Estrogen Dominance
Menopause symptoms together with a range of other ailments including osteoporosis, PMS, weight gain and cancer have all been linked to oestrogen dominance.
In cultures where diets still largely comprise a variety of fresh vegetables progesterone deficiency remains rare. Plants produce substances that behave much like progesterone and as such when the body’s progesterone production winds down, these substances are able to counteract the effects of oestrogen. In western cultures, where processed foods form the bulk of diets, these nutrients are largely absent.
For women in modern societies the problem is accentuated through increased exposure to oestrogenic substances in the form of environmental pollution and toxins as well as extended use of birth control treatments.
This combination of increased oestrogenic exposure and reduced natural, progestogenic nutrients, accentuates normal changes in hormone levels creating a ‘perfect storm’ for oestrogen dominance.
Some of the More Familiar Symptoms You May be Familiar With:
Dietary and lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle is a critical factor in the production and storage of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone to support hormonal balance.
Here are four simple elements to start with today.
Find your unique path to hormonal balance.
The concept of estrogen dominance came to the forefront of women’s health through the work of Dr. John Lee, who pioneered the idea that low levels of estrogen are not the only cause of menopausal symptoms. While we understand now that the equation isn’t as simple as “Too much estrogen — just add progesterone,” Dr. Lee captured the public’s attention and moved us all forward in how we view the complexities of hormonal balance. As we continue learning more, we intend to keep looking for gentle interventions that restore balance best — and most naturally.
Menopause symptoms together with a range of other ailments including osteoporosis, PMS, weight gain and cancer have all been linked to oestrogen dominance.
In cultures where diets still largely comprise a variety of fresh vegetables progesterone deficiency remains rare. Plants produce substances that behave much like progesterone and as such when the body’s progesterone production winds down, these substances are able to counteract the effects of oestrogen. In western cultures, where processed foods form the bulk of diets, these nutrients are largely absent.
For women in modern societies the problem is accentuated through increased exposure to oestrogenic substances in the form of environmental pollution and toxins as well as extended use of birth control treatments.
This combination of increased oestrogenic exposure and reduced natural, progestogenic nutrients, accentuates normal changes in hormone levels creating a ‘perfect storm’ for oestrogen dominance.
Some of the More Familiar Symptoms You May be Familiar With:
- Hair loss,
- Headaches,
- Infertility,
- Miscarriage,
- Irregular menstruation,
- Irritability .
- Insomnia
- Memory loss,
- Mood swings,
- Water retention,
- Bloating.
Dietary and lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle is a critical factor in the production and storage of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone to support hormonal balance.
Here are four simple elements to start with today.
- Limit exposure to xenoestrogens. Choose organic foods when possible, and wash your produce. If you include animal foods in your diet, select those that were sustainably raised without hormones and harmful chemicals. Avoid plastics for heating or storing food, and limit body care and cleaning products to those with all-natural ingredients.
- Eat a natural, plant-based diet. Eating lots of vegetables provides fiber, which feeds the beneficial flora in your intestines, which help you metabolize your hormones the way Mother Nature intended. Plant foods also provide your body with phytoestrogens, which protect your body from damaging xenoestrogens. Good choices include legumes, licorice, yams, and anything in the broccoli/cabbage family. Foods to avoid include those made with refined flours, sugars, partially hydrogenated fats, and artificial ingredients.
- Restore balance with supplements. I generally recommend high-quality daily nutritional supplements to help restore a woman’s hormonal balance. Because they work as molecular messengers, nutrients such as B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids can help increase your body’s ability to balance its hormone ratios.
- Manage stress levels. Most women have skipped a period or two while under stress—one obvious effect of stress on our hormonal cycles. In relation to estrogen dominance, one theory is that stress fuels chronically high levels of adrenaline and cortisol, stress hormones known to alter the feedback loops regulating our sex hormones.
- Even with this type of support, there are still many women whose bodies produce an abundance of estrogen. These women may continue to experience symptoms and conditions associated with estrogen dominance. Such women may find dramatic improvement by adding bioidentical progesterone. If this describes you, then it’s probably worthwhile to talk to your practitioner.
Find your unique path to hormonal balance.
The concept of estrogen dominance came to the forefront of women’s health through the work of Dr. John Lee, who pioneered the idea that low levels of estrogen are not the only cause of menopausal symptoms. While we understand now that the equation isn’t as simple as “Too much estrogen — just add progesterone,” Dr. Lee captured the public’s attention and moved us all forward in how we view the complexities of hormonal balance. As we continue learning more, we intend to keep looking for gentle interventions that restore balance best — and most naturally.