Too Much Estrogen: Why is it So Bad?
A woman whose body produces too much estrogen is said to experience a condition called estrogen dominance. Over the years it has been made clear that the level of which a woman’s body produces the hormone estrogen has a direct tie to her emotional stability and wellbeing. However, in most of the circumstances we read and hear about, the issue that gets the most attention seems to be a deficiency in estrogen. This is common in women of the menopausal age (around 45 – 55), but what about women who seem to have too much estrogen in their system? We are going to discuss the effects that producing too much estrogen can cause, the reasons behind estrogen over-production, and ways that the condition can be treated.
Estrogen’s role in the female body
Estrogen is a necessary hormone in a woman’s body. It is most often regarded as one of women’s two vital sex hormones because at the onset of puberty estrogen plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle. During the first part of the cycle, estrogen is quite active in stimulating the growth of tissue in preparation for a potential pregnancy. Towards the middle of the cycle estrogen levels spike, triggering the release of the egg. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, then the estrogen levels start to taper away. It is at this point that progesterone, the other vital sex hormone, takes over. Whereas estrogen directs the body to grow and extend tissues, progesterone helps the body to break these tissues down for disposal.
But the menstrual cycle isn’t the only process that estrogen dabbles in. It has also been discovered that estrogen helps increase the levels of serotonin in the brain as well as increasing the serotonin receptors there. This hormone can also have an effect on the release of endorphins, which many of us know to be the chemicals that help us to feel happy. It has also been suggested that estrogen not only helps to protect the nerves from becoming damaged, but that it could also encourage the production the growth of nerves. Unfortunately, the exact workings of estrogen are not completely known to man yet. Estrogen is an extremely complex hormone and researchers are still trying to figure out how this chemical can have such a drastic effect on a woman’s mood and why the levels of estrogen differ so drastically from woman to woman.
Why is having too much estrogen a bad thing?
Because progesterone helps to counter estrogen, there can be many negative side effects if the level of estrogen greatly exceeds the level of progesterone. Estrogen domination often occurs in women who are in their thirties. Although the signs of excessive estrogen production can differ from woman to woman, there are a few signs that are very commonly. For instance, mood swings, irritability, poor circulation in the hands and feet, tender or sore breasts, and fatigue are symptoms often seen in women with elevated estrogen levels. Depression, dry eyes, increased susceptibility to allergies, and the development of a thyroid disorder are other possible symptoms. Unfortunately, another possible outcome of having too much estrogen is the increased chances of developing breast or cervical cancer as well as ovarian disease.
What treatments are available for estrogen domination?
Achieving a balance between estrogen and progesterone is the major key to alleviating the symptoms of estrogen domination. Because excessive estrogen can be a result of stress, many women are asked to try relaxation techniques or re-evaluate their stressful lifestyle. Unhappiness is also a form of stress and should also be considered. A healthy diet with a balance of healthy proteins, vegetables, fruit, and beans/lentils can also help to regulate one’s hormones, as food and vitamin deficiency can also lead to a drastic range in hormone levels. While hormone therapy is an option, it is usually not recommended unless one is experiencing severe symptoms due to hormonal imbalance. One should speak to their doctor to determine the best course of treatment for their situation.