Too much estrogen isn't just a problem for your hormonal health; it can affect your entire body in ways that might surprise you. High levels of this female sex hormone have been linked to a range of issues, from weight gain and sleep disturbances to more serious conditions like fibroids and increased risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer.
Don't think that this only affects women. Both men and women can experience elevated estrogen levels during their reproductive years, impacting their daily lives and long-term health. Understanding these effects is crucial, as managing estrogen levels can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.
What Is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a hormone primarily involved in the sexual development and reproductive health of women, though it is also found in men at lower levels. It plays crucial roles in regulating menstrual cycles, maintaining pregnancy, and influencing skin health, bone density, and even mood, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Types of Estrogen
The three main forms of estrogen are estradiol, which is the most prevalent during reproductive years; estriol, the primary estrogen during pregnancy; and estrone, which is the main form found after menopause.
Normal Estrogen Levels
The normal amount of estrogen varies widely depending on age, gender, and reproductive status. For women, these levels range from as low as 10 pg/mL in postmenopausal phases to as high as 400 pg/mL during the peak of the menstrual cycle, per the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Symptoms of Too Much Estrogen
Symptoms of High Estrogen in Women
- Weight gain: High estrogen can lead to weight gain, particularly around the waist and hips, because estrogen affects fat distribution and increases fat storage.
- Irregular periods: Estrogen is key in regulating the menstrual cycle, and excessive levels can disrupt the normal cycle, leading to skipped or irregular periods.
- Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Elevated estrogen levels can intensify premenstrual symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and irritability.
- Fatigue: High levels of estrogen can interfere with energy metabolism and sleep patterns, leading to persistent fatigue.
- Uterine fibroids: Estrogen promotes cell growth, and excessive estrogen can stimulate the growth of fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors in the uterus.
- Fibrocystic breast lumps: Similar to uterine fibroids, fibrocystic changes in the breasts can occur, resulting in lumps that can be painful or uncomfortable.
- Low sex drive: Elevated estrogen can suppress testosterone production, which is crucial for sexual drive in both men and women, leading to a reduced libido.
- Depression or anxiety: Estrogen influences serotonin and dopamine levels, and too much estrogen can cause mood swings, depression, or anxiety.
Symptoms of High Estrogen in Men
- Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia): High estrogen levels in men can lead to gynecomastia, which is the enlargement of breast tissue. When male testosterone and estrogen levels are unbalanced, it results in noticeable breast development.
- Erectile dysfunction: High estrogen can reduce the production of testosterone, essential for erectile function, leading to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Infertility: High levels of estrogen can disrupt normal sperm production, leading to a decrease in sperm count and motility, which can contribute to infertility in men.
Causes of High Estrogen
Lifestyle Factors
- Diet: High-fat and low-fiber diets, along with excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, can increase estrogen levels.
- Obesity: Fat tissue produces estrogen, so excess body weight can raise levels.
- Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, including increasing estrogen production.
- Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise helps regulate hormones, thus a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to hormonal imbalances.
- Endocrine disruptors: Chemicals found in plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides can mimic estrogen in the body, leading to elevated levels.
Medical Reasons
- Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT): Used during menopause, this can sometimes result in excessively high estrogen levels if not carefully monitored.
- Hormonal birth control: Pills, patches, and rings that contain estrogen can increase estrogen levels in the body.
- Pregnancy: Estrogen levels naturally increase significantly during pregnancy.
Health Conditions
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Although typically associated with high androgen levels, PCOS can also lead to estrogen imbalances.
- Hypothyroidism: Reduced thyroid function can lead to increased levels of circulating estrogens due to decreased metabolic clearance.
- Obesity: Excess adipose (fat) tissue can contribute to higher estrogen production, as fat cells produce estrogen.
- Liver diseases: Conditions like cirrhosis impair the liver's ability to metabolize hormones, resulting in elevated estrogen levels.
- Adrenal gland disorders: Certain disorders can affect hormone production, including estrogens.
- Estrogen-secreting tumors: Tumors on the ovaries or other estrogen-producing tumors can lead to high levels of the hormone.
Complications and Diagnosis
Chronic exposure to high levels of estrogen can lead to several serious health complications, including an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and hormone-sensitive cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer.
Diagnosing estrogen dominance involves a careful evaluation of symptoms and a review of the patient's medical history, followed by specific hormonal blood tests to measure estrogen levels relative to other hormones like progesterone and testosterone.
These tests are typically conducted by healthcare providers who can also assess related factors, such as liver function and overall hormonal balance to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the patient's health status.
Treatment
Addressing high estrogen levels involves a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments.
For those requiring medication, doctors may prescribe hormone therapy to balance estrogen levels or recommend medications that block estrogen production. In cases where obesity contributes to high estrogen, weight loss can be an effective approach.
Additionally, dietary changes that include more fiber and less processed food can help the body regulate estrogen more effectively. Regular exercise not only aids in maintaining a healthy weight but also helps in metabolizing excess estrogen.
For natural approaches, supplements and herbs may be recommended to support hormonal balance.
Try Dr. Sebi’s Estro
Estro is designed to support the body’s natural ability to balance hormone levels, particularly focusing on reducing high estrogen levels. It contains a blend of natural herbs that are traditionally used to detoxify and cleanse the endocrine system, which includes the organs that produce hormones like estrogen.
By supporting overall endocrine health, Estro helps in regulating estrogen levels and promoting hormonal balance. This can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing symptoms of high estrogen.
Men require Testo to help balance their hormone levels, helping decrease excess levels of estrogen. Testo also supports prostate health and overall reproductive health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does estrogen make you feel?
Estrogen impacts mood and emotional well-being, often making you feel more emotionally responsive or moodier, especially if levels fluctuate. At optimal levels, estrogen contributes to a sense of vitality and well-being, but excessive amounts can lead to anxiety or depression.
2. How long does it take to get rid of excess estrogen?
The time it takes to reduce excess estrogen can vary depending on the underlying cause and individual health factors, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. Treatment strategies, such as dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, or medical interventions, must be consistently followed to effectively manage estrogen levels.
3. What foods decrease estrogen?
Foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help decrease estrogen levels by aiding in its breakdown and removal from the body. Additionally, cruciferous vegetables like arugula, kale, and turnip greens contain compounds that help regulate estrogen metabolism and promote hormonal balance.
