Understanding Estrogen Dominance: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Understanding Estrogen Dominance: What It Is and How It Affects You

Estrogen dominance is a condition where the levels of estrogen in the body are disproportionately high compared to other hormones, especially progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can lead to various health issues and symptoms that affect both men and women. Understanding what estrogen dominance is and how it affects your body can help you take steps to manage and improve your overall health.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a group of hormones that play a crucial role in the development and functioning of both female and male bodies. In women, estrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries and is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, reproductive system, and secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development. In men, estrogen is produced in smaller amounts by the testes and adrenal glands, and it is important for modulating libido, erectile function, and spermatogenesis.

Causes of Estrogen Dominance

Several factors can lead to estrogen dominance, including:

1. Hormonal Imbalance: An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is the primary cause. This can be due to excessive estrogen production or insufficient progesterone production. Importantly, it’s worth noting that estrogen dominance can occur even with low levels of both estrogen and progesterone, as the imbalance or ratio between the two hormones is what defines the condition.
2. Birth Control, Especially IUDs: Both hormonal and copper IUDs can lead to estrogen dominance by affecting hormone balance and estrogen levels in the body.
3. Environmental Estrogens: Also known as xenoestrogens, these are synthetic compounds found in pesticides, plastics, and personal care products that can mimic estrogen in the body.
4. Diet: A diet high in processed foods and low in fiber can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance.
5. Stress: Chronic stress can lead to increased production of cortisol, which can interfere with hormone balance.
6. Body Fat: Fat tissue produces estrogen, so higher body fat percentages can contribute to higher estrogen levels.
7. Medications: Certain medications, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control pills, can affect estrogen levels.

How IUDs Cause Estrogen Dominance

Hormonal IUDs

Many IUDs, particularly hormonal ones like those releasing levonorgestrel, work by releasing a synthetic form of progesterone called progestin. This progestin influences your body’s natural hormone balance by causing your body to rely on the external source of progestin and reducing its production of natural progesterone.

Hormonal Imbalance: High Progestin, Low Natural Progesterone, and High or Unchanged Estrogen

When natural progesterone levels drop because your body relies on the progestin from the IUD, it can lead to estrogen dominance. This means that you can have high levels of progestin, low levels of natural progesterone, and high or unchanged levels of estrogen. The imbalance occurs because the relative drop in natural progesterone creates a situation where estrogen’s effects are more pronounced, even if estrogen levels have not increased.

Copper IUDs

Copper IUDs influence your body’s hormone balance by interacting with estrogen. The copper IUD increases copper levels in the body, which get stored in tissues. This increased ‘unbound’ copper can elevate estrogen levels.

Hormonal Imbalance: Copper Toxicity and Estrogen

Excess copper from the IUD can lead to copper toxicity, causing the body to hold onto estrogen and preventing its detoxification. This creates a vicious cycle: elevated copper levels increase estrogen, and the body retains more copper due to excess estrogen. This results in estrogen dominance, which can exacerbate symptoms associated with copper IUDs, such as mood swings, weight gain, and menstrual irregularities.

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance can manifest through a wide range of symptoms, many of which can be mistaken for other conditions. Some common symptoms include:

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Menstrual cycles that are shorter or longer than usual, heavy periods, or spotting between periods.
• Weight Gain: Especially around the abdomen, hips, and thighs.
• Bloating: Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
• Mood Swings: Emotional instability, irritability, and anxiety.
• Breast Tenderness: Swollen, tender, or painful breasts.
• Fibrocystic Breasts: Lumpy or dense breast tissue.
• Headaches or Migraines: Frequent headaches or migraines.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and low energy levels.
• Water Retention: Swelling in extremities, such as hands and feet.
• PMS Symptoms: Premenstrual syndrome symptoms like mood changes, bloating, and cramping.
• Decreased Libido: Reduced interest in sexual activity.
• Hair Loss: Thinning hair or increased hair shedding.
• Memory Problems: Difficulty with concentration and memory.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or poor sleep quality.
• Thyroid Dysfunction: Symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and depression related to thyroid issues.
• Cold Hands and Feet: Poor circulation leading to cold extremities.
• Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Depression: Increased feelings of anxiety or depression.
• Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding and pain.
• Endometriosis: Painful condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it.
• Gallbladder Issues: Increased risk of gallbladder disease or gallstones.
• Nausea: Feeling of sickness or queasiness, especially around the time of menstruation.
• Infertility: Difficulty in conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.
• Painful Periods: Severe menstrual cramps and discomfort during menstruation.
• Night Sweats: Episodes of excessive sweating during the night.
• Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, usually most intense over the face, neck, and chest.
• Skin Changes: Dry skin, acne, increased oiliness, and accelerated aging.
• Cognitive Issues: Problems with memory, focus, and clarity of thought.
• Irritability: Increased feelings of frustration or anger.
• Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea.

