs avoid this effect.
- Perimenopause and menopause: As women age, progesterone production declines faster than estrogen production. Supplementing with natural progesterone can help restore balance.
Symptoms of estrogen dominance include irregular periods, headache, weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, and fluid retention. In the long run, prolonged estrogen exposure raises the risk of certain health issues like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and even breast and endometrial cancers.
To assess hormone levels, doctors can order blood tests or saliva tests to analyze the ratio of estrogen to progesterone. They may also check levels of estrogen metabolites to evaluate how efficiently estrogen is being broken down and removed from the body.
Natural remedies that may help counteract estrogen dominance include:
- Chasteberry supplements to promote menstrual regularity and progesterone production
- Omega-3 fatty acids to fight inflammation linked to excess estrogen
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale to enhance estrogen detoxification
- Green tea and grapefruit which can boost liver detoxification
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe bioidentical progesterone creams or supplements to directly increase progesterone levels. However, there are some risks with hormone replacement therapy, so supplements should be used selectively under medical supervision.
Estrogen dominance is a complicated but often treatable condition. Paying attention to diet, exercise, stress, and other lifestyle factors can rebalance hormones gently and safely in many women. Testing hormone levels periodically and reporting symptoms to your doctor at Wellspring Medical can help determine if prescriptive remedies are also needed. With a multi-pronged approach focused on promoting progesterone levels through natural and medical techniques, most women can find relief.