Estrogen Dominance

estrogen dominance

By Emigene Brown, PharmD Candidate

Growing up as the youngest of four girls, there was no shortage of emotional ups and downs in our household. As a child, I grew accustom to the jokes and even sympathy my dad would receive when others learned he lived in a house with five females. Most of the banter related to “all the hormones” he would have to endure or the “lack of testosterone” in our home. Consequently, when I first heard the term “Estrogen Dominance”, my mind was filled with thoughts of childhood and all the dramatic flair my sisters and I accomplished during this time. While Estrogen may be better known as a hormone that impacts mood and emotions, the truth is it has hundreds of functions in the body, affecting both physical and emotional health. Some of the important benefits from Estrogen include cardiovascular health, dermatological benefits, increased energy, enhanced memory, body temperature regulation and much more; however, if the body is producing excess Estrogen or too little Estrogen in relation to the other hormones in the body, many unpleasant symptoms can occur. One specific example of this disparity is Estrogen Dominance.

Estrogen is a hormone naturally produced by the body… but what are hormones? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the actual word “hormone” has a Greek origin and literally means “to stir up” or “impulse”. Hormones, therefore, are chemical messengers that work to stimulate a variety of physical and emotional activities. They can impact heart health, bone health, neurological health, emotional health and much more. Two hormones of particular interest when discussing Estrogen Dominance are Estradiol and Progesterone. Since the word dominance tends to make us think of excess or more, the term “Estrogen Dominance” can be a bit misleading. This is in part due to the fact that there are multiple forms of Estrogen working in the body. The three types of natural Estrogens are Estrone, Estradiol, and Estriol. An imbalance between these natural hormones and/or an imbalance between these hormones and Progesterone can lead to the symptoms associated with Estrogen Dominance.

To further understand the definition of Estrogen Dominance, think of the hormones in the body working together much like a symphony would. Each section of a symphony has a unique part to play and all the sections have to work together with precise timing and balance. Like the many different sections of a symphony coming together to create a masterpiece, the different hormones produced naturally in the body must work together to create a balance and harmony that promote optimal health. Now, imagine a symphony with just one violin and fifteen cellos or twenty flutes. Changing the number of instrumentalists in any one section can affect the equilibrium required to perform the musical piece at its finest. The hormones in the body also require a particular balance or ratio for the most favorable results.

What causes Estrogen Dominance?

Higher Estrogen levels are typically found during adolescence and at the onset of menopause. Other factors that can lead to a hormonal imbalance may include stress, diet, exercise, and the intake of phytoestrogens or xenoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are found in foods such as soy, rice, potatoes, garlic, parsley, coffee, and much more. Xenoestrogens can be found in items like birth control pills, caffeine, pesticides, some high fat foods, alcohol, certain microwaved plastics and even some cosmetics. Xenoestrogens look similar to Estradiol and can bind to the locations in the body where Estradiol is needed to function. Xenoestrogens bind to these locations but are unable to perform the same tasks as Estradiol. Consequently, Estradiol is blocked from its receptor and unable to work effectively. This makes an imbalance between Estradiol and Progesterone more likely. The excess free Estradiol in the body can also convert to Estrone which is a natural type of Estrogen typically produced by fat cells following menopause. This can further complicate the hormonal imbalance and lead to even more symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Estrogen Dominance?

  • Achy Joints
  • Bloating
  • Cold Body Temperature
  • Bleeding Changes/ Spotting
  • Fatigue
  • Breast Tenderness/ Fibrocystic Breasts
  • Hair loss
  • Headaches
  • Uterine Fibroids
  • Weight Gain
  • Mood Swings
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Thyroid Deficiency
  • Insulin Resistance

These are just some of the many symptoms that can occur when there is an imbalance between Estradiol and Progesterone in the body. These two hormones require a very close balance or similar ratio to the one another. Remember, Estrogen Dominance does not necessarily mean Estradiol levels are “high”. The term instead refers to any situation where Estradiol levels, which may still be within normal limits, are greater in regard to Progesterone levels. If the ratio between Estradiol and Progesterone is not balanced, you may start to see symptoms of high Estrogen or Estrogen Dominance.

The symptoms associated with Estrogen Dominance can be remedied by increasing Progesterone levels or decreasing Estrogen levels. Decreasing estrogen levels can be accomplished by changes in the diet such as decreasing fatty foods or increasing cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Decreasing the intake of phytoestrogens from the diet may also be beneficial. DIM or Diindolylmethane is another option that can help with this process, and is available as an over the counter supplement.

Another way to help restore balance is through the use of prescription strength Progesterone products. Texas Star Compounding Pharmacy is available to help you learn more about Estrogen Dominance, hormone testing, and can compounded prescription Progesterone products based on your current hormone levels and needs.

Article written by Emigene Brown, PharmD Candidate and edited by Dr. Donna S. Barsky, D.Ph., R.Ph. If you would like to know more or have a personal consultation, please, contact us at 972-519-8475 (Store #1) or 214-291-5087 (Store #2). We would love to help you.