Early Signs of Estrogen Dominance You Shouldn’t Ignore
Feeling bloated, moody, or like something is just off in your body? It might not just be stress or a busy lifestyle. These symptoms could be pointing to something more—estrogen dominance. This hormonal imbalance is becoming more common, and it's important to know the signs, causes, and what you can do about it.
What is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance happens when there’s too much estrogen in your body relative to progesterone. It doesn’t just affect your menstrual cycle—it can affect your mood, weight, and overall well-being. The frustrating thing is that your bloodwork might show “normal” levels, even though you’re experiencing the classic symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch For
Some telltale signs of estrogen dominance include:
Increased PMS: You might notice more intense breast tenderness, bloating, or mood swings.
Heavy Flow & Cramping: Periods that are longer, heavier, and more painful.
Mood Swings & Irritability: Feeling on edge, anxious, or just not yourself.
Weight Gain, Especially Around the Belly: Estrogen can encourage fat storage in the midsection, and it can even cause water retention, making you feel bloated.
Low Libido: A decrease in sexual desire, which could be tied to mood changes or the constant feeling of being uncomfortable in your own skin.
Want to learn more about the subtle signs your body may be giving you? Head over to this video where I go into more detail about the early signs of estrogen dominance that you should be on the lookout for.
Why Does Estrogen Dominance Happen?
Several lifestyle factors can lead to estrogen dominance. Here are a few causes to consider:
Poor Gut Health: Your gut plays a key role in hormone balance, specifically through something called the estrobolome, a part of your microbiome that helps metabolize estrogen. If your gut health is out of whack, your body can reabsorb estrogen, making the imbalance worse.
Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): Chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, and even some foods can mimic estrogen in the body, throwing off your natural balance.
Stress: High stress can elevate cortisol levels, which depletes progesterone and leaves estrogen unchecked.
Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol can overwhelm the liver, which is responsible for breaking down and detoxing estrogen. Alcohol also contributes to converting testosterone into estrogen, further exacerbating estrogen dominance.
I share more causes in my video, so make sure to check it out if you want the full list and explanations!
Practical Strategies to Balance Estrogen
If you’re experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance, the good news is that there are natural strategies you can implement to help balance your hormones:
Improve Gut Health: Focus on cutting down on processed foods and increase fiber-rich foods like leafy greens and whole grains. Incorporate fermented foods like sauerkraut and kombucha to support your gut microbiome.
Limit Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors: Minimize your use of plastics and switch to glass or stainless steel containers. Opt for fragrance-free personal care products to avoid chemicals that can mimic estrogen.
Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-relieving practices like meditation, yoga, or daily walks to help lower cortisol and balance your hormones.
I discuss even more strategies and tips in my recent YouTube, so don’t miss out!
Supplements to Support Estrogen Balance
Certain supplements can also help balance estrogen, but it’s important to be strategic. Here are a few I recommend:
Calcium-D-Glucarate: Supports the detoxification of estrogen and prevents it from being reabsorbed into the body.
DIM (Diindolylmethane): Helps metabolize estrogen into safer forms and supports overall hormone balance.
Vitex (Chasteberry): Supports progesterone production, helping balance estrogen levels.
(Of course I talk about a few more in this video!
I offer testing to check for things like beta-glucuronidase levels, which can help determine if supplements like Calcium-D-Glucarate are right for you. And I also test for “good” and “bad” estrogen metabolites (that I taught my community about in this YouTube video). Want to explore testing options? Click here to learn more about the tests I offer and how we can get started on your personalized plan. Feel free to email or message me on social media with any questions that you may have about testing!
Call to Action
If you think estrogen dominance might be affecting you, it’s time to take action. Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. By understanding your hormone levels through proper testing, you can take control of your health and start feeling better sooner. Click here to book your personalized 1: 1 strategy call with me!
For more tips on how to balance your hormones naturally, watch my latest video where I dive into the symptoms, causes, and treatments for estrogen dominance in even more detail!