Estrogen dominance - Human Antiaging Center

What is estrogen dominance?

Estrogen dominance is a condition where a woman has too much estrogen relative to progesterone. It's an extremely common hormone imbalance that affects women of all ages. Some key signs and symptoms include:

• Irregular, heavy, or painful periods
• PMS, breast tenderness, bloating
• Weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs
• Low libido
• Mood changes, anxiety, depression
• Brain fog, memory problems
• Fatigue, low energy
• Skin issues like acne

What causes estrogen dominance?

There are a few main culprits behind high estrogen levels:

• Exposure to xenoestrogens - compounds that mimic estrogen found in plastics, pesticides, makeup, etc.
• Chronic stress - leads to high cortisol which interferes with progesterone
• Poor liver function - impaired estrogen detoxification
• Low fiber diet - leading to reabsorption of "used" estrogen from the colon
• Being overweight - fat cells produce estrogen

How is estrogen dominance diagnosed?

Getting hormone levels tested can help identify estrogen dominance. Key labs include:

• Estradiol
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• DHEA
• Cortisol
• Thyroid hormones

Looking at the ratios between hormones is most important. Proper lab testing can pinpoint imbalances contributing to high estrogen.

What is the best treatment for estrogen dominance?

Some effective natural treatments for estrogen dominance include:

• Improving liver detoxification - with supplements like milk thistle or glucuronidation support
• Boosting fiber intake - to eliminate excess estrogen
• Reducing xenoestrogen exposure - avoid BPA plastics, chemical cleaners, etc.
• Stress management - yoga, meditation, adaptogens like ashwagandha
• Progesterone support - can oppose estrogen when in proper balance
• Diet and lifestyle changes - clean eating, regular exercise, healthy weight

For moderate-severe cases, bioidentical hormone therapy may be recommended to directly restore progesterone and balance hormones. This is best overseen by an integrative or functional medicine doctor.

The doctors at Human Antiaging Center specialize in customized bioidentical hormone treatments to resolve estrogen dominance and relieve symptoms when lifestyle measures aren't sufficient. Reach out for a consultation to see if hormone therapy is right for you!