Estrogen Dominance: What It Is and How to Naturally Support It

Estrogen, one of the body’s most essential hormones, plays a key role in regulating your menstrual cycle and maintaining overall health. While it is often referred to as the "female hormone," estrogen is vital for both sexes, though its balance is particularly critical in women. However, when estrogen levels tip out of balance, specifically when they are high relative to progesterone, it can lead to a condition known as estrogen dominance.

Let’s explore what estrogen is, the signs of high estrogen, what causes estrogen dominance, and natural ways to support your body to maintain hormonal balance.

What Is Estrogen?

Estrogen is one of the primary hormones that governs the female reproductive system. It is responsible for developing secondary sex characteristics during puberty, regulating the menstrual cycle, and preparing the body for pregnancy.

Estrogen doesn’t stop at reproduction—it impacts a variety of critical bodily functions, including:

• Blood sugar regulation

• Bone health

• Cardiovascular health

• Mood regulation

During the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels fluctuate.

1. Follicular Phase: Estrogen dominates in the first half of the cycle, helping follicles mature and preparing the body for ovulation.

2. Luteal Phase: Estrogen rises again in the second half of the cycle, though this surge is less pronounced than during the follicular phase.

When estrogen and progesterone are in harmony, the cycle runs smoothly. However, imbalances, particularly high levels of estrogen relative to progesterone, can wreak havoc on your health.

Signs of High Estrogen

Estrogen dominance can manifest in a variety of symptoms, including:

• Heavy or prolonged periods

• Uterine fibroids

• Breast tenderness, especially during PMS

• Water retention and bloating

• Weight gain, particularly around the hips and thighs

• Mood swings or irritability

• Headaches or migraines around your period

Recognizing these signs is the first step to identifying estrogen dominance and taking action.

What Causes High Estrogen?

There are several factors that can lead to estrogen dominance. These include:

1. Toxins and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

EDCs found in plastics, personal care products, and pesticides can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to an overload of estrogenic activity.

2. Impaired Estrogen Elimination through the Liver

The liver is a critical organ for detoxifying excess hormones, including estrogen. When the liver’s detox pathways are sluggish due to poor diet, alcohol consumption, or exposure to toxins, estrogen can accumulate.

3. Gut Dysbiosis

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in metabolizing estrogen. An imbalance in gut bacteria can hinder the breakdown and elimination of estrogen, causing it to recirculate in the body.

4. Insulin Resistance

Elevated insulin levels can increase estrogen production and interfere with progesterone, creating an imbalance.

5. Mold Exposure

Certain molds produce mycotoxins, which can disrupt hormone balance and lead to estrogen dominance.

6. Chronic Stress

Stress increases cortisol production, which can suppress progesterone levels, exacerbating estrogen dominance.

7. Thyroid Conditions

Hypothyroidism and other thyroid issues can slow down estrogen metabolism, leading to an overabundance in the bloodstream.

How to Naturally Support Your Body’s Estrogen Balance

The good news is that you can take actionable steps to support your body’s natural hormone balance. Here’s how:

1. Support Your Liver

The liver is your body’s detox powerhouse. To optimize its function:

• Eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale. These are rich in compounds that support estrogen metabolism.

• Increase antioxidants from foods like berries, red beets, and leafy greens.

• Consume healthy fats such as omega-3s from wild-caught fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

• Limit alcohol and ultra-processed foods, which can burden the liver.

2. Support Your Gut

Your gut health directly impacts estrogen levels. To maintain a healthy microbiome:

• Incorporate fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and Greek yogurt.

• Stay hydrated to promote regular bowel movements and prevent estrogen recirculation.

• Reduce inflammatory foods like sugar, refined carbs, and trans fats.

• Learn more about gut health and its connection to hormone health in this blog.

3. Support Your Nervous System

Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, so finding ways to regulate stress is essential.

• Prioritize sleep, aiming for 7–9 hours a night.

• Engage in relaxing activities such as reading, yoga, or spending time outdoors.

• Add magnesium-rich foods (like dark chocolate, almonds, and spinach) and vitamin B into your diet to support your adrenal glands.

4. Detox Your Body Naturally

Boost your body’s natural detox pathways by:

• Sweating it out through exercise or a sauna session.

• Practicing dry brushing to enhance lymphatic flow.

• Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors, which you can learn more about here.

Take Control of Your Hormone Health

Addressing estrogen dominance takes a holistic approach, involving nutrition, lifestyle changes, and reducing toxin exposure. If you’ve recognized the signs of estrogen dominance or suspect a hormonal imbalance, personalized support can make a world of difference.

Do you have the signs of estrogen dominance? Learn how to support your body and balance your hormones with EverFemme's 1:1 hormone coaching program. Start your journey to vibrant health today!

Sources

• What Is Estrogen Dominance & What to Do About It. Article by Dr. Jolene Brighton

• Article: The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system

• Article: The impact of the gut microbiota on the reproductive and metabolic endocrine system

• Article: ESTROGEN RECEPTORS AND THE REGULATION OF NEURAL STRESS RESPONSES