Oestrogen Dominance In Women
An irregular or troublesome period is often a sign of significant hormone imbalance. In this post I will focus on oestrogen as it is often the key criminal!
Oestrogen is the main sex hormone in women, its responsible for the maturation and regulation of our reproductive system. Women have 4 main types of oestrogen some of which are more potent than others. Estradiol (E2) is the most abundant and most potent. In women the majority of oestrogen is generated in the ovaries, it is also produced in our breast, adrenals, liver and fat cells.
If oestrogen becomes dominant it can cause some troublesome and irritating symptoms. In women this can occur naturally, or secondary to hormone replacement therapy and contraception.
Signs of Oestrogen Dominance:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Reduced libido
- Mood swings
- Hair loss
- Poor sleep
- Headaches
- PMT
- Irregular periods
The Health Risks of High Oestrogen
Oestrogen dominance has been related to an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) and even a stroke.
Can You Test for Oestrogen Dominance?
Oestrogen can be tested in the blood saliva and urine. Your GP may be able to organise a blood test if they feel it is clinically indicated after reviewing your case. At Imperial Health and Nutrition I can also organise private oestrogen testing via my clinic. Get in contact for more information.
What Can Be Done?
With my nutritionist hat on I am always looking for simple foods we can add into our diet to achieve our goals. With oestrogen dominance it is important to support the bodies natural processes of oestrogen detoxification and elimination. At the centre of oestrogen deactivation and elimination is the liver and the gut.
The Liver
The liver works to convert more potent troublesome oestrogen to less potent oestrogens and waste products. What we consume on a daily basis can either impede or support oestrogen detoxification.
The key nutrients that support oestrogen detoxification in the liver are B Vitamins, Folic acid, Vitamin A, Selenium, Copper, Zinc, Co – enzyme Q 10, glutathione and a selection of amino acids (e.g. glycine, taurine and glutamine).
Refined sugars, caffeine, diary, gluten tobacco and alcohol hinder liver detoxification pathways. This will reduce the efficiency of the breakdown of oestrogen.
The Gut
The waste products produced in the liver are then eliminated from the body via the gut, kidneys and even our sweat.
It is essential that we have good gut health to allow the efficient expulsion of the waste products out of the body. In leaky gut and constipation the waste products are reabsorbed back into the blood stream, these then circle back to the liver creating a further burden.
How Can I Help?
At Imperial Health and Nutrition I work with clients to identify oestrogen dominance, its underlying cause and create personalised natural nutritional, dietary and supplemental guidance to help combat the issues and its associated symptoms.
Get in contact using the contact details on the website or follow me on Instagram to learn more...