Navigating the Maze of Estrogen Dominance
A guide to navigating hormone dominance through functional medicine
Hormones serve as the body’s messengers, orchestrating a symphony of functions within. Like a well-choreographed ballet, these hormones need to maintain precise levels to ensure your body operates smoothly. Unfortunately, imbalances can occur, leading to a cascade of health issues. Among these, estrogen dominance inflammation stands out, affecting a significant number of women.
This guide, will help you understand what estrogen dominance entails, why hormone care is crucial, and how to restore estrogen balance for optimal health.
Unpacking Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance hinges on the balance of three estrogen forms: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Though both men and women require balanced estrogen levels, women naturally possess higher quantities. Balancing this estrogen surge is the role of progesterone, which neutralizes excess estrogen. In the absence of sufficient progesterone, estrogen spirals out of control, resulting in estrogen dominance.
While estrogen naturally fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle, excessive estrogen disrupts this cycle and overall reproductive health. Estrogen dominance stems from two primary causes: excessive estrogen production or inefficient breakdown and removal of external estrogen.
Overproduction and poor breakdown can be triggered by:
Excess Body Weight: Adipose tissue secretes estrogen, so higher body fat levels often correspond to elevated estrogen levels.
Medications: Certain drugs, like birth control and hormone therapy, can artificially boost estrogen levels.
Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress increases cortisol, depleting progesterone, which regulates estrogen.
Xenoestrogens: Synthetic chemicals, prevalent in household products, plastics, and cosmetics, that mimic estrogen in the body, elevating estrogen levels and hindering breakdown.
Liver Dysfunction: The liver plays a vital role in detoxification. Impaired liver function inhibits estrogen breakdown, leading to estrogen accumulation.
Recognizing Estrogen Dominance Symptoms
The symptoms of estrogen dominance can manifest differently for each person, impacting both men and women. Individuals with estrogen dominance may experience a combination of the following symptoms:
Women:
Bloating
Rapid weight gain
Breast tenderness
Mood swings
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Irregular periods
Anxiety
Depression
Migraine headaches
Insomnia
Brain fog
Fatigue
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Hair loss
Men:
Infertility
Erectile dysfunction
Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue)
Low libido
Fatigue
Hair loss
Diagnosing Estrogen Dominance
Lab testing offers the most precise method to confirm estrogen dominance if you experience related symptoms. Urine and saliva hormone tests provide a comprehensive overview of hormonal function, encompassing sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, along with cortisol levels and HPA-axis performance.
At Revive Health & Wellness, we offer both telehealth and in-office appointments. Click here to speak with a Revive Advisor.
Strategies to Tackle Estrogen Dominance
While the journey to estrogen balance is unique for each individual, several strategies can address common triggers of estrogen dominance.
Stress Reduction: Lowering cortisol levels is vital to maintain estrogen-balancing progesterone levels. Implement stress-reduction practices such as meditation, mindfulness, spending time in nature, and journaling.
Liver Support: Optimal liver function is crucial for estrogen breakdown. Herbal medicines like milk thistle can aid liver health and repair damaged liver cells.
Methylation Support: Methylation, a vital biochemical process, aids detoxification. B vitamins found in dandelion tea, dark leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower can enhance methylation and estrogen breakdown.
Eliminate Xenoestrogens: Reducing exposure to xenoestrogens is pivotal. Swap conventional household cleaners, perfumes, candles, air fresheners, and beauty products for essential oils and plant-based, non-toxic alternatives.
Embrace Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are the building blocks of hormones. Incorporate wild-caught salmon, avocados, hemp seeds, and coconut oil into your diet to support hormone production.
Adaptogens: Adaptogens like ashwagandha, licorice root, shilajit, and schisandra help balance the hypothalamic-pituitary-endocrine axis, aiding hormone regulation and lowering cortisol.
Prioritize Sleep: Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep per night to regulate cortisol and hormone levels. A well-established bedtime routine and sleep hygiene practices are beneficial.
takeaway
Seeking Guidance from Functional Medicine
Estrogen dominance is often interconnected with other health aspects. Collaborating with a functional medicine expert can help determine its role in your health case and guide you toward restoration. In our telehealth functional medicine clinic, we consider your unique circumstances, using wellness tools tailored to your individual needs.
If you suspect estrogen dominance, consult with us for a holistic approach to alleviate symptoms naturally. We are committed to helping you regain control of your health at Revive Health & Wellness.
Estrogen dominance inflammation can be a significant hurdle, but it’s not insurmountable. You can regain harmony in your hormonal balance with the right approach and personalized guidance from a functional medicine practitioner.
