Last modified on October 21st, 2023
Supplements for estrogen dominance can be life-changing. They have been for me.
If you’re struggling with fatigue, headaches, lack of motivation, and other symptoms or just feeling generally off and you’re a woman, there’s a high likelihood you’re dealing with a hormonal issue like estrogen dominance.
I spend a lot of time figuring out the best estrogen-dominant supplements.
I tend to have higher estrogen levels than I should, creating symptoms including a lack of motivation, anxiety and depression, and headaches.
In the past few months, I’ve made it somewhat of a mission to figure out which supplements help with estrogen dominance.
Many of the supplements for estrogen dominance focused on below can help both men and women lower their estrogen levels, and they tend to be well-studied options with a lot of evidence backing up their effectiveness.
What Is Estrogen?
Estrogens are actually a group of hormones. They play a role in women’s reproductive and sexual development and are sex hormones.
Ovaries make most estrogen hormones, but adrenal glands and fat cells also make small amounts.
Estrogen affects or does the following:
- The menstrual cycle
- Reproductive system
- Urinary tract
- Pelvic muscles
- Brain health
- Heart and blood vessels
- Bones
- Skin and hair
- Circulation and blood flow
- Collagen production
- Blood sugar levels
- Stimulates cell growth
- Prepares the uterus for pregnancy
- Helps with the production of melatonin, our sleep hormone
- Supports heart health
- Keeps inflammation under control
During the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels naturally go up and down. During menopause, levels go down.
Estrogen is the female hormone, and testosterone is the male hormone. Everyone produces both, but women typically produce much higher estrogen levels, while males produce more testosterone.
Types of Estrogen
As mentioned, while we refer to them collectively as estrogen, this is a group of hormones.
These are:
- Estrone, or E1, which is the weakest form. Most of this is produced in the fat cells.
- Estradiol, or E2, is the strongest, dominant type of estrogen.
- Estriol or E3 is most relevant during pregnancy.
What About Progesterone?
Progesterone is often associated with women’s bodies, like estrogen, but it’s found in males too. This steroid hormone helps prepare the body for reproduction.
Progesterone levels affect menstruation, reproduction, libido, weight, and overall health.
Progesterone may play a role in regulating behavior, too.
One reason estrogen dominance can occur in some women is an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone.
Conditions related to hormone imbalance, like PCOS, often have patterns where estrogen is elevated and progesterone is too low.
Also, when women reach their 40s, there are hormonal shifts in the perimenopause phase. These changes can lead to fluctuations in estrogen levels and low progesterone.
If you’re in your 40s and your period gets very heavy suddenly, or your PMS seems worse, it could indicate a pattern of estrogen dominance.
Signs to Try Supplements for Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance is a hormonal imbalance.
The symptoms of excess estrogen or estrogen dominance in women can include:
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Tender breasts
- Worsening PMS
- Fibrocystic breast lumps
- Acne
- Light or heavy periods
- Decreased sex drive
- Fatigue
- Uterine fibroids
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Memory problems
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Brain fog
- An inability to focus
- Signs of low progesterone, like PMS problems or difficulty sleeping
What Causes Estrogen Dominance in Women?
There are different underlying reasons a woman might be experiencing high estrogen levels.
These include making too much, getting too much from other sources, or it seems more commonly that it stems from your body having difficulty breaking it down and removing it from your body.
Specifically, contributing factors to estrogen dominance can include:
- Medications that affect estrogen, like the combined birth control pill.
- High body fat levels can lead to high estrogen because fat releases it.
- Stress affects estrogen levels because of cortisol. Your body produces cortisol as a response to stress. High cortisol makes it hard for your body to create enough progesterone to balance out your estrogen levels healthily.
- Synthetic chemicals that act like estrogen.
- Alcohol raises estrogen levels and stops it from being broken down and processed effectively through your liver.
