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.

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

Mar, 2018

By Dr. McKenzie Nisbet, ND

What is PCOS? (and Why It Needs a New Name)

WHAT IS PCOS? (and Why It Needs a New Name)

PCOS is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.

The hallmarks of PCOS are anovulation (lack of ovulation) and high levels of androgens (such as testosterone). The signs and symptoms of PCOS can vary woman to woman and include: anovulation (determined by tracking your cycle), amenorrhea (no period), irregular periods, hirsutism (excess facial hair), acne, hair loss, weight gain, and/or infertility.

To be diagnosed with PCOS you must meet a set of criteria. The two main ones are the: “Rotterdam Criteria” and “Androgen Excess Society Criteria.” I prefer the “Androgen Excess Society Criteria” because it emphasizes the importance of anovulation and androgen excess.

The Rotterdam criteria does not require androgen excess and instead puts equal emphasis on “polycystic ovaries”. You may be asking: Why is this an issue? The name is “polycystic ovarian” syndrome? Shouldn’t that be a key player in diagnosing PCOS? This is why PCOS needs a new name.

Polycystic ovaries are not specific to women with PCOS. Polycystic ovaries are a normal finding in 23% of women (reporting no menstrual irregularities, no infertility, and no abnormal hair growth). Whether or not you have polycystic ovaries, cannot rule in or out PCOS. Therefore a name such as ‘Anovulatory Androgen Excess’ would be much more appropriate.

If you think you have PCOS, it is important that a proper diagnosis is made. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS only based on the results of a ultrasound talk to your healthcare provider about being reassessed. This involves a thorough evaluation of your menstrual cycle, acne, weight, and hair growth, as well as comprehensive laboratory testing (including androgens).

Based on your individual presentation of PCOS a unique treatment plan can then be created. In general, this involves addressing one (or more) of the four main drivers of PCOS: insulin resistance, a hormonal imbalance from stopping the birth control pill, inflammation, or adrenal abnormalities.

Questions? Send me a message here or book a free 15-minute discovery session here.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5563096/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872139/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1069067/

abnormal hair growth, acne, androgen excess, anovulation, hirsituism, infertility, insulin resistance, irregular period, no period, PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome, weight gain

Do you have “Estrogen Dominance” symptoms?