How to Heighten Estrogen Levels

When estrogen levels are out of balance, it can have a significant effect on the body. Low estrogen is common in menopause, but it is also common in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, an endocrine disorder which affects approximately one in ten women in the United States. Regulating estrogen levels can be accomplished by diet, natural supplements, or prescription medications, such as birth control pills.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss any concerns about your hormone balance with your doctor. He or she may perform blood work to measure your estrogen levels in order to prescribe the best treatment. This blood work is performed early in the menstrual cycle, commonly on or around the third day, since estrogen is the hormone which dominates the early part of the cycle.

• 2

  Your doctor may recommend a prescription birth control pill to balance your estrogen levels. This method of hormone balance is suitable for premenopausal women who are not looking to conceive a child. Prescription birth control pills contain estrogen and progestins. They regulate menstruation, ensuring the uterine lining sheds regularly, thus decreasing the symptoms of a hormone imbalance, such as acne or oily skin.

• 3

  Ask your doctor about a prescription estrogen supplement, such as Premarin. These supplements are commonly used for women who are experiencing menopause. They are given in conjunction with a progesterone supplement and serve to regulate and replace your body's hormones to lessen the symptoms of estrogen imbalance.

• 4

  Add soy to your diet by eating soy-rich foods or taking an herbal soy supplement. Eating soy-based foods such as tofu will raise your estrogen levels. These foods contain soy isoflavones, which raise estrogen production. Soy isoflavones are also available as an herbal supplement pill. When using herbal supplements, you should still consult a doctor, as overcompensating can lead to high estrogen levels, which may delay menstruation and prevent conception.