- Poor gut health which slows the elimination of estrogens. When gut bacteria aren’t balanced, then you start reabsorbing estrogen.
- Low fiber diets because fiber is needed for regular bowel movements. These help to remove excess estrogen from your body after your liver metabolizes it.
Estrogen metabolism is important to talk about when discussing the best supplements for estrogen dominance.
Once estrogen is used, it moves to your liver. The liver is where it’s supposed to be processed, broken down, and then sent to your intestines to be excreted. Gut bacteria play a significant role in your ability to get rid of estrogens from the gut.
If you have an imbalance of gut bacteria or you’re not having a bowel movement once or more a day, you could be reabsorbing estrogen into your bloodstream.
Hormonal health is very much intertwined with gut health.
Complications of Estrogen Dominance
If you have estrogen levels that are too high and they go unchecked for an extended time, complications and long-term problems can arise, including:
- Hypothyroidism
- Endometriosis
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Cancers, including breast, ovarian and endometrial
- Blood clotting problems
- Heart disease
- Stroke
Supplements for Estrogen Dominance and Other Lifestyle Changes
If you’re estrogen-dominant, there are things you can do to feel better and get your hormones back into balance.
As well as supplements for estrogen dominance, things you can do to get rid of excess estrogen include:
- Eat fewer processed foods.
- Eat more fiber.
- Get regular exercise.
- Lose weight if you’re overweight.
- Limit alcohol intake.
What Are the Best Supplements for Estrogen Dominance?
When you’re struggling with estrogen dominance, it diminishes your quality of life.
In my experience, estrogen dominance has made me feel awful mentally and physically, so I understand the desire to want to balance your hormones.
With that in mind, the following are my picks for the best supplements for estrogen dominance.
DIM Supplements for Estrogen Dominance
A DIM supplement for estrogen dominance is, in my opinion and experience, the best supplement you can take.
DIM stands for diindolymethane.
It’s a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol, and the compound is made from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli.
We can get DIM from food, but you’d have to eat an enormous amount of vegetables to get the same amount you can get from a supplement.
When you use a DIM supplement for estrogen dominance, you bypass the process required for conversion from the active form, so you’re getting delivery of the specific nutrient.
DIM can improve how your body metabolizes estrogen, and it’s promising for breast health, PMS symptoms, and acne. There’s also data to show that it can have anti-cancer benefits.
Taking a DIM supplement can change the production of estrogen metabolites away from harmful 16-hydroxy in favor of the more beneficial 2-hydroxy metabolite.
16-hydroxy is an unregulated type of estrogen that leads to estrogen dominance.
High levels of 16-hydroxy estrogens can lead to mutations, abnormal growths like cervical dysplasia, and a higher risk of breast cancer. High levels of 16-hydroxy estrogen are seen in high-fat diets, exposure to environmental chemicals with estrogenic properties, and obesity.
Essentially, DIM helps encourage healthy metabolism levels of estrogen and balances the negative types of estrogen with the positive form.
Probiotic Supplements for Estrogen Dominance
Your gut health greatly impacts your hormonal balance or lack thereof.
The beneficial bacteria in your gut play a role in not only hormone balance but vaginal and digestive health and even mental health.
If your flora is out of balance, it can contribute to estrogen dominance and other hormonal imbalances.
In your gut is a set of specialized bacteria called the estrobolome. The role of the estrobolome is to metabolize estrogen and ensure it stays regulated and balanced.
Your gut bacteria directly metabolizes estrogen and produces compounds that can increase or decrease levels.
Probiotics have positive effects on the estrobolome, helping with hormone balance.
You might consider two specific probiotic strains dealing with excess estrogen: Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Milk Thistle
I always take milk thistle when taking DIM to support my liver’s health and detox pathways.
Milk thistle, which supports the liver, can help your body metabolize and excrete excess estrogen.
The herb helps stimulate the liver to cleanse and renew its cells.
It also stimulates your body’s bile production, which helps promote healthier digestion.
