How to Manage Estrogen Dominance
Medical tradition holds that women need to take estrogen replacements as they enter menopause. Some doctors, such as Christiane Northrup, M.D. and John R. Lee, M.D., argue that a patient may have too much estrogen in relation to her progesterone levels. This condition is called estrogen dominance. It may result in symptoms such as fat gain, fatigue, mood swings and insomnia. Increasing your progesterone levels and managing your estrogen may help relieve your estrogen dominance. Consult with your doctor before beginning any new health regimen.Things You'll Need
- Progesterone cream
- Soy
- Healthy foods
- Multivitamin
Instructions
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Talk to your doctor about using a progesterone cream. If your doctor says it is safe for you to use this product, select a 2 percent bioidentical cream. Apply 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. of the cream on your skin each day. Spread it over your face, chest, abdomen and hands.
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Add soy to your diet. According to Northrup, soy can help your body regulate its levels of estrogen. Soy is available in several forms. Stir-fry blocks of tofu or drink a glass of soy milk. Use soy flour in baked goods and snack on soy nuts.
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Consult with your doctor about a healthy weight loss program if you are overweight. If you have body fat greater than 28 percent of your total body mass, it could be contributing to your symptoms.
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Eat a diet that can help balance your hormones. Include plenty of fiber from sources such as apples, whole wheat and beans. Moderate your fat intake and eat a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits.
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Exercise regularly. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before beginning a fitness regimen. Northrup recommends strength training especially for helping combat estrogen dominance. The Mayo Clinic recommends strength training two to three times each week for about 20 to 30 minutes.
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Take a multivitamin every day. Taking it at the same time each day may help you to remember to take it regularly.
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