For a more comprehensive list of estrogen-dominant symptoms click here.   

Health Risks Associated with Estrogen Dominance

If left unaddressed, estrogen dominance can increase the risk of several serious health conditions, including:

• Breast Cancer: Elevated estrogen levels have been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
• Uterine Cancer: High estrogen levels can stimulate the lining of the uterus, increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Estrogen dominance may contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke.
• Ovarian Cysts: Hormonal imbalances can contribute to the development of ovarian cysts.
• Fibroids: These noncancerous growths in the uterus can be influenced by high levels of estrogen.
• Endometriosis: Excess estrogen can lead to the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility.
• Thyroid Dysfunction: Imbalances in estrogen levels can affect thyroid function, potentially leading to conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Managing and Treating Estrogen Dominance

Managing estrogen dominance involves making lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medical interventions to restore hormonal balance. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Dietary Changes:
  • Increase Fiber Intake: A diet high in fiber helps the body eliminate excess estrogen.
  • Eat Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that support estrogen metabolism.
  • Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: Reducing intake of processed foods and sugars can help stabilize hormone levels.
• Love Your Liver:
  • Your liver is responsible for deactivating and eliminating estrogen from the body. To support its function:
    • Consume high-quality protein sources.
    • Take a B complex supplement to support liver health.
    • Aim to eat a minimum of 3 cups of cruciferous vegetables weekly.
    • If you have an MTHFR defect, support methylation to optimize liver function.
• Fix Your Gut:
  • Once the liver processes estrogen for elimination, it’s up to your gut to move it out. Addressing digestive issues is crucial for optimal hormonal health:
    • Eat fiber-rich foods to support regular bowel movements and eliminate waste, including excess estrogen.
• Stress Management:
  • Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt hormone balance, so it’s essential to manage stress:
    • Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to lower cortisol levels.
• Sleep Quality:
  • Adequate sleep is crucial for hormonal balance:
    • Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night to support optimal hormone function.
    • Consider wearing light-blocking glasses 1-2 hours before bed to improve sleep quality and hormone regulation.
• Reduce Exposure to Xenoestrogens:
  • Limiting exposure to synthetic estrogens can help prevent hormone disruption:
    • Use natural personal care products and avoid plastics with BPA to reduce exposure to xenoestrogens.
• Consider Supplements:
  • In addition to dietary changes, certain supplements can support hormone metabolism and balance:
    • DIM (Diindolylmethane): Found in cruciferous vegetables, DIM can support healthy estrogen metabolism.
    • Calcium-D-Glucarate: This supplement can help the body eliminate excess estrogen.
    • Probiotics: A healthy gut flora is essential for proper hormone metabolism.
• Hormone Therapy:
  • In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend bioidentical hormone therapy to balance estrogen and progesterone levels.

By incorporating these strategies into your lifestyle, you can effectively manage and treat estrogen dominance, supporting overall hormonal health and well-being.

When to See a Doctor

Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional, particularly a naturopath with expertise in women’s hormones, is crucial if you suspect you have estrogen dominance. They can conduct tests, including a DUTCH test, to assess your hormone levels accurately and devise a personalized treatment plan. Ignoring symptoms of estrogen dominance can lead to more severe health complications, making early intervention essential.

Estrogen Dominance Symptoms: A Comprehensive List