Understanding the role of your liver is critical if your goal is hormone balancing.
The liver removes hormones from the blood and changes their structure or inactivates them.
They’re then passed through the kidneys so they can be excreted.
When there are too many hormones that overwhelm your liver, they might get stored there and in other parts of the body.
Having a clean liver is necessary for hormonal balance.
Vitamin B6 Supplements for Estrogen Dominance
If you’re searching for the best supplements for estrogen dominance, vitamin B6 should be on your list.
For women, this B vitamin has many benefits, including hormonal balance.
The benefits of vitamin B6 also include reduced inflammation, better mood and sleep, reduced inflammation, and fewer PMS symptoms.
B6 is often described as something all women need to experience optimal health.
Vitamin B6 and other B vitamins help your liver clear estrogen out of your body.
B6 can also increase your progesterone levels while reducing estrogen, which is optimal for hormonal balance in most women.
This B vitamin is also critical for adrenal gland function.
If you’re struggling with adrenal fatigue, you might have symptoms like fatigue, irritability, problems with your memory, and low libido.
In these situations, you could find that if you supplement with B vitamins, your adrenals start again functioning as they should.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry has a history going back thousands of years when it comes to medicinal uses, primarily related to hormonal issues.
Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, and the technical name is Vitex angus-castus.
It’s prescribed in Germany for irregularities in the menstrual cycle, PMS, and breast pain related to the period. It’s available as a supplement over the counter in the U.S.
Along with helping to balance hormones, chasteberry also reduces inflammation. It helps when estrogen and progesterone levels are prone to ups and downs.
In studies, 20 mg of chasteberry daily for three months increased progesterone levels and normalized estrogen levels.
Chasteberry is also used for fertility and to help with symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats.
As a bonus, many women find chasteberry taken as a supplement helps improve their mood.
Calcium D-Glucarate
Calcium D-glucarate is a combination of calcium and d-glucaric acid.
Glucaric acid is produced in small amounts by our bodies naturally.
It helps detoxify our bodies from environmental toxins, hormones like estrogen, metabolic waste, and things that cause cancer.
Along with the glucaric acid you make naturally, you will likely consume it from the foods you eat, like broccoli, apples, and oranges.
When the calcium and glucaric acid are combined in a supplement, it helps stabilize the glucaric acid. After D-glucarate enters the stomach, it’s metabolized to glucaric acid and calcium.
Taking a calcium D-glucarate supplement can prevent your body from reabsorbing and recycling estrogen and other hormones and toxins from the environment.
It does this by supporting the second phase of liver detoxification, and it blocks beta-glucuronidase, which helps possibly harmful compounds and hormones be secreted.
Taking a calcium D-glucarate supplement can support liver detox, reduce estrogen, help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and potentially inhibit some forms of cancer.
Maca
Among the best supplements for estrogen dominance and hormone balance in general is maca root.
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable, and it’s also called Peruvian ginseng.
Maca has been used for thousands of years and has adaptogenic properties.
It has a long history of use in women’s health, including supporting fertility by helping the body produce luteinizing hormone (LH).
For hormonal balance, maca may promote the normal secretion of hormones and nourish the endocrine gland.
Maca can also help reduce physical and emotional stress and protect the adrenals from the effects of excess cortisol.
Maca may help improve female libido, increase energy levels, and help make you more comfortable during menstruation.
Maca also works well for menopause support, so in terms of women’s health, it’s a powerhouse beyond helping reduce excess estrogen.
Dandelion
Dandelion helps support the liver’s health so that it can detox properly. When you consume bitter greens like dandelion, it helps produce bile. That bile can then flush out the estrogens you’ve metabolized.
As a natural diuretic, dandelion can stimulate the kidneys’ detoxification pathways.
I drink dandelion root tea for liver support and the detox benefits it produces.
