How to Avoid Excess Estrogen

Excess estrogen can cause unwanted side effects in both men and women. Weight gain, hair loss and a decreased sex drive are just some of the unpleasant side effects of increased estrogen levels. In women, this can also cause infertility, a lack of ovulation, abnormal or irregular menstrual periods; it can also increase the effects of menopause such as night sweats and hot flashes. Avoiding excess estrogen can help to decrease these symptoms and bring back hormonal balance.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid foods that contain soy. Soy isoflavones act on the body to increase estrogen production. Foods such as tofu, soy milk, soybeans and tempeh all contain high levels of soy isoflavones. When they are consumed as a large part of your diet, they can increase estrogen levels and cause the symptoms of estrogen dominance.

• 2

  Lose weight. Fat tissue increases estrogen production in the body. A healthy diet and weight loss through exercise can balance this production. Decreasing your fat tissue will decrease the amount of estrogen that your body is producing.

• 3

  Add fiber to your diet. Fiber keeps the digestive system moving regularly and consistently. As a result, estrogen is metabolized quickly and efficiently, giving it less time to act on your body before it is removed. Eating a high fiber diet rich in whole grains will keep your digestive system healthy and remove estrogen.