Female Hormones: Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance means too much estrogen in relation to the luteinizing hormone, i.e. progesterone. The concentration of estrogen naturally varies according to the menstrual cycle, but the concentration can also be affected by hormonal medication, poor digestion and chemicals in the environment.

Understanding Estrogen: From Imbalance to Harmony

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, i.e. in the follicular phase, the ovaries produce estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for increased energy, bone and heart health, and skin elasticity. Estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to thicken so that a potentially fertilized embryo can attach to the uterine wall.

There are three different forms of estrogen. Estradiol (E2) is the dominant form of estrogen when a woman is of childbearing age. Estradiol helps in the production of serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for happiness in our body. Estrone (E1) is the most important female hormone after menopause. Estriol (E3), on the other hand, is produced especially during pregnancy.

Estrogens are metabolized through the liver along different routes to the intestines, from where the estrogens leave the body with the feces. Good digestion and gut health are key so that metabolism can take place optimally. If the function of the intestine has slowed down, already secreted estrogens can be reabsorbed from the intestine. On the other hand, an unbalanced bacterial strain in the intestines can also disrupt secretion.

Low estrogen content

Low estrogen levels occur during menopause and after stopping hormonal contraception. Typical symptoms are dryness of the mucous membranes, hot flashes, frequent urinary tract symptoms, decreased skin elasticity, poor memory and sleep difficulties. A simple natural way to support low estrogen is to add healthy fats to your diet. You can try, for example, more vitamin E for dry mucous membranes. Maca, flax seeds and black cohosh can also have positive effects on the symptoms caused by low estrogen.

High estrogen content

Estrogen can be present in excess either quantitatively (actual) or in relation to the amount of progesterone (relative). The ratio of estrogen and progesterone can be disturbed, for example, during perimenopause, when ovulation no longer occurs regularly. Ovulation enables the development of the corpus luteum, which in turn produces progesterone and balances the relationship between estrogen and progesterone. It is worth remembering that hormonal contraception also prevents ovulation and thus the production of progesterone and can contribute to the creation of a hormonal imbalance.

Lifestyle can also affect estrogen levels. The use of alcohol can increase the concentration of estrogen, because alcohol weakens the processing and removal of estrogen by the liver. In addition, various toxins, more specifically xenoestrogens, disturb the normal hormonal balance. In addition, stress, various metabolic disorders and diseases such as diabetes and PCOS change the hormonal balance.

Unusually heavy periods can indicate elevated estrogen, as can severe PMS symptoms. Among these, the most typical symptoms are swelling, irritability, mood swings, insomnia and headache. If you suspect a hormonal imbalance, you should always measure hormone levels.

If you are diagnosed with high estrogen levels, you should try the following simple lifestyle changes:

• Make sure that there are no chemicals in your home that act as hormone disruptors.
• Eat pure, unprocessed organic food.
• Make sure you get at least 25g of fiber a day.
• Add a variety of cruciferous vegetables to your diet.
• Make sure you get enough vitamin B6.
• Calcium D-glucarate can help, especially if your bowel movement has slowed down.
• Choose glass containers instead of plastic ones.
• Sleep enough

Hormone disruptors

The cosmetics, personal hygiene products and detergents we use may contain substances that adversely affect our endocrine function. In our home alone, we can be exposed to more than 500 synthetic chemicals every day. These chemicals are called xenoestrogens, i.e. endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). Examples of xenoestrogens include phthalates, bisphenol A and flame retardants.

Xenoestrogens

Xenoestrogens are endocrine disrupting chemicals that mimic your natural hormones, but without the benefits of natural hormones. These xenoestrogens imitate our estrogens and can thereby influence the emergence of estrogen dominance.

Xenoestrogens can be found in cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents and personal hygiene products. In addition, for example, shopping receipts and plastic food storage containers can dissolve xenoestrogens in our system.

Bisphenol A (BPA) can be found in receipts, plastic bottles and containers, and food packaging.

Phthalates are found in perfumes, personal hygiene products, garbage bags, plastic wrap, diapers, candles and air fresheners.

Parabens are common preservatives in cosmetics and hygiene products, food and medicine.

There are fire retardants in sofas, mattresses, pet beds, car seats, electronics and even children’s clothes.

A few simple ways to reduce hormone disruptors:

• Always choose fragrance-free detergents.
• Choose frozen food instead of canned food.
• Reduce plastic consumption.
• Opt for essential oils over artificial fragrances.
• Prefer beeswax candles instead of regular ones.
• Check clothing and furniture labels for flame retardants (especially synthetic materials).
• Use a HEPA filter or other air filter at home.
• Vacuum often and ventilate your home daily.

Conclusion

Hormonal balance plays a key role in overall wellbeing, and even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. If you’re looking for a gentle and supportive way to work with your hormonal health, the Hormone Harmony program offers practical guidance for restoring balance, supporting your cycle, and improving energy.

If you want to get more detailed data about your own hormone activity, check out the DUTCH hormone analysis. In addition to female hormones, it measures the concentrations of cortisone, melatonin, DHEA and testosterone hormones, including the breakdown products of hormone metabolism.