Glutathione
My final pick for the best supplements for estrogen dominance is glutathione. I’ve added it to my morning routine in liposomal form for absorption.
Our glutathione levels drop as we age or have stress, exposure to toxins, or poor nutrition.
The primary role of glutathione is to protect us from chemicals and inflammation, and it helps combat aging, cancer, disease, and autoimmune problems.
There are indirect ways to support your body’s natural glutathione product, such as taking selenium and alpha-lipoic acid.
As I mentioned, if you opt for a liposomal glutathione supplement, it can help with absorption because other forms of the supplement can’t make it past your digestive system very well.
When you take glutathione, it can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can cause imbalances in hormones.
It can also help improve insulin sensitivity and support your liver’s health so that it can work effectively to eliminate excess estrogen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions regarding estrogen, estrogen dominance, and natural supplements that help with detoxing estrogen naturally.
What are the different types of estrogen and what role do each play in health?
Estrogen is a group of steroid hormones that play a vital role in various aspects of female and male reproductive health, as well as other bodily functions. There are several different types of estrogen, but the three primary ones are:
Estradiol (E2): This is the most potent and prevalent form of estrogen in premenopausal women. It is primarily produced by the ovaries, although smaller amounts are produced by the adrenal glands and in adipose (fat) tissue. Estradiol promotes the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and is involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.
Estriol (E3): Estriol is most commonly associated with pregnancy. It is produced in the placenta and serves to maintain the uterine lining for a developing fetus. Estriol is the weakest of the three primary estrogens.
Estrone (E1): This estrogen is the primary form found in postmenopausal women. It is also produced in smaller amounts in premenopausal women and in men. Estrone is primarily produced in adipose tissue and is converted from androgens (male hormones) in the body.
Each type of estrogen interacts with estrogen receptors found throughout the body to exert its effects. Estrogen receptors are proteins that act as molecular “locks” that only certain molecules, like estrogen, can “fit” into. When estrogen binds to these receptors, it triggers various cellular responses. The actions of estrogen are diverse and include:
Development of Female Secondary Sexual Characteristics: Estrogens promote breast development, the widening of hips, and the growth of pubic and underarm hair during puberty.
Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle: Estrogens help control the menstrual cycle, including the growth and shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation.
Bone Health: Estrogens play a role in maintaining bone density. A decrease in estrogen levels, as seen during menopause, can lead to a loss of bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Cardiovascular Health: Estrogens are thought to have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. They may help maintain healthy blood vessels and cholesterol levels.
Brain Function: Estrogens may affect brain function and have been associated with mood regulation and cognitive functions.
Reproductive Health: Estrogens support the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, rise during pregnancy, and decline during menopause.
While estrogens are primarily associated with female health, they also play important roles in male health, including bone health, cardiovascular health, and brain function.
Does alcohol increase estrogen?
Alcohol can influence estrogen levels in the body, and the relationship between alcohol consumption and estrogen is complex. Here are some key points to consider:
Estrogen Metabolism: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing both alcohol and estrogen. When you consume alcohol, your liver prioritizes processing it. This can lead to changes in the metabolism of estrogen, potentially affecting estrogen levels.
Estrogen Levels: While moderate alcohol consumption may not have a significant impact on estrogen levels, heavy and chronic alcohol consumption can disrupt hormonal balance. Studies have shown that excessive alcohol intake can lead to increased estrogen levels in some individuals.
Breast Health: Elevated estrogen levels due to excessive alcohol consumption have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The relationship between alcohol and breast cancer risk may be influenced by the impact of alcohol on estrogen levels.
Menstrual Irregularities: In some cases, heavy alcohol consumption can lead to menstrual irregularities, including changes in the timing and regularity of periods. These changes may be due to hormonal disruptions, including alterations in estrogen levels.
Liver Function: Chronic alcohol abuse can damage the liver. Since the liver plays a crucial role in estrogen metabolism and detoxification, liver dysfunction can contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Does caffeine increase estrogen?
