Estrogen dominance - Renew Health Clinic

What is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance refers to a condition where a woman has excess estrogen in relation to progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can cause various symptoms like:

• Heavy, painful, or irregular periods
• PMS symptoms like bloating, headaches, and mood swings
• Weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs
• Fatigue and low energy
• Reduced libido
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Cold hands and feet
• Thyroid dysfunction

What Causes Estrogen Dominance?

Some potential causes include:

• Exposure to xenoestrogens (estrogen-mimicking compounds) in foods, plastics, cosmetics, etc.
• Chronic stress raising cortisol and throwing hormones off balance
• Insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalances
• Lack of ovulation preventing progesterone production
• Perimenopause and menopause changes
• Obesity which converts other hormones into estrogen

How is it Diagnosed and Treated?

Tests like saliva hormone testing can check estrogen and progesterone levels. Treatment aims to rebalance hormones and may include:

• Lifestyle changes: improved diet, exercise, stress management
• Herbal therapies: chasteberry, maca to support hormone regulation
• Bioidentical hormones: progesterone cream or pills to oppose estrogen
• Supplements like calcium d-glucarate and DIM to promote estrogen detoxification

In summary, estrogen dominance refers to having excessive circulating estrogen in relation to progesterone, which can cause a variety of troubling symptoms. Getting to the root hormonal imbalance is key. Lifestyle improvements, herbal medicines, bioidentical hormones, and targeted supplementation can help restore balance and relieve symptoms for women with estrogen dominance.