Estrogen dominance - Hormone Balance Clinic

Estrogen dominance refers to a condition where a woman has excess estrogen in relation to progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can lead to various symptoms and health issues. Some key things to know about estrogen dominance:

• Causes
  • Excessive estrogen production
  • Impaired estrogen breakdown
  • Low progesterone levels
• Risk factors include obesity, chronic stress, pregnancy, and high estrogen birth control use
• Symptoms may include:
  • Irregular periods
  • Bloating/weight gain
  • Brain fog
  • Mood changes
  • Sleep issues
• Health risks like infertility, thyroid dysfunction, and certain cancers may develop over time
• Testing involves saliva or blood tests of hormone levels
• Treatment involves lifestyle changes and natural progesterone supplementation in some cases

To expand a bit further...

What causes estrogen dominance?

There are a few potential causes:

• Excess estrogen production. This can result from obesity, high sugar intake, chronic alcohol use, and environmental xenoestrogen exposures.
• Impaired estrogen breakdown. Problems with liver detoxification can allow used estrogen to recirculate. Certain medications also inhibit estrogen metabolism.
• Low progesterone. Progesterone opposes many negative effects of estrogen. Low progesterone tilts the balance towards estrogen dominance.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of estrogen dominance may include:

• Irregular, heavy, or painful periods
• Bloating/water retention
• Weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs
• Brain fog, anxiety, and mood swings
• Sleep disruptions and insomnia
• Low libido

The symptoms arise because estrogen promotes fluid retention, fat storage, and inflammation. Meanwhile, progesterone has opposite effects.

How do you test and treat it?

Estrogen dominance is best confirmed through saliva or blood tests of hormone levels. Treatments may include:

• Lifestyle changes - Losing excess weight, reducing sugar, lowering stress, and limiting alcohol/toxins
• Progesterone supplementation - Bioidentical progesterone creams used days 14-28 of the menstrual cycle can rebalance hormones
• Herbal therapies - Herbs like vitex and maca help modulate estrogen metabolism

In summary, estrogen dominance is a common but overlooked issue for women's health. Paying attention to both lifestyle and lab testing is key to overcoming an estrogen dominant state. Visit Hormone Balance Clinic for more information and personalized treatment options.