Combating Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen plays an important role in everyone’s proper bodily functioning. It supports cognitive health and the cardiovascular system, and for those with female sex hormones, it plays a key role in reproductive function and menstruation. Elevated estrogen levels, known as estrogen dominance, can occur in both men and women. Recognizing common symptoms can help you to identify estrogen dominance early and take steps to return your hormones to the proper balance.
Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance for Women or Folks AFAB
Low libido
Breast swelling
Irregular menstruation
Bloating/water retention
Dense breast tissue
Autoimmune disease
Insomnia/disrupted sleep
Brain fog
Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance for Men or Folks AMAB
Infertility
Erectile dysfunction
Low libido
Enlarged breast tissue (known as gynecomastia)
Insomnia/disrupted sleep
Unexplained depression
What Causes Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance can be the result of a variety of factors. The body can produce too much estrogen, or the body can be ineffective at breaking down and removing estrogen from the body. Estrogen production can be influenced by your medications, stress, alcohol, substance use, poor liver function, and fat tissue (fat tissue secretes estrogen and can contribute to hormonal imbalances).
How To Combat Estrogen Dominance
Luckily, you have a lot of agency that can be exerted to combat estrogen dominance. Exercising for at least 20 minutes per day, eating 35-40 grams of fiber daily, and eating a predominantly plant-based diet can all be powerful combatants to estrogen dominance. Minimizing or eliminating caffeine consumption also supports the body’s ability to break down estrogen. It’s recommended to have your doctor test your B vitamin levels as well, as B vitamin deficiencies can contribute to estrogen dominance. Lastly, you can help address estrogen dominance and restore a proper balance by supplementing with DIM, Calcium D-Glucarate, and Glucoraphanin.
DIM to the Rescue
DIM, short for di-indolyl-methane, is extracted from plants in the cruciferous vegetable family, like broccoli and kale. DIM facilitates the productions of a less potent, more beneficial form of estrogen known as 2-hydroxyestrone. It also mutes the effects of a stronger form of estrogen called 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone, which has been linked to weight gain and an increased risk of some cancers, including breast and uterine cancer. Finally, DIM has been shown to inhibit an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen.
DIM’s efficacy can be amplified when combined with Calcium D-Glucarate and Glucoraphanin. Calcium D-Glucarate is the mineral calcium bound to glucuronic acid, which facilitate the processing of estrogen out of the body. Glucoraphanin is a powerful and long lasting antioxidant which, like DIM, is a cruciferous veggie extract. It helps to mitigate some of the damage caused by excessive estrogen activity at receptor sites.
Dr. Sage’s Picks for Healthy Estrogen Metabolism:
Estrogen Balance: for those with mild symptoms of estrogen dominance.
Estrogen Balance with Calcium D-Glucarate: for those with moderate to severe symptoms of estrogen dominance.
Estrogen Detox: DIM and Glucoraphanin for those at higher risk of breast or prostrate cancer (estrogen related diseases).
Concerned you’re suffering from estrogen dominance? Schedule a visit with one of our experienced providers, and take the first step on your journey toward balanced hormones and feeling your best.