Estrogen dominance is a common, yet unsettling symptom of menopause. It occurs when the body has higher levels of estrogen than normal or just higher levels of estrogen compared to the progesterone in the body.
The symptoms of estrogen dominance can vary from very minor, such as problems with allergies, to more serious issues concerning infertility. Fortunately, by identifying the symptoms of estrogen dominance, there are a host of measures allowing a woman to take control of these symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about dealing with estrogen dominance.
What Is Estrogen?
Estrogen dominance presents itself in two ways:
- Simply having too much estrogen
- Low progesterone levels
Estrogen is the common term applied to a group of ovarian hormones, or the primary group of female sex hormones. Estrogens promote the development of female sexual characteristics, such as the breasts, ovaries, cervix, and fallopian tubes, and are involved in menstruation. That is, estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to thicken and build up each month until it is released as a period. In addition, estrogen nourishes and protects the body in different ways. It helps to strengthen bones, maintain cholesterol levels, and nourish the skin, hair, and brain.
What Causes Estrogen Dominance?
A woman's hormonal system is very delicate and is affected by a range of factors, these include, vitamin deficiency and stress.
Identifying the symptoms is key in determining the cause of the imbalance. Some common causes of estrogen dominance can include: consuming commercial poultry and cattle (which have been fed estrogen like hormones) stress, obesity, and increased caffeine. Some other causes may include: vitamin deficiency, too much sugar or fats, and exposure to environmental pollutants.
What Are the Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance?
The symptoms of estrogen dominance differ from woman to woman, they might also overlap with some of the common symptoms of menopause.
Estrogen Dominance Symptoms:
- Allergies and asthma
- Missed or irregular periods
- Swollen or fibrocystic breasts
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- PMS
- Infertility
- PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Fibroids
- Mood Swings
- Magnesium deficiency
- Thyroid dysfunction
How Can I Get My Estrogen Dominance Under Control?
If estrogen dominance, or any of the above symptoms, is causing you a major inconvenience, then you should seek for the help of a qualified healthcare professional.
Doctors can perform tests to diagnose your symptoms and ensure there are no other serious complications. However, there are a few tips that can help relieve some of the minor symptoms. The first is to get in shape; the body needs to be healthy in order to have the best chance of maintaining stable hormonal levels. In addition to healthy choices, there are a range of pharmaceutical and alternative medicine remedies that can help to reduce estrogen dominance. Some remedies will often target the issue of hormonal imbalance and prove effective in dealing with the consequences of estrogen imbalance.