Balance and equilibrium are essential for good overall health, especially when it comes to your hormones. For example, it is important that you have the hormones estrogen and progesterone in a proper ratio in your body to prevent symptoms. Unfortunately, this balance is disturbed in many women, and we speak of an estrogen dominance when there is relatively more estrogen in the body and relatively less progesterone. In this blog, we discuss the symptoms, causes and possible solutions of an estrogen dominance.

The functions of estrogen and progesterone in the body

Estrogen is an essential hormone that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, bone health and development of the uterus, vagina, breasts and other female characteristics. Estrogen is made in the ovaries, adrenal glands, adipose tissue and in the placenta during pregnancy.

Estrogen stimulates femininity, libido and fertility, but also promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the action of the happiness hormone serotonin and keeps the skin firm.

Progesterone is also made in the ovaries and adrenal glands and during the last 6 months of pregnancy in the placenta. Progesterone has an important job when it comes to pregnancy, for example, this hormone ensures that the cells of the endometrium mature properly so that the fertilized egg can implant properly. In addition, progesterone calms and helps to improve sleep quality. 

When the balance between estrogen and progesterone is disturbed, estrogen dominance can occur. You speak of estrogen dominance when there is an excess of estrogen and/or a deficiency of its counterpart progesterone.

Symptoms of an estrogen dominance

How do you recognize estrogen dominance? We share some common symptoms: 

1. Irregular menstrual cycle
2. PMS symptoms
3. Fatigue
4. Sore breasts
5. Hormonal migraine
6. Polyps in the uterus
7. Endometriosis
8. Flesh trees

Causes of estrogen dominance 

1. Diet: Diets rich in processed foods and low in fiber can contribute to hormonal imbalance. In addition, deficiencies in vitamins and enzymes that help break down estrogens in the liver can contribute to estrogen dominance.
2. Xenoestrogens: Exposure to xenoestrogens from plastics, pesticides, personal care products and more can disrupt hormone balance.
3. High fat percentage: estrogens are also made in fat tissue.
4. Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, including that of estrogen and progesterone. This is because priority here goes to the production of stress hormones rather than other important hormones.

Solutions to estrogen dominance 

1. Balanced diet: Choose a diet high in vegetables, fruits and high-fiber foods, enough healthy fats and proteins to keep hormones balanced. Go for at least 500 to 800 grams of vegetables a day, which promotes the breakdown of estrogens.
2. Supplements: Consider supplements that support the body's ability to regulate hormones. Consider zinc and vitamin B6, but especially request a personal supplement recommendation from one of our therapists so we can take a focused look with you!
3. Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques such as conscious breathing, yoga or meditation to lower the chronic stress response and restore hormone balance. In addition, prioritize your sleep routine and quality sleep patterns.
4. Healthy lifestyle: Stop smoking and also give up alcohol as much as possible. This is because alcohol increases estrogen. The liver is then busy breaking down alcohol instead of breaking down the estrogen surplus. Do you enjoy a nice glass of wine? Then know that your estrogen level increases by 30% and this lasts for about 24 hours.