What Is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance occurs when there is too much estrogen in the body or too little progesterone to balance it.

Estrogen, on its own, is a fabulous hormone. When present at healthy levels, it helps regulate metabolism and prepares the uterus for fertilization. It stimulates all the bodily changes associated with puberty, and later in life, its sudden decline is responsible for many of the negative symptoms of menopause. However, in recent times, many people face the opposite problem: estrogen dominance. This is largely due to the abundance of xenoestrogens in modern life, found in processed foods, skincare products, and plastics.

Common Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance can occur in both men and women. For both genders, the main symptoms include weight gain, reduced libido, and increased breast tissue. Many symptoms in women are specifically related to the menstrual cycle, as estrogen plays a critical role in menstrual health and regularity.

In women, the most common symptoms include worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular periods, bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings. Estrogen dominance can also impact overall health.

Test Your Levels

Many of the symptoms mentioned above can have other causes and may not always indicate an estrogen imbalance. That’s why it’s important to check your estrogen levels with one of QUALEVITA’s at-home test kits before jumping to conclusions.

Remember: Your estrogen levels might be completely normal, and there’s no need to worry. However, if, like many others, you find that estrogen dominance is affecting your well-being, follow these five simple steps to naturally lower your estrogen levels.

How to Reverse Estrogen Dominance

1. Change Your Birth Control

Birth control is a wonderful tool that empowers individuals. However, it’s also a leading cause of the recent rise in estrogen dominance. For example, the popular oral contraceptive pill is packed with estrogen. It also inhibits the body’s natural progesterone production, which counterbalances estrogen dominance. As anyone who has ever taken the morning-after pill knows, it can throw your hormones off balance significantly.

Other forms of contraception, such as hormonal IUDs, still use hormones but in much smaller amounts than oral contraceptives or implants. This is because oral contraceptives distribute estrogen throughout the body, whereas IUDs release it directly into the uterus, requiring less estrogen overall.

Looking for a hormone-free contraceptive option? Why not consider a copper IUD? Be sure to consult your doctor before switching your birth control method.

2. Go Organic

Whether your food comes from plants or animals, it impacts your estrogen levels. Pesticides are significant sources of xenoestrogens. Glyphosate, the world’s most common herbicide, has been shown to promote breast cancer cell growth through estrogen receptors.

Ensuring your food comes from organic farms can significantly reduce your estrogen intake. While you’re at it, consider adding cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, kale, arugula, and Brussels sprouts) to your shopping list. These veggies aid in liver detoxification, where excess estrogen is often processed.

Healthy fats from organic seeds like flax, chia, hemp, pumpkin, and sesame also help regulate estrogen levels. These super seeds are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Why not start your day with an organic green smoothie? Sprinkle in some seeds for an added boost. Who said reducing estrogen naturally couldn’t also be delicious?

3. Filter Your Water

Water is the essence of life. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and detoxification. However, when it comes to estrogen, make sure your water is filtered.

Tap water often contains traces of estrogen. This varies depending on your location, so reach out to your local water provider to learn more about your tap water. If you live in an urban area, contamination from xenoestrogens like plastics is more likely.

A water filter is one of the best investments for ensuring the highest quality hydration. Affordable and effective options like water filter pitchers are readily available. Want to take it up a notch? Consider a whole-house water filtration system.

4. Cut Down on Plastic

When plastic ages, it starts releasing chemicals. BPA in plastics and can linings harms both the body and the environment. Studies show that hormone-mimicking substances in plastic bottles act as functional estrogens, linking plastic use to increased estrogen dominance.

Switch out your plastic bottles for reusable aluminum ones to protect your body from excess estrogen while helping the environment.

5. Destress

Stress is one of the worst culprits when it comes to hormonal imbalance. Elevated cortisol levels reduce progesterone, exacerbating estrogen dominance.

The good news? This gives you an excellent reason to prioritize relaxation. Meditation classes, yoga, or simply going to bed earlier can make a difference.

Aromatherapy is another powerful way to unwind from the comfort of your home. Invest in a diffuser and calming essential oils like lavender. Dim the lights, play soothing music, and let the stress melt away.

Finally, unplug from technology now and then, take a walk in nature, or laugh with an old friend. Destressing isn’t just enjoyable—it’s essential for your health.