Do you suffer from gut-wrenching cramps and PMS? Headaches before your period and wicked sweets cravings? Do you dread your cycle because of the tender breasts and sleepless nights?

It could be oestrogen dominance! But what is it exactly? And why does it matter?

Oestrogen dominance is a condition in which there's too much oestrogen in the body relative to progesterone. This can happen in your 20’s, during perimenopause, and before and during menopause.

Too much oestrogen can lead to some serious symptoms and even health risks so it's important to understand what causes oestrogen dominance and how to avoid it. Here's everything you need to know about oestrogen dominance.

Why Should You Care About Oestrogen Dominance?

Oestrogen dominance occurs when oestrogen levels are out of balance, leaving estrogen floating around like a teenage rebel with too much time on their hands.

Women experience oestrogen dominance in two ways: frank or relative oestrogen dominance – frank means you produce too much oestrogen and levels are simply too high, while relative oestrogen dominance occurs when progesterone levels are low compared to oestrogen.

Oestrogen dominance is frequently triggered during perimenopause and menopause when your hormones shift, but can also be triggered by certain external sources – including xenoestrogens found in some food, plastics and beauty products.

Although oestrogen is essential for bodily functions like regulating metabolism and maintaining healthy bones and skin, it can cause havoc if levels are too high in the case of dominance and too low during menopause.

Research suggests that unchecked oestrogen dominance could increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers so you should get tested to better understand your risk profile.

What Else Causes Oestrogen Dominance?

While perimenopause and menopause are the most common reasons for oestrogen dominance, there are several other factors that can contribute to this condition:

1. Obesity: Fat cells produce oestrogen, and excess body fat can result in higher levels of oestrogen.
2. Xenoestrogens: Prolonged exposure to xenoestrogens (industrial chemicals that mimic the function of naturally occurring estrogen) can lead to oestrogen dominance.
3. Environmental toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, and plastics can disrupt hormone balance and lead to oestrogen dominance.
4. Hormonal birth control: Hormonal birth control, including birth control pills, can increase oestrogen levels in the body.
5. Chronic stress: Chronic stress can lead to higher cortisol levels, which can disrupt hormone balance and lead to oestrogen dominance.
6. Poor liver function: The liver is responsible for metabolising and eliminating excess oestrogen from the body. Poor liver function can lead to an accumulation of oestrogen in the body.
7. Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance, a condition in which the body becomes less responsive to insulin, can lead to higher insulin levels, which can disrupt hormone balance and lead to oestrogen dominance.
8. Poor gut health: The gut microbiome plays a role in oestrogen metabolism and elimination. Poor gut health can lead to an accumulation of oestrogen in the body.
9. Thyroid dysfunction: Thyroid dysfunction can disrupt hormone balance and lead to oestrogen dominance.
10. Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids and hormone replacement therapy, can increase oestrogen levels in the body.
11. Genetics: Certain genetic issues like having mutations in the MTHFR & COMT gene can make oestrogen detox challenging and thus play a role in oestrogen dominance, as it can lead to a slower liver metabolism that results in more oestrogen buildup in the body.

It's important to note that each person's experience with oestrogen dominance may be unique, and several factors may contribute to this condition. If you're experiencing symptoms of oestrogen dominance, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider who can help diagnose and treat the problem.

Treating Oestrogen Dominance Naturally

There are many natural remedies to help women tackle this common issue.

Some of the best go-to remedies are high-fibre foods like berries and broccoli, flax, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, probiotics, and chaste berries.

While these might not work for everyone all the time, research shows that natural solutions can make a real difference in reducing symptoms related to oestrogen dominance and decreasing risks associated with conditions such as breast cancer and other oestrogen-positive cancers. So grab your broccoli and brush up on high-fibre superfoods – you’re just a few steps away from detoxing oestrogen more efficiently.

Choosing A Knowledgeable Provider

If you're based in the UK, book a free discovery call to find out more here.
If you're not based in the UK, you can't work with our BHRT Drs but you can still work with our functional medicine nutritionist and coach: please call the clinic on +44203 303 0237 to find out more.