Women's Health: Is Your Estrogen Too High or Too Low?
Estrogen Levels Made Simple
If you've ever wondered about your estrogen levels and whether they're too high or too low, let's dive in and simplify things for you. Estrogen is an important hormone found in both women and men, but it plays a more prominent role in women's reproductive health. It regulates various bodily functions and affects mood, bone density, and even the menstrual cycle. If you suspect your estrogen levels are imbalanced, it's crucial to look out for certain signs which will be outlined below. Understanding your estrogen levels can help you take control of your health and well-being. So, whether it's too high or too low, there are solutions and support available to help you achieve hormonal balance.
Understanding Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance refers to a condition where there is an excess of estrogen in relation to progesterone in the body. Estrogen dominance can occur due to a variety of factors, including exposure to external sources of estrogen like xenoestrogens found in certain plastics/chemicals or previous or current use of hormone replacement therapy such as birth control pills. It can also occur due to internal factors like the body producing too much estrogen or having difficulty getting rid of it (i.e. constipation, poor detoxification pathways). It's important to note that many women will go through some of these experiences at some point in their lives, and experts estimate that around 50% of women over 35 are estrogen dominant. Estrogen dominance may lead to symptoms such as:
heavy or irregular menstrual cycles
tender breasts
weight gain
mood swings
insomnia
increased risk of certain cancers
Understanding Estrogen Deficiency
In contrast, estrogen deficiency arises when there is a decline in estrogen levels, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, but can also be caused by hysterectomies, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, insufficient body fat and thyroid problems. Symptoms of estrogen deficiency are experienced by most women in their lifetime and include the following:
decreased libido
dry skin
hot flashes or night sweats
vaginal dryness and/or painful intercourse
memory problems
mood changes including anxiety and depression
increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease
Holistic Approach to High or Low Estrogen
To reverse the effects of estrogen dominance or deficiency, it is essential to address contributing factors and restore hormonal balance. This can involve lifestyle modifications such as reducing exposure to xenoestrogens, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress levels, and incorporating regular exercise. Additionally, supporting liver detoxification pathways and optimizing gut health can aid in the metabolism and elimination of excess estrogen. Furthermore, specific dietary and herbal interventions may be recommended to modulate estrogen levels. These can include consuming a variety of fiber-rich foods, cruciferous vegetables, and flaxseeds, which assist in estrogen clearance. Herbal supplements like chasteberry, black cohosh, and red clover may also help to balance estrogen levels and alleviate associated symptoms.
By understanding the concepts of estrogen dominance and estrogen deficiency, individuals can take proactive steps to reverse their effects and promote optimal female health. Consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in natural medicine can provide personalized guidance and support in achieving hormonal balance and overall well-being.
Nutrition & Hormone Balance
We put food in our bodies about 3 times a day and each time we do so we have the opportunity to choose foods that can act as powerful medicines. Proper nutrition can aid in balancing hormones. Something as simple and inexpensive as adding 2 tablespoons of flax meal to a woman's diet each day can have a balancing effect on both estrogen dominance and estrogen deficiency. Similarly, daily doses of Brassica vegetables such as kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts can also help improve the body's metabolism and balance of estrogen.
Botanical Medicines Commonly Used to Balance Hormones
Vitex, also known as Chaste tree berry, is used to regulate menstrual cycles and boost fertility and in clinical trials has been shown to increase progesterone levels and improve symptoms of PMS.
Black Cohosh increases estrogen levels and is utilized in treatment of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and depression.
Maca has quickly become a popular herb for hormone balancing, which makes sense because it actually belongs to the Brassica family of cruciferous vegetables.
Supplements for Balanced Hormones
Other major dietary considerations for optimal hormone function include making sure a woman's body is getting adequate levels of essential fatty acids, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, and vitamin D from her diet and/or supplementation.
Naturopathic doctors are trained in all of these areas and can help determine the right combination of nutrients, botanical medicines, and supplements to help bring a woman's hormones back into balance.
Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel.
Estrogen Dominance Quiz and Hormone Testing
So, how do you know if your estrogen is too high or too low? Be Well created this Estrogen Dominance Guide and Quiz to help you truly understand more about your own hormone challenges. Additionally, we offer comprehensive hormone testing to gain a deeper understanding of your estrogen levels. Our expert team will guide you through a personalized hormone testing process, allowing us to accurately measure your hormone levels and identify any imbalances. These tests are non-invasive and performed in a comfortable and professional environment.
Once your hormone test results are available, our experienced practitioners will analyze them to provide you with a detailed evaluation of your estrogen and other hormone levels. This evaluation will help us tailor a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
At Be Well Natural Medicine, we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to your health. Our Estrogen Dominance Guide and Quiz, combined with comprehensive hormone testing, grant you the insights necessary to understand and conquer your hormone challenges. Take the first step towards hormonal balance by exploring our resources and scheduling a consultation with our skilled team today. Together, we can embark on a journey towards optimal well-being.
Hormone Balancing Super Smoothie
Because I love a blog post accompanied by a recipe, here is a wonderfully delicious hormone-balancing smoothie.
1 cup almond or coconut milk
1 cup ice
½ frozen banana (for creamier smoothie use 1 whole)
1 scoop favorite protein powder or 1/2 of an avocado
1-2 T flax meal or ground flax seeds
1 T cacao powder
2 tsp. maca powder
Blend and enjoy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Liz Orchard is Chief Naturopathic Doctor, CEO and founder of Be Well Natural Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Orchard here.