DO YOU HAVE “ESTROGEN DOMINANCE” SYMPTOMS?
The term ‘estrogen dominance’ is thrown around a lot these days. This term tries to sell you on the idea that if there was just less estrogen in your body then your symptoms would go away. But it is not that simple.
To learn about the important of estrogen and it’s roles in the body check out the full run down of the menstrual cycle and female hormones.
WHAT DOES THE TERM “ESTROGEN DOMINANCE” OFTEN REFER TO?
Here are some signs, symptoms and cycle trends often associated with the term “estrogen dominance”:
- PMS
- Painful periods
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Spotting between periods
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Reduced sex drive
- Fatigue
WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING HERE?
These signs, symptoms and cycle trends can be linked to many causes (stress, diet, digestion, genetics etc). Some hormone-focused causes may include issues with ovulation (and therefore progesterone production), liver function (and the movement of hormone through your body), xenoestrogens (endocrine disruptors from our environment – ex cleaning and cosmetic products).
WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT?
TALK TO A HORMONE FOCUSED PRACTITIONER. Knowing your cause is important so we know which area(s) need to be targeted. Testing hormone levels (such as estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH) is often part of the work up. The timing of this testing is important. Both the time of the DAY and the time of the MONTH matter when it comes to accurately testing your hormones.
Progesterone needs to be tested 5-7 days after ovulating (day 19-21 of your cycle, if you have a 28-day cycle). Estrogen (and the pituitary hormones LH and FSH) needs to be tested on Day 3 of your cycle. If your doctor is not directing you on WHEN to get your hormones tested, switch to one with a focus on hormones, women’s health and/or fertility.
Curious to learn more about the cause of your estrogen dominance? Book your free 15-minute Meet & Greet Appointment and lets chat!
Resources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3388472/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12456297
