Estrogen dominance is a term that’s becoming more widely recognized, but many women still don’t fully understand what it means, how to identify it, or what to do about it. From heavy periods to unexplained weight gain, endometriosis, and even something as seemingly simple as headaches, estrogen dominance can manifest in a variety of frustrating symptoms. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into estrogen dominance, how to recognize it, and the steps you can take to balance your hormones and feel better.

 

What Is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are disproportionately high relative to progesterone in the body. This imbalance doesn’t necessarily mean that estrogen levels are excessively high; rather, it often refers to the relative excess of estrogen compared to progesterone. Estrogen dominance is especially common in women who are in the perimenopausal or menopausal stages, as progesterone tends to decline before estrogen does, leaving a “gap” between the balance of the 2 hormones. 

The symptoms of estrogen dominance can show up at any point in a woman’s life, from puberty through menopause. Some of the most common signs include:

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to understand that estrogen dominance may be the root cause, even if your estrogen levels appear normal on a blood test.

Why Estrogen Dominance Happens

To understand why estrogen dominance occurs, it’s important to first grasp what estrogen does in the body and how it interacts with other hormones.

The Role of Estrogen

Estrogen is a growth hormone that plays several vital roles in a woman’s body, including:

However, estrogen’s role in the body is only effective when it’s balanced by progesterone, which has a calming, soothing effect on the body. Progesterone helps regulate sleep, mood, and memory, and also protects against cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

Estrogen and Progesterone Imbalance

As women age, particularly between the ages of 35 and 50, progesterone levels begin to decline naturally. This decline often leads to a situation where estrogen levels remain the same, but the progesterone levels fall, resulting in a relative excess of estrogen. This imbalance can lead to the symptoms of estrogen dominance, even if your estrogen levels are within the “normal” range.

Other Causes of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance can also occur for reasons unrelated to ovarian hormone production, such as:

  1. Overactive aromatase: This enzyme converts testosterone and other androgens into estrogen, which can lead to an excess of estrogen.
  2. Inefficient estrogen detoxification: The liver plays a critical role in detoxifying excess estrogen. If the liver is overwhelmed or not functioning optimally, estrogen may not be properly metabolized and can accumulate in the body. Additionally, chronic constipation can lead to estrogen dominance because instead of being eliminated in stool, estrogen “leaches” back into the bloodstream from stool sitting in the intestines. 
  3. Toxins: Xenoestrogens, or endocrine disruptors, are chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, and pesticides that mimic estrogen in the body. These external estrogens can contribute to estrogen dominance by adding to the body’s total estrogen load. Check out this post for a list of toxin-free beauty and cleaning products!
  4. Excess body fat: Fat tissue produces estrogen, which can contribute to an estrogen overload, especially if you are carrying extra weight.

How to Test for Estrogen Dominance

One of the most reliable ways to determine if you have estrogen dominance is through hormone testing. While many women are told by their doctors that their estrogen levels are “normal,” they may still experience the symptoms of estrogen dominance. This is because traditional tests may not reveal imbalances in the relative levels of estrogen and progesterone, especially if the estrogen is being processed poorly or if external estrogens are contributing to the imbalance.

DUTCH Test

The DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is one of the most effective ways to assess estrogen dominance. It provides a detailed picture of your hormone levels, including the three forms of estrogen (estrone, estradiol, and estriol) and their active metabolites. It also measures progesterone, testosterone, and a variety of hormone metabolites, providing insight into how your hormones are interacting.

This test is preferred by many functional medicine practitioners because it provides a more comprehensive view of hormone health than traditional blood or saliva tests. The DUTCH test allows you to assess estrogen levels, but also how well your body is metabolizing and detoxifying estrogen, which is a key factor in managing estrogen dominance. It’s an easy, at-home urine test that you complete and ship back to to DUTCH for processing. If you live in California, I would love to work with you in assisting you with getting a DUTCH test ordered and interpreted for you! Click here for my DUTCH package. If you aren’t in California but would like a DUTCH test, visit the website to find a provider near you. 

Addressing Estrogen Dominance: Strategies for Balance

Once you’ve identified estrogen dominance, there are several strategies you can take to address it. The goal is to bring your hormones back into balance by supporting estrogen detoxification, boosting progesterone, and reducing exposure to xenoestrogens.

1. Support Estrogen Detoxification

The liver plays a key role in breaking down and eliminating excess estrogen from the body. If your liver isn’t functioning optimally, estrogen can build up, leading to estrogen dominance. Supporting your liver’s detoxification pathways is one of the most effective ways to reduce estrogen dominance.

Foods that support healthy estrogen detoxification include:

Additionally, micronutrients like iron, B vitamins, and magnesium are essential for proper estrogen metabolism. Supplements like Diindolylmethane (DIM) and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) can also support estrogen detoxification.

2. Boost Progesterone Levels

Progesterone helps counterbalance the effects of estrogen in the body. During perimenopause and menopause, when progesterone production declines, it’s important to find ways to boost progesterone.

For women who are premenopausal, herbs like Chasteberry (Vitex Agnus) can help stimulate the body’s production of progesterone. Additionally, vitamins B6, C, and melatonin can help support progesterone production.

For postmenopausal women, bioidentical progesterone supplements can be an effective option to restore progesterone levels and reduce the symptoms of estrogen dominance. Oral progesterone is more effective than topical and can be prescribed by your healthcare provider or through a telehealth service such as Midi Health or Evernow

3. Reduce Xenoestrogen Exposure

Xenoestrogens are chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body, and they can contribute to estrogen dominance. Reducing exposure to these toxins can significantly help manage estrogen imbalance.

To reduce xenoestrogen exposure:

4. Optimize Lifestyle Habits

In addition to dietary changes, lifestyle factors play a significant role in hormone balance. Regular exercise can help reduce body fat, which in turn can help lower estrogen levels. Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can also support hormonal health.

Conclusion

Estrogen dominance can be a major cause of frustrating symptoms for women of all ages, but with the right approach, it’s possible to restore balance and improve your quality of life. 

If you suspect that estrogen dominance is affecting you, the next step is to get tested. The DUTCH test is a powerful tool that can give you a clear picture of your hormone levels and help guide your treatment. If you are in California and are interested in getting a DUTCH test, I would be happy to help you order one and interpret your results! Otherwise visit dutchtest.com to find a provider near you. 

Disclaimer 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This information is for educational purposes only, please consult with your medical provider before implementing anything new into your daily regimen.