10 Signs You May Have Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance, also known as having high estrogen, is not a condition which is widely known or even widely discussed. When estrogen is high and out of balance with other hormones, some women my experience such symptoms as irregular menstrual periods, a low libido, fatigue, and anxiety. What exactly is estrogen dominance? Read on to learn more about it as well as the common signs of estrogen dominance.

What is Estrogen Dominance?

When the hormones of the body are at optimal levels, the body tends to work as normal. The female and male hormones estrogen and testosterone are produced in both men and women, but the amounts in which they are produced are crucial for good health. An increase in estrogen may develop unprompted, but another possible cause includes certain medications such as hormones used for hormone replacement therapy. It can also be caused thanks to a drop in the body’s levels of progesterone and testosterone.

10 Signs of Estrogen Dominance

The symptoms associated with estrogen dominance have also been associated with other common illnesses. They include:

• Excess Body Fat: High levels of estrogen in the blood have been associated with excess body fat and obesity. Prior to menopause, estrogen is mostly created in the ovaries. Once a woman reaches menopause, and if she is carrying excess weight, her adipose tissue will begin to synthesize estrogen which can then lead to a hormonal imbalance.

• Low Libido: Studies have shown that common causes for low libido, also known as a low sex drive, include low levels of the hormone testosterone. Researchers at the Department of Psychology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia treated women with both estradiol and testosterone to bring balance back to their hormone levels. These women reported significantly higher sexual desire after treatment.

• Brain Fog: The term brain fog is often associated with forgetfulness, difficulty finding certain words when speaking, as well as memory problems. In a study involving 2947 women, those women that were treated with estrogen for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) scored lower on mental state examinations.

• Worsening Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms: High levels of the estrogen hormone estradiol have been associated with increased symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome. A study by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Umeå in Sweden looked at the menstrual cycles of 18 women for two consecutive months. Those with higher levels of estradiol reported an increase in unfavorable symptoms.

• Fatigue, Anxiety, and Irritability: Being chronically tired, anxious, and irritable could all likely be signs of estrogen dominance. Studies have shown that in animal models, the activation of certain estrogen receptors may have a role in increase the anxiety Another possible sign of estrogen dominance is irritability. Mood swings are common in teens, pregnant women, and those experiencing menopause due to the hormonal conditions.

• Hormonal Acne: High levels of estrogen can possibly lead to acne. It is likely due to estrogen’s effect on the production of sebum. In women with adult acne, a hormonal imbalance should be considered as a possible cause. Those with severe cases of acne are encouraged to have their hormone levels evaluated by a healthcare professional.

• Interrupted or Irregular Periods: One of the duties of estrogen is to regulate the building of the uterine lining which is shed during the menstrual cycle. If there are excess amounts of estrogen in the body, this can lead to heavier than usual bleeding. It is common in young girls at the onset of menstruation as well as in those who are nearing menopause.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A condition that may include irregular menstrual cycles, increased androgen levels, and ovarian cysts, PCOS can be quite the complex issue. PCOS is considered both a reproductive and metabolic disorder. Women with PCOS are at high risk of type 2 diabetes and are more likely to be obese. In obese women with PCOS, estrogen production is increased.

• Fibroids and Endometriosis: Uterine fibroids are benign growths that can be located inside or outside of the uterus. These growths are estrogen-dependent, so those that have higher levels of estrogen are at greater risk of developing fibroids. Endometriosis is a disease that occurs when the endometrial tissue that should be within the uterine cavity is found outside of the uterus. This disorder is also estrogen dependent, and as with fibroids, those with endometriosis commonly have high estrogen levels.

• Fertility Issues: Another one of the signs of estrogen dominance is fertility In order to counteract the effects of high estrogen on fertility, it is sometimes treated by taking medications that can inhibit select receptors of estrogen. Learn more about fertility struggles here.

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