Estrogen Dominance and PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a pattern of symptoms associated with a hormonal imbalance in women. During the menstrual cycle, follicles grow and inside these follicles eggs mature. When one egg matures and is released, the rest of the underdeveloped eggs will normally shrink and the ovaries return to normal.

Women with PCOS suffer from larger than normal ovaries and undeveloped follicles that bunch together like grapes. These follicles are generally benign and cause no pain or fertility problems. The bunches do, however, affect the hormone levels in the body. The resulting changes in the body are often referred to as a “metabolic” disorder, or PCOS.

The Follicle and Progesterone Levels

When the follicle is unable to release the maturing egg, a cyst can developing preventing the follicle from performing its normal duty. That duty is to surge progesterone into the body to keep the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) under control. These hormones are used during egg maturation, ovulation and reproduction. If there is no surge of progesterone, more LH and FSH are produced and, in turn, estrogen and androgen levels rise which can lead to estrogen dominance.

The female body is all about balance. Estrogen levels must stay in balance with progesterone levels in order to maintain optimal health. Women with PCOS rarely produce enough progesterone which leads to estrogen dominance. Estrogen is a healthy female hormone, but in excess can cause very unhealthy side effects. Women can increase their estrogen levels through the use of natural progesterone cream.

The Symptoms of PCOS

Women who suffer from estrogen dominance may also suffer from PCOS. This syndrome is diagnosed as a result of a series of symptoms that may not have any other known cause. The most common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Recurring Ovarian Cysts
• Abnormal Menstrual Cycles
• Absent Menstrual Cycles
• Problems with Fertility
• Excessive Body Hair
• Excessive Facial Hair
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Obesity
• Difficulty Losing Weight
• Enlarged Ovaries

This is only a partial list of symptoms that may appear when a woman suffers from PCOS. If estrogen dominance is also a problem, the symptoms of PCOS could be compounded with the symptoms of estrogen dominance.

The causes of estrogen dominance  may include estrogens present in the environment. Certain insecticides, pesticides and plastics have been termed “environmental estrogens” because of the effect they have on the body. All together, more than 50 such estrogens have been identified with many more left to be tested. Just like natural estrogen, these chemicals are stored in the fatty tissues of the body just waiting to be released. As fat cells are used for energy, the estrogens are released causing an imbalance. If this is the case, progesterone levels may not have to be lower than normal for estrogen dominance to develop.

Visit your doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). He or she will be able to help you diagnose your condition and determine if you are suffering from estrogen dominance, either as a cause or effect of your PCOS.

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