When your body's hormones are balanced, things run pretty smoothly. But when your hormone levels are out-of-whack, the body can begin experiencing problems. Estrogen and testosterone are found in both men and women. In women, estrogen is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. It affects the entire reproductive system. Estrogen levels can rise naturally, or they may be the result of an outside, unnatural source. If your estrogen levels are too high, you may begin experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance can become a serious problem if left untreated.
If you think you may have high estrogen levels, a blood test can help with confirmation. Estrogen levels that remain too high for a long period of time can put you at a higher risk for certain conditions, including breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, high levels of estrogen can also lead to endometrial cancer. If your estrogen levels are too high, it's important to get your hormones back on track. Here's how:
Top 10 Signs of Estrogen Dominance
1. Increased PMS symptoms 2. Abnormal menstrual periods 3. Weight gain 4. Headaches 5. Fatigue 6. Decreased sex drive 7. Trouble sleeping 8. Hair loss 9. Difficulty with memory 10. Mood swings
If you think you may have high estrogen levels, a blood test can help with confirmation. Estrogen levels that remain too high for a long period of time can put you at a higher risk for certain conditions, including breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, high levels of estrogen can also lead to endometrial cancer. If your estrogen levels are too high, it's important to get your hormones back on track. Here's how:
1. Remove Xenoestrogens
Xenoestrogen is a chemical compound that can mimic estrogen in the body. Coming in contact with this compound can throw your hormones off balance. If you've never heard of xenoestrogen, you might be surprised where it can be found. Most people come in contact with this compound on a daily basis!- Plastic water bottles
- Plastic tupperware
- Non-organic dairy
- Non-organic produce
- Makeup
- Tap water
- Cans lined with BPA
- Dryer sheets
- Birth control pills
- Soy protein isolate
2. Detox the Body
Balancing out your hormones is a process. Stress and diet can directly impact your hormonal balance, so it's important to take back control of your body. To make sure your body is working properly and you're having daily bowel movements, use these tips to help get things back on track:- Eat plenty of vegetables
- Eat probiotic foods such as sauerkraut, kefir or plain yogurt
- Drink plenty of water each day
- Exercise or sit in a sauna to help expel toxins through the skin
- Get a massage to support the lymphatic system
3. Detox the Liver
The liver works to remove toxins and waste from the body. To flush out the extra estrogen in the body, you need a well-functioning liver. Remove substances from your diet that cause the liver to work in overdrive. These include alcohol, drugs and junk food. Stick to a whole-foods based diet and eat plenty of foods that support liver health, including:- Beets
- Dandelion greens
- Dark, leafy greens
- Artichoke
- Onions
- Garlic
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Milk thistle
- Dandelion root
- Barberry
- Rosemary
- Licorice
- Ginger
- Red Clover
- Burdock
