A crucial hormone that controls your reproductive system is estrogen. It is crucial to other bodily systems as well.
Estrogen Dominance in Menopause
Estrogen dominance is a problem during menopause and perimenopause when the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, but it can also occur during the reproductive years. As a result, the levels of both estrogen and progesterone decrease.
Although estrogen levels are low after menopause, if progesterone levels fall more quickly than estrogen, you could still become estrogen-dominant.
Excessively high estrogen levels or a hormonal imbalance can lead to issues. Elevated estrogen can disrupt reproductive processes, trigger unpleasant symptoms, and raise the risk of certain conditions.
This imbalance is problematic because it can aggravate hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, bloating, irritability, mood swings, and other menopause symptoms.
Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance During Menopause
Complications Arising from Estrogen Dominance During Menopause
Estrogen dominance increases your risk of developing other diseases. High estrogen levels raise the risk of:
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer
High estrogen levels may also increase your risk of stroke and blood clots. Thyroid dysfunction is also linked to estrogen dominance.
Causes of High Estrogen Levels
You could have high estrogen levels if:
- It produces too much estrogen in your body.
- Excessive use of estrogen-containing medications.
- Your body doesn’t break down and eliminate estrogen as effectively as it should.
Elevated estrogen levels can result from a number of reasons, including:
Adipose Tissue’s Role in Elevated Estrogen Levels
Adipose tissue, or body fat, secretes estrogen. High estrogen levels might result from having a high body fat percentage.
Stress-Induced Estrogen Dominance During Menopause
When you are under stress, your body releases the hormone cortisol. Your body’s capacity to make progesterone may be diminished if it produces large amounts of cortisol in reaction to stress. Progesterone fails to control the estrogen in your body.
Alcohol Consumption Affects Estrogen Levels and Metabolism
Excessive alcohol consumption can raise estrogen levels and lower the body’s capacity to metabolize estrogen.
Liver Malfunction and Its Impact on Estrogen Levels
Your liver breaks down and excretes estrogen from your body. Too much estrogen can build up if your liver isn’t functioning properly. Lack of digestive enzymes, an overabundance of harmful gut bacteria (dysbiosis), low magnesium levels, and a diet lacking in fiber can all inhibit your liver from excreting too much estrogen.
Which procedures are utilized to identify estrogen dominance during menopause?
Doctors typically use blood tests to measure estrogen and progesterone levels to diagnose estrogen dominance during menopause, with symptoms resembling those of perimenopause, menopause, or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Lifestyle Approaches to Addressing Estrogen Dominance During Menopause
Reduced Stress Level
Cortisol levels might spike as a result of ongoing stress, which can result in estrogen dominance. A few items can alleviate distress, including:
- Deep-breathing
- Self-care practices that promote relaxation
- Exercise
- Yoga, and other mind-body workouts
- Activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress
- The use of massage therapy
Improve Your Fiber Intake
Estrogen is broken down and eliminated more quickly with fiber. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds all contain fiber.
Fill Up with Water
Constipation, a common contributor to estrogen dominance, can be reduced with proper hydration.
Consume Foods Rich in B Vitamins
B6, folate (B9), and B12 can contribute to hormone balance. Foods containing these B vitamins include chickpeas, bananas, avocados, nuts, leafy greens, peas, asparagus, meat, nutritional yeast, plant milk, and cereals.
Increase Your Intake of Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbage aid in estrogen breakdown. Additionally, they contain sulforaphane, a nutrient found in vegetables like broccoli sprouts, which supports hormone regulation. Moreover, cruciferous vegetables are an excellent source of dietary fiber.
Limit your alcohol consumption
Estrogen levels rise as a result of alcohol. Alcohol is also to blame for poor sleep, which results in other factors that raise estrogen levels.
Conclusion
Estrogen dominance during menopause can cause a variety of symptoms and health problems. The health of women throughout this period of life depends on identifying and treating this hormonal imbalance. Consulting with a healthcare provider, considering lifestyle modifications, and exploring appropriate treatment options can help manage and alleviate the effects of estrogen dominance, ultimately promoting a smoother transition through menopause and improved overall quality of life.
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FAQs
Which kind of estrogen predominates during menopause?
When a woman is going through menopause, estrogen (E1) predominates.
Why is zinc helpful during menopause?
Zinc can ease menopausal vaginal dryness and maintain the health of tissue and collagen.
How is estrogen dominance normalized?
Five Steps To Reduce Excess Oestrogen
- Eat foods high in phytoestrogen
- Reduce the amount of alcohol
- Consume foods high in magnesium
- Regularly eat cruciferous vegetables
- Eat more fiber each day.