7 steps to restore estrogen balance naturally
Hormonal balance is a huge issue we see at the clinic but many have only heard about estrogen deficiency and menopause but what about estrogen dominance ? Did you know that some women can suffer from estrogen dominance for 10 to 15 years, beginning as early as 35 years old? Did you know that estrogen dominance as also be linked to allergies, auto-immune diseases, thyroid dysfunction, uterine cancer, ovarian cysts and is also associated with the acceleration of aging? Estrogen can wreak havoc on the body if not properly balanced with other reproductive hormones like, progesterone.
But, I am getting ahead of myself, let’s start at the beginning.
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen plays an important role through the course of our reproductive lives and beyond. It regulates our menstrual cycle, strengthens our bones, controls our cholesterol, and much more. When our estrogen levels drop, we experience menopausal symptoms. But even before menopause, varying levels of this vital hormone can wreak havoc. That’s because estrogen requires a delicate balance with other hormones. When that balance is disturbed, we can experience a wide range of frustrating symptoms.
This hormonal imbalance often occurs during a particularly busy time of our lives, the period from about age 25 through to menopause. As a result, at the clinic we see many women who are dealing with unexplained weight gain, mood swings, and libido problems. But there is help available. A few simple steps can help you restore balanced estrogen levels and feel like yourself again.
How Do You Know if You Have Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance can impact many areas of our lives, with symptoms that range from subtle shifts to major disruptions in wellbeing. Many women in this age group assume these issues are a normal part of aging or a consequence of their busy schedules. But even a slight imbalance in hormone levels can lead to a number of problems.
Symptoms can vary greatly by person, but often include:
● Increased weight, especially in the belly and hip area
● Heavier periods
● More severe PMS
● Irregular menstrual cycles
● Fibrocystic and painful breasts
● Uterine fibroids
● An increase in fatigue
● Loss of libido
● Water retention and bloating
● Depression
● Irritability
● Anxiety
● Bloating (water retention)
● Headaches
● Foggy brain
● Memory troubles
● Insomnia and restlessness
Does that list look familiar? We see many women every month with complaints like these. We understand how frustrating they can be, especially when you’re unable to find effective treatment. And, of course, the complex relationship between estrogen and our emotions can only magnify the frustration. Who wants to feel irritated about feeling irritable?
And it’s not only women who can experience estrogen dominance. You may be surprised to know that men can suffer an excess of estrogen as well. In men, estrogen dominance can manifest a bit differently, with some of these symptoms being common:
● Enlarged breasts
● Sexual dysfunction
● Infertility
● Depression
● Fatigue
● Midsection fat
What Causes Estrogen Dominance?
To understand estrogen dominance, we have to consider the role of another important hormone, progesterone. Progesterone and estrogen maintain an often tricky seesaw balance in our bodies. Prior to menopause, the balance shifts at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen dominance isn’t necessarily a surge of estrogen, but an imbalance in that seesaw. Simply put, estrogen dominance happens when the seesaw tips to one side because there is not enough progesterone to balance out the estrogen.
How does estrogen become dominant? A key factor is the timing. Or, to be more specific, the time of our lives. Consider a normal menstrual cycle during our reproductive years: After we ovulate mid-cycle, our bodies produce progesterone to balance out estrogen.
But as we near menopause, we often have some menstrual cycles when we do not ovulate. As a result, there is not enough progesterone to balance out the estrogen. Enter estrogen dominance -- and its long list of possible symptoms.
To a certain extent, estrogen dominance is a natural part of our aging process. However, recent years have seen a rise in estrogen-dominance complaints, and our busy lifestyle may be a big factor. Environmental and behavior issues can increase estrogen levels, tipping the seesaw even further. What’s to blame? Take a look at this list.
1. Excess body fat can increase estrogen levels, since fat cells produce estrogen. Of course, this creates a frustrating cycle for some women, as the fatigue associated with estrogen dominance makes it difficult to lose weight.
2. Chronic stress will throw off your hormonal balance, often resulting in excess estrogen. In times of stress, your body produces too much cortisol. Cortisol negatively affects progesterone production, so the result is a shortage of progesterone to balance the body’s estrogen.
3. Hormone replacement therapy that doesn’t take all hormones into account and doesn’t treat with customized dosing, can inadvertently create estrogen dominance.
4. Environmental sources of estrogen in our environment, particularly with regard to plastics and pesticides can negatively affect hormone levels.
5. When we’re not getting enough sleep, our melatonin levels decrease. And melatonin helps regulate estrogen levels. In other words, if we don’t have enough melatonin to keep estrogen in check, we can end up in a cycle of sleep trouble.
How Can You Restore Hormone Levels?
1. Increase your intake of fibre. Insoluble fibre can bind with estrogen in our digestive tract. As a result, excess estrogen is eliminated with a high-fibre diet. If stool remains in the bowel, estrogen is reabsorped.
2. Go organic. Many pesticides have been identified as estrogen disruptors. That means they disturb the natural balance of estrogen. Research is still being done in this area, but the connection is becoming clear. Plus, organic food is delicious!
3. Get enough sleep. We know - you’re busy. But sleep will help restore your melatonin levels and, subsequently, your estrogen balance.
4. Follow a Hormone Balancing Diet. Eat a lots of fresh vegetables, some fruits, adequate protein and healthy fats.
5. Choose your health and beauty products wisely. Xenoestrogens have a similar molecular structure to estrogen. Bisphenol A (BPA), which is often used in plastics, is an example of an xenoestrogen. When these substances enter our bodies, our system reacts as if they are actual estrogen. Some simple steps, such as avoiding plastic food storage containers and products with artificial scents, can help reduce your exposure to xenoestrogens.
6. Get moving. Exercise will relieve stress levels and could help reduce body fat. Strength training, pilates, barre and yoga are great activities.
7. Decrease stress. Again, we realize this is easier said than done! Take a step back and assess your stress levels. Are you doing too much?
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC313802
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10188197
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15276966
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11602005
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12644393
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