High estrogen levels in the body are a signal to women (and men) that they’re undergoing bodily changes of some sort. Learn about why this happens, what are the signs, and how to prevent this.
There are two important hormones that course through one’s body, that are both female in nature, namely, estrogen, and progesterone. They individually play vital roles in the body, like in pregnant women, those menstruating, and finally older women undergoing perimenopause/menopause. Elements like eating habits and things like drinking alcohol can lead to high estrogen levels in one’s body.
The two hormones are interrelated, wherein progesterone controls the levels of estrogen in the body. Estrogen dominance is a term coined when there is either too little of progesterone in the body and too much of estrogen simultaneously. This happens when the luteinizing hormone, along with the follicle stimulating hormone are affected. People are under the notion that only women have estrogen in their body, when in fact, all men have small traces of this within them as well.
Causes for Elevated Estrogen Levels
The causes can range from something unintentional, to one that is habituated, like alcohol consumption, junk food bingeing, or the use of certain medications. We look into other reasons as well for a rise in estrogen in the body.
- Old age plays a leading role where testosterone levels deplete, and estrogen is on the rise.
- Obesity can lead to hormonal imbalances.
- Exposure to chemicals like pesticides, especially foods.
- Problems of the digestive system.
- The use of birth control pills.
- Use of narcotics.
- Steroids
- Illnesses like kidney disease, thyroidism, tumors in the testes, cirrhosis of the liver, and so on.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Drugs that contain estrogen in them. Check with pharmacist/doctor about these.
- Insulin resistance in diabetics.
- Progesterone levels deplete.
- Being exposed to phytoestrogens or xenoestrogens.
Symptoms of Increase in Estrogen Levels
There are ways to prevent estrogen peaks from happening, which we will get into later. Here are the signs that one is sure to experience, when going through a period of spiked estrogen levels.
General Symptoms
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Cramps
- Atherosclerosis
- Mood swings
- Uterine fibroids
- Hot flashes
- Loss in memory
- Feeling tired
- Osteoporosis
- Depression
- No sex drive
- Self-esteem runs low
- Hair starts to thin
- Panic attacks
- Mental infusion
- Blood pressure is high
- Insomnia
Symptoms in Women
- Unusual facial hair growth
- Infection in the vagina
- Periods are irregular
- Breasts feel tender
- Benign fibroids in the breast
- Miscarriages
- Dryness in the vagina
- Skin is overall dry
- Bloating
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Puberty at an early age
- PMSing
- Infertile
- Night sweats
- Irritable in nature
- Periods last for days
- Menopause is late
- Endometriosis
- Low thyroid
Symptoms in Men
- Impotency
- Baldness
- Problems with prostate
How to Prevent Estrogen Levels from Rising
There are ways in which you can help your body control the secretion of estrogen, by altering certain lifestyle habits and following some simple acts.
- Alcohol consumption should decrease.
- Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are important elements that should be incorporated into a diet.
- Foods with high fat content, including those that are processed should be avoided.
- Reduce stress levels through meditation or yoga.
- Increase your fiber intake.
- Include some kind of activity into your day, or exercise at least thrice a week.
Estrogen levels when high is a situation that can be avoided to a certain extent, but those with unhealthy lifestyles or underlying problems will only fuel these to fluctuate.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
