There are various reasons why the finely balanced interaction of our sex hormones can become unbalanced. Here you can find out what the consequences are, why it happens in the first place and what can be done about it.
Imagine a classical concert: if only one part of the orchestra suddenly plays a few notes lower or higher with an out-of-tune instrument, the otherwise harmonious melody sounds unpleasantly off. In the human body, too, countless processes are constantly taking place, the success of which depends on the orchestra’s perfectly coordinated teamwork – i.e. the neurotransmitters involved. If the hormone balance is disturbed, it will not go unnoticed: in this case, it is about the symptoms of estrogen dominance.
What is estrogen dominance?
In medicine, this is called estrogen dominance, if the Estrogen levels in the blood is too high in relation to the progesterone levelBoth sex hormones control and influence the female cycle, fertility, puberty and menopause.
In the first half of the cycle, the fertility hormone estrogen is in the foreground. For example, it builds up the uterine lining and promotes cell growth and development. Its counterpart, progesterone, dominates the second half of the cycle. It is also called the corpus luteum hormone because it is mainly produced by the corpus luteum. Progesterone, a natural gestagen, prepares the lining for the implantation of the egg and has a pregnancy-preserving effect. Hence the name progesterone, which combines the Latin words “pro” (for) and “gestare” (to carry).
In estrogen dominance, this interaction between estrogen and progesterone becomes unbalanced. Either because the estrogen level is too high or the progesterone level is too low. Conceptually, two types can be distinguished:
- Absolute estrogen dominance:
The progesterone level is within the normal range, but there is too much estrogen in the blood (the absolute level of estrogen is too high). - Relative estrogen dominance:
The estrogen level is at or even below the target value, but the progesterone concentration is too low (the estrogen level is relatively too high for the low progesterone content).
Typical symptoms of estrogen dominance
One of the most common hormonal disorders in women is estrogen dominance. It can manifest itself in various symptoms, including:
Cycle disorders
Problems with the menstrual cycle are among the most severe symptoms of estrogen dominance. It is typical, for example, when periods become irregular, when they are lighter than usual, or when bleeding is very heavy or long. Intermenstrual bleeding or spotting can also occur.
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
It is often observed that PMS symptoms can worsen one to two weeks before the period due to estrogen dominance. Women who are susceptible to it report more severe mood swings or irritability, increased headaches, bloating or tenderness in the breasts.
Weight gain
Fat deposits, especially the pear shape that is considered typically female, i.e. the accumulation of fat on the stomach, hips, waist, bottom and thighs, are partly due to the female sex hormone estrogen. Women with estrogen dominance are therefore more likely to gain weight and have a harder time getting rid of these fat deposits. This is also the case during the menopause (read our articles Weight gain during the menopause or Menopause and belly fat).
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Water retention
Sometimes it is not “real” layers of fat, but simply water retention (edema) that makes us feel fatter and bloated. This is because estrogen influences the body’s fluid balance, which can lead to water retention in the tissue. The typical breast tenderness can be caused by this fluid retention.
Benign tissue changes
If there is too much estrogen in the body, the risk of fibrocystic changes increases. To put it more simply: fluid-filled cavities (cysts) can develop, for example in the breasts, which you can feel as small nodules. These cysts can also form on the ovaries. Or myomas can grow on and in the uterus. Myomas are benign tumors that consist of muscle and connective tissue fibers. Their growth is promoted by estrogens.
Lack of energy
Chronic fatigue and general exhaustion, even when you get enough sleep, are often associated with estrogen dominance.
Reduced libido
Not wanting to have sex can be due to hormonal reasons. In particular, too high estrogen levels and their effects on physical and mental well-being can sometimes make themselves felt in this way.
Reduced mental performance
You may have heard the buzzword brain fog before. Too much estrogen can lead to difficulty concentrating, your memory sometimes failing you, words not coming to mind, or you constantly forgetting things – as if your brain were in a fog. This is because the messenger substance estrogen is also involved in the production of neurotransmitters through which our nerve cells communicate. Too much can be just as disruptive as too little.
Psychological problems
Some women with estrogen dominance experience unusual mood swings and irritability, and anxiety and depressive episodes can also occur. This is because estrogen affects neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is also known colloquially as the happiness hormone.
