What is Estrogen Dominance and Why is it Affecting Most American Women

Mascari, Brooke. December 19th 2024.

Estrogen Dominance: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Heal Naturally

Estrogen dominance has become increasingly common among women in America, and modern lifestyle factors play a significant role. Many skincare products, cosmetics, laundry detergents, increased plastic use, clothes fabrics made with plastics, cleaning products, poor air quality, poor water quality, leeched plastics into food, herbicides/pesticides sprayed on fruits and vegetables, and personal care items all contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like parabens, phthalates sulfates, and dyes. All of which mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt hormonal balance. Additionally, the standard American diet—high in processed foods, refined sugars, and hormone-laden animal products—contributes to elevated estrogen levels. These factors, combined with stress and environmental toxins, create a perfect storm for estrogen dominance to thrive.

Hormones play a vital role in maintaining balance in the body, and estrogen is one of the key players in women’s health. While estrogen is essential for reproductive health, too much of it—a condition known as estrogen dominance—can lead to a variety of health issues. Let’s dive into what estrogen dominance is, why it happens, its indicators, and how to balance it with foods and holistic practices.

What Is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone, another key reproductive hormone. This imbalance doesn’t necessarily mean estrogen levels are excessively high; it could also occur if progesterone levels are too low.

How Does Estrogen Dominance Happen?

Several factors can contribute to estrogen dominance:

1. Environmental Toxins: Exposure to xenoestrogens—synthetic chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, and pesticides—mimics estrogen in the body.

2. Poor Liver Function: The liver is responsible for metabolizing and eliminating excess estrogen. A sluggish liver can lead to estrogen buildup.

3. Chronic Stress: High cortisol levels from prolonged stress can deplete progesterone, leading to a relative excess of estrogen.

4. Dietary Choices: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and alcohol can impair hormone balance.

5. Gut Dysbiosis: An imbalanced gut microbiome can disrupt estrogen elimination and lead to the reabsorption of estrogen in the intestines.

6. Hormonal Medications: Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can elevate estrogen levels.

Indicators of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance can often be identified through specific signs, including:

• Heavy or irregular periods

• Severe PMS symptoms

• Breast tenderness or swelling

• Mood swings or irritability

• Fatigue

• Weight gain, particularly around the hips and thighs

• Hair thinning or loss

• Acne or skin changes

Why Is Estrogen Dominance Bad for Health?

Unchecked estrogen dominance can lead to several health issues, including:

• Increased risk of hormone-dependent cancers (e.g., breast and ovarian cancer)

• Endometriosis

• Uterine fibroids

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Insulin resistance

• Fertility challenges

Holistic Practices and Foods to Reduce Estrogen Dominance

Balancing estrogen levels naturally involves supporting the body’s detoxification processes, reducing exposure to toxins, and nourishing the endocrine system. Here’s how:

1. Detoxify Estrogen Naturally

• Support Liver Health: Eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, which contain compounds that aid estrogen metabolism.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. Get good quality electrolytes and add them to filtered or spring water for best results.

• Fiber-Rich Foods: Help bind and eliminate excess estrogen through the digestive system with foods like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and oats. Aim for healthy soluble fibers.

2. Adopt a Clean Diet

• Organic Produce: Minimize exposure to pesticides and chemicals.

• Healthy Fats: Include avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil to support hormone production and balance.

• Proteins: Opt for hormone-free meats and plant-based proteins. Meet your local farmers and purchasing your meats from them is going to be your best and healthiest option.

• Limit Sugar and Refined Carbs: Stabilize blood sugar to avoid hormonal disruptions. A daily tablespoon of apple cider vinegar will help this.

3. Support Gut Health

• Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut promote a healthy microbiome.

• Prebiotic Foods: Garlic, onions, and asparagus nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

4. Reduce Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors

• Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic.

• Avoid personal care products and laundry detergents with parabens and phthalates.

• Filter drinking water to remove contaminants.

5. Stress Management

• Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation to lower cortisol levels.

• Ensure adequate sleep, as rest is crucial for hormonal balance.

6. Exercise Regularly

• Engage in moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or strength training, to support detoxification and reduce body fat (a storage site for estrogen).

7. Herbs and Supplements

• DIM (Diindolylmethane): Found in cruciferous vegetables, it supports estrogen metabolism.

• Milk Thistle: Aids liver detoxification.

• Maca Root: Helps balance hormones naturally.

• Vitamin B6 and Magnesium: Support progesterone production and reduce PMS symptoms.

Takeaway

Estrogen dominance is a common but manageable hormonal imbalance. By understanding its causes and adopting a holistic approach—from dietary changes to stress management—you can support your body’s natural healing processes. Balancing hormones takes time, so be patient and consistent as you incorporate these practices into your lifestyle. Don’t forget to reach out if you need further support or information! Blessings and love on your healing journey.