Estrogen dominance

What is estrogen dominance?

Estrogen dominance refers to a condition where a woman has excessive estrogen levels in relation to progesterone levels. Some key points about estrogen dominance:

• It often develops during perimenopause and menopause when progesterone levels start dropping at a faster rate than estrogen levels


• However, it can happen at other life stages like during the reproductive years if estrogen levels spike or progesterone levels dip too low

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Heavy, painful, irregular menstrual bleeding


• Fibrocystic breasts


• Weight gain, bloating


• Sleep issues


• Headaches and migraines


• Mood disturbances like irritability, anxiety, depression

What causes estrogen dominance?

Some potential causes include:

• Chronic stress leading to reductions in progesterone


• Obesity


• Exposure to xenoestrogens (estrogen-mimicking compounds) in foods, plastics


• Health conditions affecting hormone metabolism like thyroid disorders

An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can create havoc. Progesterone counterbalances estrogen's proliferative effects in tissues like the endometrium. With inadequate progesterone opposing it, an estrogen surplus can over-stimulate tissue growth and trigger a raft of troubling symptoms.

Addressing estrogen dominance

If experiencing estrogen dominance symptoms, get tested by an endocrinologist or women's health specialist. They can assess your hormone profile through blood, urine or saliva tests and distinguish estrogen dominance from other menstrual or endocrine disorders.

Treatment strategies may incorporate:

• Supplemental progesterone to counterbalance estrogen


• Estrogen blockers like DIM or IP6


• Stress management, diet changes, detox methods


• Botanical therapies like vitex chasteberry