Other possible complaintsthat may occur in connection with relative or absolute estrogen dominance:
- Hair loss
- sleep disorders
- Flatulence
- Headache migraine
How is it diagnosed?
The suspicion of estrogen dominance can only be confirmed by Laboratory examination confirm. The most common are Blood tests to determine the estrogen level in relation to the progesterone level. Since the progesterone level fluctuates continuously over the course of the cycle, it is usually measured in the luteal phase, i.e. around a week before the expected next period. Hormone specialists often also include other blood values in the analysis, such as thyroid hormones, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone).
Another method to determine hormone levels is the Hormone saliva testFree hormones, i.e. hormones not bound to proteins, can only be measured in saliva, which gives a more accurate picture. This is because only these free hormones are biologically active in the body. However, the hormone concentration in saliva can fluctuate greatly and a reliable average would have to be calculated from several samples. This is why experts advise against freely available saliva self-tests.
What causes estrogen dominance?
If there is an excess of estrogen in relation to progesterone, this is either because too much estrogen is produced (absolute estrogen excess) or too little progesterone is produced (relative estrogen excess, progesterone deficiency).
The 7 main reasons for the development of estrogen dominance:
- Menopause
At the beginning of the menopause, in the premenopause and early perimenopause, the progesterone level initially drops. The function of the ovaries becomes weaker and an egg no longer matures in every cycle. The body does not want to accept this and pushes the production of estrogen up again to get the ovaries to enable ovulation again. During this time there is naturally a relative excess of estrogen for a short time. After the menopause, the estrogen level also drops and the hormonal chaos and estrogen dominance end again. - Obesity
Fat tissue, especially belly fat, produces estrogen. It is therefore considered an organ in its own right. If the body fat percentage is high, the estrogen level is usually also increased. - stress
When stressed, the body releases the hormone cortisol and reduces progesterone production. The longer the stress phase lasts and the higher the cortisol level, the more likely it is that there will be a relative estrogen dominance – because there is a lack of progesterone. - Absorption of foreign estrogens (Xenoestrogens)
Xenoestrogens or endocrine disruptors are chemically synthetic substances with an estrogen-like effect in the body. They are used, for example, as plasticizers in plastics or preservatives in personal care products. - Impaired liver function
The liver is our detoxification center. If the organ does not work properly, excess substances are not excreted but can accumulate – including estrogen. Heavy alcohol consumption and certain medications put a strain on the liver, which in the worst case impairs its function. - Unbalanced hormone therapy
Women who suffer from severe menopausal symptoms can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Not only the estrogen level must be taken into account, but also the progesterone level in order to keep the hormone metabolism in balance. - Certain diseases
Estrogen dominance can also occur in connection with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), insulin resistance, endometriosis and – in rare cases – adrenal tumors.
Is too high estrogen level dangerous?
During menopause, a phase of estrogen dominance is completely normal and no cause for concernIn the early phase of perimenopause, only the progesterone level initially drops, but the estrogen level remains consistently high until it drops sharply after menopause, the last menstrual period. In this case, estrogen dominance is a natural phase that ends on its own.
A Permanent excess of estrogen, on the other hand, can have health consequences and worsen asthma, for example. In addition, an increased risk of disease is assumed for:
- high blood pressure
- Thrombosis (vascular occlusion by blood clots)
- cervical cancer
- Breast cancer
- Thyroid cancer
What measures can be taken to counteract this?
What is crucial is the cause behind the hormonal imbalance and how severe the symptoms are. In addition to a drug treatment by a doctor, such as short-term hormone replacement therapy during menopause, you can use certain Lifestyle changes Influence the hormonal balance:
- Active stress reductionfor example through regular exercise, learning meditation, autogenic training, Tai Chi or similar.
- Avoidance of hormone-active environmental toxins, for example in cosmetics (check the ingredients list to see if they contain harmful phthalates) or plastic food packaging, but also consumer toxins such as alcohol or nicotine, in order to protect the liver as a detoxification organ.
- Wholesome, home-cooked food with plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals, preferably organic, because conventional agriculture uses pesticides. Reduce your consumption of processed foods as much as possible.
Can men also be affected?
Yes, that is possible. Just as women have a certain level of the male sex hormone testosterone, the female sex hormone estrogen is also present in men. In them, a disturbed estrogen metabolism can cause increased breast growth, infertility, erectile dysfunction and depression.
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