Is Estrogen Running Your Life? Let’s Talk About It!
Hormones are the body’s natural messengers, controlling everything from metabolism and mood to reproductive health and energy levels. One hormone that plays a major role in women’s health is estrogen. While estrogen is essential for normal bodily functions, having too much of it in relation to other hormones—particularly progesterone—can lead to estrogen dominance. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained weight gain, mood swings, or fatigue, estrogen dominance might be the hidden culprit!
What is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone in the body. This imbalance can happen due to excessive estrogen production, poor detoxification, or external exposure to estrogen-mimicking chemicals. Even women with “normal” estrogen levels can experience dominance if their progesterone levels are too low.
Common Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance affects women of all ages, from their 20s through their 40s and beyond. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that your estrogen levels are out of balance:
✅ Weight gain (especially around hips & thighs) – Increased estrogen levels can promote fat storage. ✅ Mood swings, anxiety, or depression – Estrogen impacts neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. ✅ Fatigue & low energy – Imbalances can slow metabolism and impact adrenal function. ✅ Irregular or heavy periods – Too much estrogen can lead to longer, heavier cycles. ✅ Severe PMS symptoms – Breast tenderness, bloating, and irritability before your period. ✅ Hair loss or thinning – High estrogen levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle. ✅ Brain fog & difficulty concentrating – Estrogen imbalance can interfere with cognitive function. ✅ Bloating & digestive issues – Estrogen affects gut health and digestion. ✅ Increased risk of fibroids, endometriosis, or PCOS – Excess estrogen is linked to these conditions.
If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t worry—there are natural ways to restore balance!
What Causes Estrogen Dominance?
Several factors contribute to high estrogen levels, including:
🔹 Chronic stress: High cortisol levels deplete progesterone, causing estrogen to become dominant. 🔹 Poor liver detoxification: Your liver helps process and eliminate excess estrogen. When it’s overburdened, estrogen builds up. 🔹 Xenoestrogens (Environmental Estrogens): These are hormone-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products. 🔹 Hormonal birth control: Many contraceptives introduce synthetic estrogens, leading to imbalances. 🔹 Poor gut health: The gut plays a role in estrogen metabolism. An unhealthy microbiome can contribute to estrogen dominance. 🔹 Being overweight: Fat cells produce estrogen, so excess body fat can increase estrogen levels. 🔹 Diet high in processed foods and sugars: These foods can disrupt hormone balance and metabolism.
How to Naturally Balance Estrogen Levels
The good news? You can take steps to support your body and bring your hormones back into harmony. Here’s how:
1. Support Liver Detoxification
Your liver is responsible for breaking down excess estrogen and eliminating it from the body. Help it function optimally by: ✔ Drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins. ✔ Eating cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) that contain compounds that help process estrogen. ✔ Reducing alcohol and caffeine, which put extra strain on the liver. ✔ Adding lemon water in the morning to aid digestion and detoxification.
2. Improve Gut Health
A healthy gut microbiome plays a key role in hormone regulation. To keep it balanced: ✔ Eat fiber-rich foods (flaxseeds, leafy greens, whole grains) to help eliminate excess estrogen. ✔ Take probiotics to support good bacteria in the gut. ✔ Avoid processed foods that disrupt gut health.
3. Reduce Exposure to Environmental Estrogens
Xenoestrogens are synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body. Reduce your exposure by: ✔ Switching to natural skincare and cleaning products free of parabens and phthalates. ✔ Avoiding plastic food containers—use glass or stainless steel instead. ✔ Choosing organic produce to minimize pesticide exposure.
4. Manage Stress & Balance Cortisol
Chronic stress depletes progesterone, increasing estrogen dominance. Combat stress by: ✔ Practicing yoga, meditation, or deep breathing daily. ✔ Getting 7-9 hours of sleep to allow the body to regulate hormones. ✔ Exercising regularly—strength training and walking are especially beneficial for hormone balance.
5. Optimize Nutrition & Supplement Wisely
Food is medicine when it comes to hormonal balance! Try: ✔ Eating healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil) to support hormone production. ✔ Consuming high-quality protein (wild-caught fish, grass-fed beef, legumes) for metabolism support. ✔ Considering supplements like DIM, magnesium, and vitamin B6 to aid in estrogen metabolism.
When to Seek Professional Help
If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, it may be time to get your hormone levels tested. A functional medicine provider can help assess whether estrogen dominance is at play and recommend personalized treatment options, such as bioidentical hormone therapy, herbal remedies, or targeted supplements.
Final Thoughts
Estrogen is a powerful hormone that plays a vital role in your health, but too much of it can create imbalances that affect your mood, weight, energy, and overall well-being. By understanding the signs of estrogen dominance and making simple lifestyle changes, you can take control of your health and bring your hormones back into balance.
Are you experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance? Let’s find the root cause together! Reach out for a consultation to discover the best approach for your body.
📞 Call or text Lively at 480.780.7214 to schedule your hormone health consultation today!
📍 Visit us at: 4121 E Valley Auto Dr Suite 109, Mesa, AZ
#EstrogenDominance #HormoneHealth #BalancedHormones #LivelyWellness
