What is Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance, according to Dr. John Lee, is a condition when a person may have deficient, normal or excessive estrogen but little or no progesterone to balance its effects on the body. These two hormones, which are found in both males and females, need to maintain a healthy balance to prevent a number of problems caused by estrogen dominance.
Before Dr. Lee began exploring the situation, it was commonly believed that diminishing estrogen caused the discomforts experienced by women approaching or experiencing menopause. Night sweats, hot flashes, diminished sex drive, moodiness and other symptoms were all thought to be the result of the reduction of estrogen.
While it is true that estrogen levels drop as women approach menopause, we now know that the difficulties actually arise when the progesterone levels drop even more quickly. This can happen even when menopause is not a factor, and it can create problems for men and children as well as women.
What causes this imbalance? There are a number of things that affect hormonal balance. One cause for women is that progesterone is not produced as it should be. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, estrogen is produced during the first two weeks of the cycle. Then, after ovulation, it is progesterone’s turn to be produced. If, however, ovulation fails to occur, the body does not receive the signal to begin producing progesterone and the estrogen continues to flow.
Another common cause of estrogen dominance is exposure to estrogen like substances in our environment called xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are synthetic substances that differ from those produced by living organisms and imitate or enhance the effect of estrogens. There are an amazing number of sources of these pseudo-hormones, including plastic bottles, birth control pills and spermicides, plastic food wraps, cosmetics, commercially raised meats, styrofoam cups, all artificial scents, detergents, pesticides and herbicides, paints, lacquers and solvents. Many of these xenoestrogens are known carcinogens. They also damage the immunce system and disturb homonal balance. Unfortunately, we are surrounded by them. Each of us ingests or are exposed to some of these products on a regular basis.
Wildlife researchers around the world have already discovered disturbing levels of xenoestrogens in fish living in our water sources. In fact, they have observed fish actually changing genders due to the high level of xenoestrogens in the water. Frightening thought, isn’t it?
Other factors that can encourage estrogen dominance include diet, stress, hormone replacement therapy, lack of exercise and impaired liver function.
- Quickening of the aging process
- Allergies
- Autoimmune disorders
- Breast cancer
- Breast tenderness
- Cold hands and feet
- Decreased sex drive
- Depression
- Dry Eyes
- Infertility
- Fatigue
- Hypoglycemia
- Early onset of menstruation
- Irregular periods
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Uterine cancer
- Fat gain, particularly in the mid-section
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Endomitriosis
- Mood swings
- Foggy thinking and memory loss
- Insomnia
- Prostate cancer
- Sluggish metabolism
- Thyroid disfunction
- Water retention and bloating
- Enlarged male breasts (man boobs)
- Impotency
What can you do if you suspect you have estrogen dominance? Consult a naturopathic physician for testing and advice, then stay tuned to this site. We’re here to help you understand estrogen dominance and how to get it under control.
