Estrogen and Progesterone Dominance

Estrogen Dominance is a hormonal imbalance where estrogen levels are relatively higher than progesterone levels, which causes the following symptoms:

• Swollen, tender breasts
• Impatience and irritability
• Irregular periods
• Decreased libido and sex drive
• Fluid retention
• Stomach cramps before the onset of menses
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hypoglycemia
• Mood swings
• Depression

Prolonged elevated estrogen levels throughout the years may cause:

• Fibrocystic breast disease
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Endometrial polyps
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Uterine fibroids
• Breast cancer

As you approach the premenopausal years, which may occur up to 15 years before you actually enter menopause, your progesterone production declines, while estrogen production remains the same or increases. Due to this fact, estrogen becomes a predominant hormone in the body, and without a proper counterbalance of progesterone, it may cause the above symptoms.

In recent years, Estrogen Dominance has also been documented in the younger female population during their early teenage years. This is not menopause; because progesterone production is still normal. So external factors , such as exposure to chemicals called Xenoestrogens, contribute to this.

Prevention starts with avoiding Xenoestrogens, artificial estrogen-like chemicals, which enter the body and mimic estrogen by blocking or binding themselves to estrogen receptor sites, ultimately causing an imbalance of estrogen. Xenoestrogens are found in food, skincare products, household chemicals, and plastic products. Treatment of Estrogen Dominance involves supplementation, Bio-identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT), or a combination of both to reestablish hormonal balance. Dietary and lifestyle modifications include starting a high fiber diet, developing a regular exercise routine, and maintaining healthy body weight.