Estrogen Dominance

Hormones act as chemical messengers in the body,  controlling and coordinating the functions of all tissues and organ systems in the body. Throughout our lives, from conception onwards, hormone levels dictate how the body functions. For optimal function and well being we require appropriate levels of, and balance between, hormones. While there is an abundant variety of hormones in our body, it is common to see imbalances in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. These steroid hormones can also have neuromodulatory actions (ie they can effect mood, memory, learning and motor control). Our steroid sex hormones are also part of a feedback loop that can effect the function of our thyroid and our response to stress. Any imbalances in one part of this loop, can, and often does, effect the other parts. ​

The most common imbalance I see in women is an estrogen dominance. Essentially this means that there is either an increased amount of estrogen in the body, or low progesterone levels that present as relatively elevated estrogen levels. Ideally these two hormones are balanced in the body and acting in concert. Elevated estrogen levels are common in women today as we are constantly being exposed to various compounds that either disrupt our hormonal production or metabolism, or mimic the actions of hormones in the body. 

Some common signs that there may be an estrogen dominance can include:

• menstrual irregularity
• heavy menstrual flow
• pre-menstrual concerns
• breast tenderness or swelling (including pre-menstrually)
• bloating (water retention)
• decreased libido
• mood lability
• headaches
• weight management concerns

Specifically for elevated estrogen levels there are some key actions we can take to help the body get into better balance:

• Decrease environmental exposure to xenoestrogens (chemicals that can have estrogenic activity or can change how estrogen is used in the body). These can come from many different sources, but some common ones include our skin care and cleaning products, perfumes and deodorants,  food storage containers that are made of silicon or plastic (even BPA free ones!) especially if heating up food in them, medications and food.  A great way to start addressing this is by using the Environmental Working Group website (www.ewg.org) to determine what effect your cosmetics and household products are having on your body, as well as prioritizing what to buy as organic vs non-organic.
• Increase fibre intake. Estrogens are broken down by the liver and are meant to leave the body with your bowel movements. If there is any delay in this clearance (ie. constipation), estrogens can be reabsorbed. Likewise, fibre can act as a health pre-biotic of the types of gut bacteria that are helpful at keeping estrogen and its breakdown components in the stool. Great examples of high fibre foods include ground seeds (ie flax and chia), vegetables, fruits, legumes, hemp hearts and whole grains.
• Increase your intake of crucifers! These include broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, and cabbage. These foods contain specific compounds that aid in the proper metabolism and use of estrogen. 
• Increased physical activity. This serves a dual purpose. Not only is regular physical an important part of maintaining healthy levels of body fat (which can play a role with production of estrogen), but certain types of physical activity can alter hormone production and metabolism.
• Minimize alcohol consumption. Alcohol impairs the function of various hormone releasing glands and target tissues, as well as changing the way the liver functions to metabolize hormones. This occurs even when staying within current consumption guidelines. 

While an estrogen dominance will not be the root of everyone’s health concerns, including for the symptoms listed above, it can be very prevalent. When addressing hormone levels in the body, it is always important to seek the advice of a regulated health care provider such as a Naturopathic Doctor who can support you through the process, and provide testing to guide the process.