Estrogen, along with progesterone, is a primary female sex hormone essential to the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and pregnancy. Progesterone balances the level of estrogen in the body. Various things affect the levels of progesterone and estrogen, including luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, which are made by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Diet, stress, and age can also increase or decrease the amount of progesterone and estrogen produced by the body. Moreover, external contact with either hormone can disrupt the body's natural balance. If there is too little progesterone - or too much estrogen - in the body, a condition known as estrogen dominance can occur.
Significance
Estrogen dominance, and the role of excess estrogen in the development of many serious medical disorders, is currently being studied. As increasing numbers of studies prove a link between high estrogen levels and various types of cancers, a greater emphasis will be placed on early screening and improved hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women. Concerns about food and environmental sources of estrogen are at an all-time high, with some experts linking environmental exposure and early estrogen dominance to precocious puberty.
Features
When levels of estrogen in the body are too high, symptoms of estrogen dominance may occur. Typically, these symptoms first begin to appear during the 30s, as ovulation becomes erratic and the body ceases to produce consistent levels of progesterone. When estrogen levels become high in relation to progesterone, early symptoms of estrogen dominance, such as breast tenderness, anxiety, headaches, weight gain, water retention, and irregular periods may develop. Many other symptoms have been related to abnormally high levels of estrogen, including decreased sex drive, mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, hair loss, and memory loss. A number of serious health conditions, such as cancer of the breast, uterus, and ovaries, infertility, endometriosis, osteoporosis, gallbladder and thyroid disease, unstable blood sugar, mineral deficiencies, PCOS, and stroke have also been linked to estrogen dominance.
Identification
Identifying estrogen dominance is not easy. Recognizing the symptoms of estrogen dominance and confirming an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone through blood tests is the only reliable method of identification. However, it is important to remember that slightly elevated levels of estrogen may be normal for some women during certain times of life. Lab results should be combined with the patient's symptoms, medical history, and family history before a diagnosis is made.
Effects
If estrogen levels remain unopposed, women are at risk for developing endometriosis, fibroids, cancer, stroke, heart disease, infertility, osteoporosis, and numerous other medical conditions. Menopausal women who are being treated with synthetic estrogen supplementation may notice an increase in symptoms instead of an improvement. The long-term effects of estrogen dominance in children are still being studied, but preliminary studies show an increase in precocious puberty, PCOS, obesity, and irregular periods.
Prevention/Solution
For younger women and for those who have not yet developed any symptoms of estrogen dominance, maintaining a healthy balance of progesterone and estrogen may be as simple as eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding unnecessary environmental sources of estrogen, such as meat from hormone-fed cattle. Older women, including those currently on HRT for menopausal symptoms, should speak with their doctor about hormone testing and progesterone supplementation. Creams and lotions containing natural progesterone are widely available, but should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional.
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