Caffeine does not directly increase estrogen levels. However, the relationship between caffeine and estrogen is complex and can vary based on several factors:
Liver Metabolism: Caffeine is metabolized in the liver, and its clearance from the body can influence how the body handles estrogen. The liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating excess estrogen from the body. High caffeine consumption may affect liver function, potentially impacting the metabolism of estrogen.
Hormonal Effects: While caffeine itself does not raise estrogen levels, some studies suggest that excessive caffeine intake may influence hormonal balance. Caffeine can stimulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which, in turn, can affect sex hormone production, including estrogen.
Bone Health: Excessive caffeine consumption has been associated with reduced calcium absorption in the body, potentially leading to decreased bone density. Low bone density can affect hormone levels, including estrogen.
Menstrual Cycle: Some women report changes in their menstrual cycle, including irregular periods, with high caffeine intake. These changes can be related to hormonal fluctuations but do not necessarily indicate increased estrogen.
How do environmental toxins affect hormone levels?
Environmental toxins, often referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can significantly impact hormone levels in the body. These substances interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which includes the glands and hormones responsible for regulating various bodily processes. Here’s how environmental toxins can affect hormone levels:
Mimicking Hormones: Some EDCs have a chemical structure that closely resembles that of natural hormones. When present in the body, these chemicals can bind to hormone receptors, leading to abnormal signaling and potentially disrupting the balance of hormones.
Blocking Hormone Receptors: Certain EDCs can block hormone receptors, preventing the body’s natural hormones from binding to these receptors. This can disrupt the normal hormonal signaling pathways.
Altering Hormone Production: Some environmental toxins can influence the production of hormones by either promoting or inhibiting the release of specific hormones from endocrine glands.
Interfering with Hormone Transport: EDCs can disrupt the transport of hormones through the bloodstream, affecting their distribution and availability to target tissues and organs.
Affecting Hormone Metabolism and Clearance: Some toxins interfere with the metabolism and clearance of hormones, potentially leading to the buildup of specific hormones in the body.
Impacting Hormone Feedback Loops: Hormonal systems often rely on feedback loops to maintain balance. EDCs can interfere with these feedback mechanisms, leading to irregular hormone regulation.
The effects of environmental toxins on hormone levels can lead to various health consequences, including:
Endocrine Disorders: EDCs have been associated with the development of endocrine disorders such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Reproductive Health: Hormonal disruption by environmental toxins can affect fertility, menstrual regularity, and sexual development.
Breast and Prostate Health: Some EDCs have been linked to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancers due to their ability to mimic estrogen or disrupt hormonal balance.
Neurological and Developmental Effects: Exposure to EDCs during critical developmental stages, such as in utero or during childhood, can have long-term effects on neurological development, behavior, and cognitive function.
Immune System Impacts: Hormonal imbalances caused by EDCs can affect immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections and autoimmune diseases.
To reduce the impact of environmental toxins on hormone levels, it’s important to take steps to minimize exposure. This may include:
- Reducing the use of plastics, especially those containing phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA).
- Choosing organic foods to reduce pesticide exposure.
- Using household and personal care products that are free of EDCs.
- Filtering drinking water to remove contaminants.
- Minimizing exposure to industrial chemicals in the workplace.
Can you test for estrogen dominance at home?
While you cannot perform a definitive test for estrogen dominance at home, there are some at-home tools and methods that can help you assess whether you may be experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, including estrogen dominance. Keep in mind that these methods can provide valuable information but are not a substitute for professional medical advice and diagnostic testing. Here are some steps you can consider:
Symptom Checklist: Create a checklist of common symptoms associated with estrogen dominance, such as irregular menstrual cycles, heavy periods, breast tenderness, mood swings, and weight gain. If you are experiencing many of these symptoms, it may be an indication of hormonal imbalance.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting: BBT charting involves tracking your basal body temperature each morning before getting out of bed. Changes in your BBT can provide insights into your menstrual cycle and hormone levels. A consistent pattern of elevated temperatures during the second half of your cycle may suggest progesterone deficiency, which can contribute to estrogen dominance.
