Estrogen dominance is a growing concern over the past 10-15 years due to a variety of environmental exposures, dietary choices, and poor digestive health. Estrogen dominance is commonly linked to a variety of symptoms including irregular hormone cycles in females, infertility, body composition changes, and inflammatory symptoms including migraines. Estrogen dominance can be caused by an accumulation of estrogen but also by a reduction in progesterone. Proper laboratory evaluation is recommended prior to treatment.
Causes:
Environmental Causes
Pesticides and Insecticides
Tap water
Parabens
Phthalates
BPA
Dietary Causes
Processed vegetable oil
Conventionally raised meat and dairy products
Alcohol
Wheat and grains
Processed soy
Medical Causes
Birth Control Pills
Excess body weight
Symptoms:
Heavy painful periods
Hot flashes and PMS
Cysts, fibroids and endometriosis
Depression and anxiety
Acne
Mood swings
Bloating
Headaches
Weight gain
Fatigue
Insomnia
Testing:
Hormone testing can be done through blood, saliva or urine samples. It can be ordered by a primary care or endocrinologist for proper evaluation.
How to Reduce Estrogen:
Diet - Fiber and Leafy greens- Brassica or cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard greens and Brussels sprouts,
Liver Support- B vitamins, NAC, Glutathione, Choline, Castor Oil Packs
Supplements- Diiodolylmethane (DIM), Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium D-Glucarate
Consistent digestive elimination
How to Avoid Environmental Xenoestrogens:
Exercise consistently.
Avoid processed foods and sugars to lower your body fat to a healthy level. Excess visceral fat manufactures more estrogen in your body.
Use organic, grass-fed, wild caught, cultured dairy food.
Use coconut, olive or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. Vegetable oils often contain high-estrogen food additives.
Choose filtered water over bottled water. Environmental Working Group’s Water Filter Guide is a great place to start.
Avoid plastic use as much as possible. Particularly estrogenic plastics are #3, #6 and some #7s.
Choose a food-grade stainless or glass water bottle.
Avoid nonstick cookware and use the best nontoxic cookware. It’s what I use in my home!
Avoid heating reusable plastics that come into contact with food in the dishwasher or microwave.
Avoid vinyl whenever possible. Choose hemp or natural material shower curtains and avoid vinyl flooring.
Choose fresh or frozen foods versus canned foods and drinks.
Say no to cash register receipts. Choose email receipts whenever possible. And don’t store receipts in the bottom of your purse or bag.
Say no to fragranced products, including air fresheners, plug-ins, wax melts, personal care products and dryer sheets.
Instead of scented laundry products, use a quarter cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle for natural fabric softening.
If you live near fracking sites, get independent water testing; many fracking chemicals act like estrogen in the body and can cause health problems. Promote clean energy like solar or wind instead of chemically-intensive oil or gas.
Consider using a combination of natural birth control methods