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Published on: Jun 12, 2006
Last modification: Jun 12, 2006
Estrogen dominance
by SirGan
 The estrogen dominance is one specific hormonal condition which affects many females and has very specific symptoms! The underlying problem is a relative excess of estrogen and an absolute deficiency in progesterone. The fact is that the term really describes a condition where a woman can have deficient, normal or excessive estrogen, but has little or no progesterone to balance its effects in the body. Although most people don’t even think about it- in the west, the prevalence of estrogen dominance syndrome approaches 50 percent in women over 35 years old. Natural progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation and balances the side effects of otherwise unopposed estrogen. Under influences of anovulatory cycles, menopause, stress and dietary antagonists, progesterone production ceases or is suppressed and the effects of Estrogen Dominance, can be observed. Many women experience otherwise unexplained weight gain from the lack of progesterone that is required for proper thyroid function. Symptoms of estrogen dominanceThere are several symptoms that could be linked to this hormone dominance:
Normal function of these hormones
This hormone is very important in menstruation regulation! It is the dominant hormone for the first week after menstruation.
Although not too many people know this- progesterone is a major reproductive hormone during the latter two weeks of the menstrual cycle. What does it does? Well, it keeps the inner lining of the uterus ready to receive a fertilized ovum. It also later provides the nurturing for the development of the embryo. What happens it the egg is not fertilized. Well, in that case- progesterone levels drop dramatically causing the uterus to shed its lining and a menstruation flow results.
The possible causes of estrogen dominance
The most important cause of low progesterone is situation when the follicle does not release the egg. What happens to the follicle after? The follicle becomes a cyst and the normal progesterone peak does not take place. This lack of increase in progesterone signals the hypothalamus to produce more Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which then stimulate the ovary to make more estrogen and androgens.
Several researches done in the past have came to the conclusion that an increasing number of experts suspect that substances called -environmental estrogens, are contributing to hormonal imbalances. Although not too many people thing about it-the fact is that estrogenic chemicals are present in our air, food and water. They include pesticides and herbicides as well as various plastics and PCBs. At least 50 environmental hormone mimics have been identified.
These substances are highly fat-soluble and are stored in your fatty tissue
Another possible factor is that your body may have an impaired ability to metabolize and dispose of estrogens. This could be the case if you have impaired liver function or constipation.
The known fact is that stress causes adrenal gland exhaustion and reduced progesterone output. This leads to excessive estrogen with symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety, which further taxes the adrenal gland. After a few years in this type of vicious cycle, the adrenal glands become exhausted.
There is doubt now- it is proven that fat has an enzyme that converts adrenal steroids to estrogen. Studies have shown that estrogen and progesterone levels fell in women who lost some significant amount of weight! People who eat more wholesome foods have a far lower incidence of menopausal symptoms.
Possible complicationsThe scientific literature is clear that an excess of estrogen or estrogen activity at the cell level is a root cause of breast cancer. We know too, that hormone imbalances triggered by the use of synthetic hormone combinations can have deadly consequences. The most recent studies were abruptly cancelled when it showed a greater risk vs. benefit for a majority of diseases it was thought to be preventing:
High-risk populationIt is proven that high risk population is made of those individuals in menopause especially with signs of low thyroid, fibroids, endometriosis and overall symptoms of too much estrogen including: breast tenderness, fibrocystic breasts, mood swings, vasomotor fluctuations, irritability, anxiety, fat gain and water retention.
Several researches done in the past have proven that estrogen dominance commonly occurs in situations:
Treatment of estrogen dominanceNatural Progesterone supplementation
Estrogen dominance can be reduced by supplementing with bioidentical progesterone cream and by reducing patient’s exposure to environmental toxins or xenohormones. Recent studies indicate that bioidentical progesterone cream curbs hormonal imbalances.
There are many herbal formulas which are made to improve all the symptoms caused by estrogen dominance! It is proven that some of them can significantly improves uterine fibroids and pelvic pain/cramps, irritability, tension, mood swings, acne, headaches, breast pain, bloating and weight gain. It is also found that chaste tree extract really helps the body remove exogenous, from hormone therapy or contaminated food.
Most of you know that the human liver is cornerstone for total body health. Naturopaths and others, who look for the underlying cause, often discover that the liver has had a role to play. The liver has two mechanisms designed to help detoxify the body. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, E, and especially C are essential for detoxification as they help the cells to neutralize fee radicals that cause mutation and cellular damage.
Taurine is an important amino acid in the female body and it is a known fact that female hormone estradiol depresses the formation of Taurine in the liver. Women who are on estrogen replacement, birth control pill, or those suffering from excessive estrogen may need more Taurine because it is helpful in clearing excessive fluid retention during menstrual period.
Some useful tips
Patients should improve their diet by including organic meats, poultry, eggs and dairy products that contain no growth hormones and antibiotics. They should also increase their consumption of fresh cold-water fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna are a good source of protein and of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
We are not talking about some excessive and vigorous exercise –simple walking 4-5 times a week for 30 minutes each time is perfect. It is proven that exercise is essential for a healthy metabolism and hormone balances! Not exercising can mean an increased risk of illness, obesity, less energy, and even hormone imbalance.
Obesity is normally defined by the body mass index or BMI, which is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. An index of between 18.5 and 25 is considered healthy, while those with a score between 25 and 29 are classified as overweight and those whose BMI is higher than that are considered obese.
Several researches have proven that the adrenal gland is where stress is expressed. Chronic stress leading to adrenal fatigue is a leading cause of progesterone depletion and thus estrogen dominance.
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