Saliva Hormone Testing: Some companies offer at-home saliva hormone testing kits that allow you to collect saliva samples and send them to a laboratory for analysis. This type of testing can provide information about your hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone. Discuss the results with a healthcare provider for interpretation and guidance.
Hormone Tracking Apps: There are various smartphone apps designed to help you track your menstrual cycles, symptoms, and emotional changes. Over time, these apps can help you identify patterns that may indicate hormonal imbalances.
Diet and Lifestyle Assessment: Evaluate your diet and lifestyle to identify any factors that could be contributing to hormonal imbalances. High levels of stress, a diet high in processed foods, and exposure to environmental toxins can all affect hormonal health.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you suspect estrogen dominance or are experiencing concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform diagnostic tests, including blood tests, to measure hormone levels and confirm the presence of hormonal imbalances. This is the most accurate way to diagnose estrogen dominance or other hormone-related issues.
What are the complications of long-term estrogen dominance?
Long-term estrogen dominance, a condition where there is an excessive amount of estrogen relative to other sex hormones like progesterone, can lead to a range of health complications. It’s important to note that estrogen dominance is a complex issue and its effects can vary among individuals. Here are some potential complications of long-term estrogen dominance:
Hormonal Imbalances: The most immediate consequence of estrogen dominance is hormonal imbalances, which can result in irregular menstrual cycles, heavy or painful periods, and fertility issues.
Breast Health: Prolonged estrogen dominance may increase the risk of breast-related problems, including fibrocystic breast changes, benign breast lumps, and potentially an increased risk of breast cancer.
Uterine Health: Excess estrogen without the counterbalance of progesterone can lead to a thickening of the uterine lining, potentially increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder often characterized by elevated levels of estrogen, insulin resistance, and the development of cysts on the ovaries. This can result in irregular periods, fertility issues, and other health concerns.
Mood and Mental Health: Hormonal imbalances associated with estrogen dominance can contribute to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Bone Health: Long-term estrogen dominance may affect bone health. While estrogen is important for bone density, excessive levels may interfere with the balance of other minerals like calcium and magnesium, potentially contributing to osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Thyroid Function: Some individuals with estrogen dominance may experience disruptions in thyroid function, leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Weight Gain: Hormonal imbalances can influence weight management and may contribute to weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs.
Cardiovascular Health: Long-term estrogen dominance may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure and blood clot formation.
Cognitive Function: Some research suggests that hormonal imbalances, including estrogen dominance, may influence cognitive function and increase the risk of cognitive decline, although the link is still being studied.
How does calcium d-glucarate help with detoxing?
Calcium D-glucarate is a natural substance found in certain fruits and vegetables, and it has been studied for its potential role in supporting detoxification in the body. Here’s how it works:
Phase II Liver Detoxification: One of the liver’s primary functions is to detoxify the body by processing and eliminating toxins, including hormones and metabolic waste products. Calcium D-glucarate plays a role in Phase II of the liver’s detoxification process.
Glucuronidation: Calcium D-glucarate assists in a process known as glucuronidation. This process involves the binding of toxins, hormones, and other substances with glucuronic acid. Once bound, these substances become water-soluble, making it easier for the body to excrete them through urine and bile.
Hormone Metabolism: Calcium D-glucarate can be particularly beneficial for hormonal balance. It helps the body eliminate excess or “used” hormones, such as estrogen, by preventing their reabsorption in the intestines. This is crucial in preventing hormonal imbalances, especially estrogen dominance.
Reducing Cancer Risk: Some research suggests that calcium D-glucarate may reduce the risk of certain hormone-related cancers, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancers, by aiding in the elimination of excess hormones and toxins.
