Ways to Lower Estrogen Levels

Estrogen promotes development of women's breasts and is necessary to regulate the menstrual cycle. In males, estrogen is needed for the production of sperm. Too much estrogen, however, can cause major problems for both men and women. It can accelerate aging and promote cancer. It can increase body fat and atrophy muscle density. It can cause hair loss and sexual dysfunction. In men it can slow the production of testosterone as it causes the liver to produce more carrier proteins that are responsible for binding up testosterone.

Exercise and Weight Loss

• A study conducted by the United States National Cancer Institute showed that exercise and losing weight decreased levels of estrogen. The study put 173 women on low-cardio fitness regimens. They exercised three times a week for 20 minutes a day. Both the exercise and the resulting weight loss contributed to an estrogen decrease. For the whole group, the decrease in estrogen as a result of increased exercise and weight loss was 4 percent. Women who were the heaviest at the start of the study showed a higher proportional decrease in estrogen levels as a result of the weight loss and exercise. The heaviest women in the study had a 7 percent decrease in estrogen levels from the start of the study to the end, compared to the 4 percent average among all women studied.

  The estrogen decrease was not attributed to dietary changes, as those involved did not change their calorie intake. The average age of participants was 60 and their average body mass index was 30.7. They were all sedentary and all bordering on obese.

Medical Treatment

• Medical estrogen blockers are commonly used in conjunction with breast cancer treatment, where even normal estrogen levels can accelerate cancer growth in women who are suffering from breast cancer. Hormone receptor positive drugs are often prescribed to lower estrogen levels. These drugs effectively suppress the production of estrogen. This treatment is commonly known as hormone therapy or anti-estrogen therapy. This treatment should, however, not be confused with hormone replacement therapy.

Lifestyle Changes

• Dietary changes can also contribute to lowering estrogen levels. Fruits and vegetables can reduce the enzymes responsible for converting estrogen from testosterone, so a diet of reduced meats and increased vegetables is the optimum choice. Eating at least 4.4 pounds of fruit and vegetables daily can lower levels of estrogen. It may be difficult to eat 4.4 pounds of fruit and vegetables every day, so some women will make blended drinks out of fruits and vegetables in order to raise their daily intake.

  Some other lifestyle changes can also help to reduce estrogen levels. Tap water is filtered for bacteria, but not for estrogen. Filter water or buy bottled water to avoid potential estrogen in water. Don't re-use plastic bottles especially after they have been exposed to the sun. Heated plastic releases estrogen. Don't use plastic in the microwave and avoid using plastic wrap for the same reason. Study the labels of all external creams, lotions and shampoos. Estrogen is contained in some, and will be listed as either paraben, polyparaben or methylparaben.

  Finally, avoid estrogenic herbs such as lavender and tea tree oil.