What is Estrogen Dominance? And How to Fix It

Content updated from previous publish date.

Estrogen is primarily known as one of the main hormones involved in a woman’s menstrual cycle. But this neurohormone also has a strong influence on moods, emotions, and cognitive function. When estrogen is in balance with other hormones, such as progesterone, women tend to feel happy, energetic, and motivated. When there is too much estrogen in relation to progesterone, it’s a different story. This is called estrogen dominance, a condition that can make you feel anxious, depressed, irritable, and forgetful.

When a woman has too much estrogen in relation to progesterone, it’s called estrogen dominance, which can make you feel anxious, irritable, and forgetful.
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BASICS ABOUT ESTROGEN

During a woman’s typical 28-day menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone rise and fall. When hormones are balanced, estrogen gently rises and falls twice during a cycle, while progesterone rises and falls once. In simple terms, estrogen levels are higher during the first 2 weeks of a woman’s cycle. Progesterone levels are typically higher during the second half of her cycle.

The female body produces three kinds of estrogen: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).

• Estrone (E1) is the main estrogen women’s bodies make after menopause.
• Estradiol (E2) is the primary form of estrogen that is produced during a woman’s reproductive years. It is the strongest estrogen and supports healthy moods and cognitive function.
• Estriol (E3) is the main form of the hormone that is produced during pregnancy.

HOW ESTROGEN AFFECTS THE BRAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH

Estrogen affects the brain and your mental well-being in many ways. For example, research shows that estrogen influences the production of neurotransmitters, such as:

• Serotonin: This brain chemical is involved with mood, sleep, and flexibility. It also helps you to be open and adaptable to change.
• Dopamine: This unique transmitter helps with motivation, focus, and staying on task while supporting the brain’s ability to remember things.
• GABA: This is the brain’s chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA’s primary role is to reduce brain cell excitability and slow down the firing of neurons. Too much stimulation can cause anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, while too little nerve cell firing can cause lethargy, confusion, and sedation.
• Glutamate: This brain chemical is involved in memory and learning.

Other studies have found that estrogen is involved in modulating activity in the hippocampus. This brain region is critical for healthy moods and memory.

WHAT IS ESTROGEN DOMINANCE?

When there are higher levels of estrogen in relation to progesterone, it is called estrogen dominance. This changes the normal monthly hormonal ups and downs into dramatic highs and lows. This interferes with several brain processes and can make you feel sad, anxious, or irritable.

Estrogen dominance is also associated with a drop in It can progesterone and GABA, which can lead to trouble sleeping. Lack of quality sleep comes with a host of unwelcome consequences.

ESTROGEN DOMINANCE SYMPTOMS

Estrogen dominance can lead to a laundry list of symptoms. This hormonal imbalance is associated with:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Mood swings and depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Sluggish metabolism
• Low libido
• Headaches or migraines
• Brain fog
• Memory loss
• Weight gain
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Sleep disturbances
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Bloating
• Vaginal or oral year (thrush)
• Heavy bleeding
• Carbohydrate cravings

These symptoms of hormonal imbalance can be mild, moderate, or severe.

WHAT CAUSES ESTROGEN DOMINANCE?

There are several reasons why estrogen levels may become elevated, including:

• Your body produces too much estrogen
• Your body doesn’t break down estrogen effectively
• Your body doesn’t adequately flush out excess estrogen

Many things can contribute to the buildup of excess estrogen, such as:

• Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which reduces progesterone levels. This leads to an imbalance with too much estrogen compared to progesterone.
• Alcohol intake: When you drink alcohol, your liver has to work hard to process them. This decreases your liver’s ability to metabolize estrogen.
• Exposure to xenoestrogens: Environmental toxins that mimic estrogen can increase the likelihood of estrogen dominance. These toxins include BPAs and phthalates, which are present in plastics and many personal care products.
• Obesity: Fat cells secrete estrogen. The more fat cells you have, the more estrogen is released. Research shows that being obese is associated with an increased risk for estrogen dominance.
• Gut dysbiosis: Good bacteria in the gut help flush out excess estrogen. When there is an imbalance in gut bacteria, however, it can lead to an accumulation of excess estrogen.
• Poor liver function: Your liver is responsible for breaking down (metabolizing) estrogen and flushing it from your body. If your liver isn’t functioning optimally, estrogen levels can increase. A lack of dietary fiber or low magnesium levels may be a factor in low liver function.

DIAGNOSING ESTROGEN DOMINANCE

If you’re struggling with symptoms of estrogen dominance, you may want to have your healthcare provider test your estrogen levels. Doctors can test all 3 types of estrogen to see if your levels are off.

Based on these results and your symptoms, your doctor can recommend a treatment plan. When treating estrogen dominance, a good place to start is with lifestyle modifications.

TREATING ESTROGEN DOMINANCE

Many lifestyle changes can help reduce estrogen levels and improve your quality of life. Here are 6 natural strategies to treat estrogen dominance.

Lower stress:

Getting a handle on stress can be very helpful in reducing cortisol and estrogen levels. Start a stress-reduction practice that includes strategies like meditation and havening.

Limit or eliminate alcohol:

Cutting back on wine, beer, and cocktails can improve your liver’s ability to break down estrogen.

Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens:

When possible, buy organic foods. Skip plastic containers and use glass instead. Go through your cupboards and throw away household cleaners and personal care products that contain harmful chemicals.

Reduce body fat (if needed):

Lowering your body fat can reduce the amount of estrogen secreted by fat cells. Check with your healthcare provider to find a healthy plan to lose fat while still getting enough of the important nutrients your body needs.

Support gut health:

Improve your gut health by taking probiotics.

Eat a high-fiber diet:

Dietary fiber can improve the function of your liver, so it can metabolize estrogen more effectively.

By making these lifestyle changes, you may be able to reduce excess estrogen levels. When you achieve hormonal balance, it can improve your moods, memory, and energy.

If estrogen dominance symptoms—such as depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, or brain fog continue—it’s a good idea to seek help from an integrative medicine (functional medicine) professional. Look for someone who understands how neurohormones affect brain function and who takes a comprehensive brain-body approach to treatment. With a professional who will get to the root causes of your symptoms, you are more likely to find the most effective treatments.

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.