Having a mish-mash of symptoms that no one can put together is frustrating. You think it might be hormonally related because you have breast tenderness, but then maybe it’s not because you’re experiencing bloating.
Well, you may be onto something because our hormones can affect more than just our reproductive system – especially something called estrogen dominance.
What is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen and progesterone are hormones secreted by the ovaries throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. Estrogen spikes at ovulation and remains high in the second half of your menstrual cycle. Progesterone is also high in the second half of the menstrual cycle and peaks right before the onset of menstrual bleeding. In addition to having effects of their own, the balance between these two hormones is very important!
Simply put, estrogen dominance is when there is more estrogen than progesterone in the body. Although many people may be told they are estrogen deficient (low levels of estrogen), they may be still be in a state of estrogen dominance if their low levels of estrogen are greater than their even lower progesterone levels.
Signs and Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Irregular periods and ovarian cysts
- Bloating
- Decreased libido
- Breast tenderness
- Irritability/depression
- PMS
- Weight gain, primarily in the lower half of the body
Causes of Estrogen Dominance
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Stress
In the face of a stressful situation our brain gets the message that baby makin’ is not the priority. This can result in your brain not sending the proper messages to your ovaries, which can at times inhibit ovulation. Stress also comes in the form of physical stress such as inflammation, blood sugar dysregulation and nutrient deficiencies which can also lower progesterone.
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Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors such as BPA, phthalates (which can be found in plastics and cosmetics) and pesticides can act like estrogen in the body. Even small amounts of these endocrine disruptors can cause disease down the road. Symptoms of estrogen dominance can show up much sooner than that!
If you’re interested in learning more about endocrine disruptors found in body care products, the Environmental Working Group’s website is a great starting point. https://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors
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Gut Microbiome
The metabolism, or breakdown, of estrogen primarily occurs in our liver. The main types of estrogen (estradiol, estrone, and estriol) are broken down and will eventually be excreted either in the urine or feces. The gut microbiome, a collection of trillions of bacteria in our intestines, may also play an important role in the breakdown of estrogen and potentially lead to estrogen dominance if not functioning properly. This specific aspect of the gut microbiome is referred to as the estrobolome and the bacteria found here can metabolize estrogen. If functioning properly (i.e. through a fiber-rich diet) the estrobolome contributes to balanced levels of estrogen circulating in the body. If it is not, then the bacteria can actually take the estrogen that has been tagged by the liver for elimination in your poop and allow it to be reabsorbed into the blood stream. The result, more estrogen for your body to deal with and more symptoms!
Herbs I Love to Treat Estrogen Dominance
In addition to supporting your stress response and eliminating exposures to endocrine disruptors there are also many herbs that can help your liver and your gut to balance your estrogen.
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Dandelion Root
When looking for dandelion tea (Taraxacum officinale radix) make sure to look at what part of the dandelion plant is in it. Both the leaf and the root can be used, but it’s the root that is liver loving. Not only will dandelion root help our liver breakdown estrogen, it will also benefit our skin and digestion – a win-win situation.
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Milk Thistle
The seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) protect the liver from ongoing toxic exposure so that it can do its job. Ensuring that the liver is functioning well in the first place is the first step in ensuring estrogen metabolism.
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Broccoli sprouts
Broccoli sprouts are rich in a component called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is one of the strongest antioxidants and detoxifiers that we currently know of! Just ½ cup of broccoli sprouts daily can help to protect against certain cancers and can restore estrogen balance.
Estrogen dominance may be common, but it’s not normal. Identifying symptoms and understanding hormonal imbalances is where we need to start. The three causes I outlined in this article are a great starting point for you to help improve your symptoms on your own. If you need more answers make sure to work with a practitioner who can run the right tests and prescribe the right herbal support to balance your hormones.