Supporting Gut Health: Calcium D-glucarate may also have a positive impact on gut health. By promoting the detoxification and elimination of toxins, it can help maintain a healthy microbial balance in the gut.
Antioxidant Properties: Calcium D-glucarate may have mild antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage.
What age does estrogen dominance start?
Estrogen dominance can occur at various stages of a person’s life, but it is more commonly associated with specific periods when hormonal fluctuations are prevalent. Here are some key stages when estrogen dominance may manifest:
1. Puberty: Estrogen dominance can occur in some girls during puberty when their bodies are experiencing significant hormonal changes. This period can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and other symptoms associated with estrogen dominance.
2. Reproductive Years: For most women, estrogen dominance can be most pronounced during their reproductive years. This is when fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels are common, especially during the menstrual cycle. It can lead to conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual irregularities.
3. Perimenopause: The transition into menopause, known as perimenopause, typically occurs in a woman’s 40s. During this phase, hormonal fluctuations can lead to estrogen dominance, causing symptoms like heavy or irregular periods, mood swings, and hot flashes.
4. Menopause: Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. While estrogen levels naturally decline during menopause, some women may still experience estrogen dominance due to hormonal imbalances.
What are the benefits of probiotics for hormone balance and estrogen levels?
Probiotics, the beneficial microorganisms residing in your gut, offer a myriad of advantages for overall health, including playing a role in hormone balance and estrogen regulation. Here are the key benefits of probiotics in this context:
1. Gut Health and Estrogen Metabolism:
- Estrobolome Regulation: Probiotics support the balance of the gut microbiome, which includes the estrobolome—a group of bacteria responsible for metabolizing estrogen. A healthy estrobolome can promote the efficient metabolism of estrogen, potentially reducing the risk of estrogen dominance.
2. Enhanced Detoxification:
- Liver Support: Probiotics assist the liver in efficiently processing and detoxifying hormones, including estrogen. This function aids in maintaining hormonal balance.
3. Immune System Health:
- Modulated Immunity: Probiotics help regulate the immune system, preventing overreactions that can lead to inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
4. Reduced Inflammation:
- Inflammation Control: A balanced gut microbiome, supported by probiotics, can mitigate chronic inflammation, a factor often associated with hormone disruptions.
5. PMS and Menstrual Symptom Relief:
- Symptom Management: Some studies suggest that probiotics may help alleviate symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, such as bloating, cramps, and mood swings.
6. PCOS Management:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Probiotics may play a role in managing the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS, potentially reducing symptoms.
7. Improved Nutrient Absorption:
- Nutrient Utilization: A healthy gut, supported by probiotics, ensures optimal nutrient absorption, which can indirectly influence hormone balance.
8. Mood and Mental Health:
- Gut-Brain Axis: Emerging research suggests that the gut-brain connection, influenced by the gut microbiome, can impact mood and mental health. A balanced gut may contribute to emotional well-being.
9. Reproductive Health:
- Fertility and Pregnancy: Some evidence suggests that maintaining gut health with probiotics may positively impact fertility and support a healthy pregnancy.
10. Overall Hormone Harmony:
- Balanced Hormones: By fostering gut health and efficient estrogen metabolism, probiotics contribute to overall hormonal harmony.
What is the relationship between the liver and estrogen levels?
Liver health and estrogen levels are like dance partners in the intricate ballet of hormonal balance. Your liver, the body’s detox powerhouse, plays a vital role in regulating estrogen levels. Here’s how these two are connected:
Metabolizing Estrogen: The liver’s primary job is to metabolize and process hormones, including estrogen. When estrogen has fulfilled its role in the body, the liver steps in to break it down into less active forms. This process prevents excess estrogen from lingering in the bloodstream.
Maintaining Balance: In a healthy scenario, the liver ensures that estrogen levels remain in balance. When this harmony is disrupted, it can lead to hormonal imbalances and related health issues.
