Understanding Oestrogen Dominance: Dangers, Causes, and Solutions

If you're a woman experiencing mood swings, troublesome PMS symptoms, or heavy menstrual periods, you might be grappling with oestrogen dominance. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a variety of health issues if left unchecked. In this article, we’ll explore what oestrogen dominance is, its symptoms, causes, and effective ways to resolve it.

Oestrogen dominance occurs when there is an excess of oestrogen relative to other another sex hormone known as progesterone (1). This imbalance can stem from either overproduction of oestrogen or low levels of progesterone, resulting in an unfavourable oestrogen-progesterone ratio. Elevated oestrogen levels can trigger a myriad of physical and emotional symptoms that disrupt your overall well-being.

Hormones are complex and interconnected; when one hormone is out of balance, it often leads to others following suit. Oestrogen, along with other sex hormones such as progesterone and testosterone, is produced mainly by the ovaries and adrenal glands, and these hormones communicate with each other and interact with other critical hormones in the body (2).

It’s important to note that while oestrogen dominance is not classified as an official medical condition, it is a common issue that many women encounter at various stages of their lives. This hormonal imbalance often becomes particularly noticeable during premenopause and perimenopause, periods marked by significant fluctuations in hormone levels. During these times, women may experience an array of symptoms such as mood swings, weight gain, and irregular menstrual cycles, all of which can significantly impact their quality of life. Understanding oestrogen dominance and its effects can help women make informed choices about their health and well-being.

The impact of oestrogen dominance can be profound, affecting various systems in the body. Here are some key symptoms to watch for (3):

• Intense PMS and Heavy Periods: Women may experience more severe premenstrual symptoms like heavy bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, and increased mood swings.
• Anxiety and Depression: High levels of oestrogen can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Fatigue and Poor Sleep: Elevated oestrogen may inhibit melatonin production—essential for sleep—resulting in insomnia and chronic fatigue.
• Thyroid Dysfunction: Excess oestrogen can interfere with thyroid hormone activity, leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin.
• Uterine Fibroids: Oestrogen stimulates the growth of tissue in the uterus, leading to non-cancerous growths known as uterine fibroids, which can cause pain and impact fertility.
• Fertility Issues: A higher oestrogen level can disrupt ovulation and increase the risk of miscarriage, primarily due to low progesterone levels.
• Increased Risk of Autoimmune Diseases and Cancers: Oestrogen promotes cell growth, and excessive levels may contribute to a heightened risk of various cancers, particularly in the breast, uterus, cervix, and ovaries.

Several factors may lead to oestrogen dominance, including (4):

• Chronic Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions can hinder your body’s ability to detoxify hormones effectively, leading to excess oestrogen.
• Chronic Stress: Stress prompts the body to release cortisol, which can inadvertently lead to increased oestrogen production.
• Poor Diet and Alcohol Consumption: Diets high in sugar and processed foods can interfere with oestrogen metabolism. Additionally, alcohol consumption can impede the body's ability to detoxify oestrogen.
• Hormone-disrupting Chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals in personal care products and household cleaners can mimic oestrogen in the body, exacerbating the issue.
• Poor Sleep: Insufficient restorative sleep can impair the body’s natural hormone processing and detoxification.
• Hormonal Birth Control: Some contraceptive methods contain oestrogen, which can disrupt hormonal balance in certain women.
• Constipation: Chronic constipation can lead to the reabsorption of oestrogen, thereby increasing its levels in the body.

While there is no definitive test for estrogen dominance, healthcare providers can evaluate a variety of symptoms and recommend specific testing for hormone levels to gain a clearer understanding of an individual's hormonal balance.

Symptoms of estrogen dominance may include irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, weight gain, and fatigue.

Common tests to assess hormone levels include blood tests and dried urine tests (some state these offer more accuracy) that measure not only estrogen and progesterone but also other relevant hormones like testosterone and luteinizing hormone. Additionally, regular urine tests can provide insights into how effectively the body processes and eliminates oestrogen, offering a comprehensive view of hormone metabolism. By combining these evaluations, healthcare providers can develop a tailored approach to managing oestrogen dominance and improving overall health.

Fortunately, many factors contributing to oestrogen dominance are lifestyle-related and can be improved with simple changes. Here are some effective strategies recommended by healthcare professionals (5):

Enhance Your Diet:

• To promote better health and hormonal balance, it's important to increase your intake of a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and plant-based foods. These foods are rich in essential nutrients and fibre, which not only boost overall nutrition but also play a crucial role in binding and eliminating excess oestrogen from the body. Consuming a variety of colourful produce can enhance your diet with antioxidants and phytochemicals, further supporting your body's natural detoxification processes and contributing to overall well-being.
• Incorporate cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and Brussels sprouts) that support oestrogen detoxification pathways.

Choose Organic:

• Opt for organic sources of animal foods to limit exposure to added hormones present in conventional meat and dairy products. Organic farming practices typically avoid the use of synthetic hormones and antibiotics, which can be harmful to both health and the environment. By choosing organic meats and dairy, you not only support sustainable farming methods but also ensure that the food you consume is free from these additives, promoting better overall well-being.
• Clean up your personal care and cleaning products by switching to natural alternatives that do not contain harmful chemicals.

Prioritise Sleep and Manage Stress:

• Establish a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock. Additionally, practise relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga before bed to calm your mind and better manage stress levels. Incorporating these habits can lead to improved sleep quality and overall well-being.

Consider Supplements:

• Certain dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and magnesium, may help rebalance hormones and support overall hormonal health. These supplements can play a role in addressing imbalances that affect mood, energy levels, and metabolic function. However, it is essential to consult a qualified health professional for personalised recommendations tailored to your specific needs and health conditions, ensuring safe and effective supplementation.

According to health experts, with diligence in implementing these lifestyle changes, many individuals report improvements within three months. In some cases, medication may be necessary, but this will depend on individual circumstances and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

While oestrogen dominance can present significant challenges, understanding its causes and symptoms, alongside proactive management, can empower women to regain control of their hormonal health. By making informed lifestyle choices, you can work towards restoring balance and enhancing your overall well-being.

If you're looking for support in your hormone health journey, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional who specialises in hormonal imbalances. Your path to wellness starts today!

Written by Amy Morris, BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy. Amy has been a nutritional therapist for 12 years, specialising in recent years as a functional medicine nutritional therapist. Women’s health, and pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes prevention are Amy’s specialist areas. Diagnosed with a chronic condition called endometriosis at age 20, this is what motivated Amy to study nutrition. Amy has been in remission for 6 years now, attributing powerful nutrition, lifestyle and bio-identical hormone strategies she now shares with her clients. 

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