What Is Oestrogen Dominance?
What is Oestrogen Dominance?
Oestrogen dominance is becoming one of the more common hormone imbalances among both men and women. Oestrogen dominance is the term used when oestrogen is the dominant female sex hormone in the body. The dominance occurs when there is a higher ration of this hormone relative to progesterone.
Oestrogen regulates various metabolic processes. It’s main job is to promote growth, is responsible for the development of the breasts, and it helps cells multiply in order to thicken the uterus wall to prepare for pregnancy. This is why too much of it can lead to proliferation of cancer cells.
Oestrogen and Progesterone are both controlled by the brain, and when doing their job, they work well together. The brain signals your body to produce more or less of each, depending on your needs.
What causes Oestrogen Dominance?
- Birth Control Pills
- Plastics
- Cosmetics
- Consuming Processed Foods
- Stress
- Insulin Resistance
Symptoms of Oestrogen Dominance
- Weight gain
- Breast Tenderness
- Overgrowth of hormonal tissues leading to endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Cysts
- Fibrocystic breast disease
- Irritability
- Poor Concentration
- Mood swings
- Fluid retention
- Acne and skin issues
- Decreased libido
- Irregular or abnormal menstrual periods
- Headaches
- Hair loss
- Thyroid Issues
- Sweet Cravings
- Sleep disorders
- Fatigue
How to manage Oestrogen Dominance?
- Modern life surrounds us with fat-soluble, non-biodegradable chemicals called Xeno-oestrogens. These have an effect on creating an imbalance of hormones within our body. While it is impossible to eliminate all Xeno-Oestrogens from our environment, it is possible to limit the amount we are exposed to.
- Avoid foods containing pesticides and herbicides – DDT, DDE, methoxychlor are just some of the environment pollutants.
- Use glass containers where possible. Plastics – BPA (Butylated hydroxyanisole), phthaalates, bisphenols are examples of compounds which can be found in food and drink containers, household items and even shop receipts!
- Avoid parabens used in skin lotions. Use organic soaps, shampoo and personal care products.
- I cannot emphasise how important it is to reduce stress. Stress forces progesterone levels to plummet, leading to a hormone imbalance. Take up a relaxing hobby such as meditation or yoga and spend time in nature every day.
- Herbal Medicines such as Chasteberry to help balance Oestrogen, Milk Thistle for Liver support and Dandelion Root for its nourishing and cleansing ability are all useful additions.
- Vegetables from the Cruciferous famiy, such as cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts also favour the beneficial oestrogen metabolites. Milled flaxseed contain lignans which are converted by gut microbes into substances similar in structure to oestrogen and also inhibit aromatase activity. A good daily addition to the diet.
