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Estrogen Increasing Diet

Estrogen is a steroid hormone that plays an important role in the female reproductive system and, to a lesser degree, in men as well. In women, estrogen is responsible for the development of breasts and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. For men, estrogen plays a role the creation of sperm. Certain diets can increase or decrease your estrogen levels. If you are trying to manage your hormone levels, understanding how different foods may affect you is essential.

  1. Reasons to Regulate Dietary Estrogen

    • Medically, estrogen can be used as a form of oral birth control and as a hormone replacement supplement for women after menopause. The most common reason to seek estrogen supplementation is to mitigate the side effects of menopause, when the ovaries slow their production of hormones. Low estrogen levels are responsible for many uncomfortable menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, insomnia and vaginal dryness.

    Phytoestrogen

    • According to the Women's Menopause Health Center, eating certain plant foods can boost estrogen levels. These foods contain phytoestrogens, natural estrogen-like compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body due to their structural similarity to biological estrogen.

    Foods to Seek Out

    • Certain foods are rich in phytoestrogens. Soybeans and soy-based foods like tofu are probably the best known, but many other legumes, including lentils, chickpeas and black-eyed peas, are also good sources of dietary estrogen. Some seeds, especially flax, pumpkin and sesame seeds, and the oils made from them have high levels of plant estrogen. Look for vegetables such as beets, carrots, cucumbers, asparagus and fennel. Some fruits, like apples, dates, papaya, pomegranates and tomatoes, are good phytoestrogen sources. Animal products contain biological estrogen rather than phytoestrogens. All kinds of meat, poultry, and fish will add a small amount of estrogen to your system.

    Foods to Avoid

    • According to Holistic Online, some foods inhibit the production and distribution of estrogen within your body. If you're trying to increase your estrogen levels, try avoiding such vegetables as broccoli, green beans, cabbage, corn, and onions. Estrogen-inhibiting fruits include melons, berries, citrus fruits, figs, grapes, pears and pineapples. White rice and white flour may also reduce your estrogen levels.

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