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Causes of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance is when the hormone estrogen is the dominant hormone in the body on a continual basis. When female hormones such as progesterone and estrogen are not balanced, women are likely to experience a variety of symptoms that can interfere with their life. For instance, women who are estrogen-dominant have severe mood swings. At certain times of the month these women may become easily angered or highly emotional. Their menstrual cycles are more intense and painful.

  1. Hormonal Imbalance

    • When the proper ratios of female hormones are not balanced, women can become estrogen-dominant. Eating the right foods and taking herbal treatments or medications can help a woman to maintain balanced hormone levels. Progesterone helps to balance estrogen levels. As women get older progesterone levels may drop, making estrogen the dominant hormone.

    Diet

    • Some foods, such as meat and dairy products, contain high levels of hormones. These hormones can lead to estrogen dominance. Eating organic milk and dairy products can make a huge difference if diet is the major cause of estrogen dominance. However, there are many causes, so all areas of a woman's life should be examined.

    Glandular Dysfunction

    • Glandular dysfunction tends to happen as we age. When our pituitary glands are not working properly, hormonal imbalances can occur, leading to estrogen dominance. When the glands are not working as they should, a woman may gain weight more easily and develop other health problems such as Grave's disease and Addison's disease.

    Stressful Lifestyle

    • Stress can take its toll, especially over time. A woman who is under a lot of stress will tend to become estrogen dominant when the stress is prolonged. This happens because stress can affect our hormones. Our body becomes off balance, causing problems with the immune system and hormones, among many other things.

    Hormone Therapy

    • Estrogen dominance can also result from hormone therapy. Hormone supplements can cause the body to produce too much estrogen in relation to progesterone. Progesterone is needed to balance out estrogen levels, and artificial hormone treatments for menopause also carry other risks such as cancer, insomnia and anxiety.

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