Liver Detoxification: The liver detoxifies the body, ensuring that toxins and excess hormones, including estrogen, are excreted. If the liver is overwhelmed with toxins or not functioning optimally, it may struggle to process estrogen efficiently, potentially leading to elevated estrogen levels.
Estrogen Dominance: When the liver is unable to keep estrogen levels in check, it can result in a condition known as estrogen dominance. This hormonal imbalance may manifest as irregular periods, PMS, mood swings, or even more severe health issues.
Liver Support for Hormonal Balance: Maintaining liver health is crucial for achieving and maintaining balanced estrogen levels. A liver-friendly lifestyle, which includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and minimizing exposure to toxins, can help support the liver’s vital functions.
What does high estrogen do in females?
High estrogen levels in females can have various effects on the body, and these effects can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the duration of elevated estrogen levels. Here are some of the potential consequences of high estrogen in females:
Menstrual Irregularities: High estrogen levels can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, including heavy or prolonged periods, missed periods, or unpredictable bleeding. It can disrupt the normal hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle.
Breast Changes: Elevated estrogen levels can cause breast tenderness, swelling, or discomfort. It may also contribute to the development of fibrocystic breast changes.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): High estrogen levels can exacerbate PMS symptoms, leading to mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness.
Hormone-Related Migraines: Some women may experience an increase in hormone-related migraines when estrogen levels are high.
Weight Gain: Elevated estrogen levels can lead to weight gain, especially if accompanied by progesterone deficiency. It can affect fat distribution, leading to an increase in body fat, particularly around the hips and thighs.
Breast Cancer Risk: There is an association between long-term exposure to high estrogen levels and an increased risk of hormone-sensitive breast cancer. However, high estrogen levels alone are not the sole cause of breast cancer.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: Elevated estrogen without sufficient progesterone can lead to the thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia), which may increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition characterized by elevated androgens (male hormones) and often, but not always, elevated estrogen levels. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, and excess facial and body hair.
Fertility Issues: High estrogen levels, particularly if not balanced with other hormones, can affect ovulation and fertility. It may contribute to difficulty conceiving.
What does high estrogen do in males?
High estrogen levels in males can have a range of effects on the body. Normally, men have small amounts of estrogen, but when levels become elevated, it can lead to various symptoms and health issues. Some of the potential consequences of high estrogen in males include:
Gynecomastia: High estrogen levels can cause the development of breast tissue in males, a condition known as gynecomastia. This can result in breast tenderness and the appearance of breast growth.
Infertility: Elevated estrogen levels can impact male fertility by interfering with the production and function of sperm. It can lead to a reduced sperm count and impaired sperm motility.
Sexual Dysfunction: High estrogen levels may contribute to sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and a reduced sex drive (libido).
Weight Gain: Elevated estrogen levels can promote the accumulation of abdominal fat. This can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity.
Mood Changes: Changes in hormone levels, including high estrogen, may influence mood and emotions. Some men may experience mood swings or increased irritability.
Fatigue: Hormonal imbalances, including elevated estrogen, can lead to fatigue and reduced energy levels.
Osteoporosis: High estrogen levels can contribute to bone loss in men, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Estrogen plays a role in maintaining bone density.
Cardiovascular Health: Imbalances in sex hormones, including high estrogen, may affect cardiovascular health, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease.
The Best Supplements For Estrogen Dominance—Wrapping Up
Estrogen dominance can feel debilitating because it affects how you feel physically and mentally. There are steps you can take and supplements for estrogen dominance that can give you a new outlook, though.
Primarily, the best supplements for estrogen dominance will help support your body’s detox pathways and liver health because this is where estrogen is metabolized. There are also great supplements for estrogen dominance that are adaptogens and can support you in times of stress.
Remember, this isn’t a substitute for your doctor’s advice—ask a healthcare professional anytime you have questions.
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