Estrogen Dominance: What It Means for Your Body
**Estrogen Dominance: What It Means for Your Body**
Estrogen dominance happens when your body has too much estrogen compared to other hormones like progesterone. This imbalance can throw your health off track, even if blood tests show “normal” estrogen levels. Here’s how it works and what you might feel:
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### **What Causes Estrogen Dominance?**
Your hormones are like a team—they need to work together smoothly. Estrogen dominance often starts when progesterone (which balances estrogen) drops too low. This can happen due to:
– **Stress**: High stress lowers progesterone[2].
– **Toxins**: Plastics, pesticides, and pollutants mimic estrogen in your body[2][3].
– **Poor detoxification**: If your liver can’t break down excess estrogen efficiently, it recirculates[2].
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### **Common Symptoms You Might Notice**
Estrogen dominance doesn’t look the same for everyone, but here are frequent signs:
– **Mood swings**: Sudden irritability, anxiety, or sadness[1][2].
– **Weight gain**: Especially around the hips and abdomen[2][3].
– **Period problems**: Heavy bleeding, cramps, or shorter cycles (under 25 days)[2][3].
– **Breast tenderness**: Swelling or discomfort before your period[1][3].
– **Sleep issues**: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep[1][2].
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### **Why Labs Don’t Always Tell the Full Story**
Blood tests often check only one type of estrogen (estradiol), but there are two others (estrone and estriol) that aren’t usually measured[3]. Even if estradiol looks normal, you could still have an imbalance because of low progesterone or high toxin exposure[3].
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### **How to Find Balance Again**
While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with added progesterone is one medical option[4], lifestyle changes often help too:
1. **Reduce stress**: Try meditation or yoga to boost progesterone naturally[2].
2. **Eat cleanly**: Focus on fiber-rich foods (broccoli, flaxseeds) to help flush excess estrogen. Avoid plastic containers for food storage—they leak hormone-disrupting chemicals into meals over time! [2] [5] *(Note: While source [5] critiques the term “estrogen dominance,” it acknowledges symptoms linked to hormonal imbalance.)*
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### The Bottom Line? Listen To Your Body! If you feel “too much”—too emotional, bloated, or fatigued—it might be time to check those hormones with a healthcare provider who understands holistic approaches alongside lab work!
