When your hormones are perfectly balanced, your body works just as it should. But when your hormone levels are off, things can go a little haywire. Estrogen, known as the female hormone, helps regulate a woman's menstrual cycle and plays a role in the entire reproductive system. When your estrogen levels are too high, you can start experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance. Unfortunately, too much estrogen can be caused by medication, weight loss, high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy... the list goes on. So being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of estrogen dominance can help you get your hormones back on track.
10 Signs You're Getting Too Much Estrogen
1. Your Breasts Are Swollen Or Tender
If you notice that your breasts are swollen or sore, it could be a sign of high estrogen levels. In fact, your breasts are very sensitive to hormone changes. So in general, you would notice this change with your monthly cycle.2. You're Gaining Weight
Weight gain is a common symptom of estrogen dominance. Too much estrogen can also cause bloating and make it more difficult to lose extra weight. In order to you to lose weight and maintain weight loss, your estrogen levels need to be balanced.
3. Your Period Is Irregular
Your period can become irregular for many reasons, including high estrogen levels. If your hormone levels are off, your cycle can get a little out-of-whack.4. You Have Mood Swings
Too much estrogen can have an effect on your emotional state. Estrogen dominance can cause anxiety, panic attacks and even depression.
5. Your Period Is Heavier Than Usual
High estrogen levels can also cause your period to be heavier than normal. An unusually heavy flow might be a sign that your hormone levels are unbalanced.6. You Get Frequent Headaches
If you're getting more headaches or migraines that usual, it might be time to check your hormone levels. Estrogen dominance can be a key factor in frequent headaches.
7. Your Sex Drive Is Lower Than Usual
Estrogen levels that are too high or too low can have an effect on your sex drive. Many people with high levels of estrogen experience a lower-than-usual sex drive.8. Your Hair Is Falling Out
High estrogen levels can cause your hair to thin. You might also end up shedding more hair than usual. Over tine, this can lead to hair loss.
9. Your Hands And Feet Are Always Cold
Poor circulation is often a symptom of estrogen dominance. If your hands and feet always seem to be cold, it may be because your hormone levels are off.10. You're Having Trouble Sleeping
When your hormone levels are off balance, your body knows it. Insomnia and trouble sleeping is a common symptom of estrogen dominance.
5 Foods To Help Balance Your Estrogen Levels
1. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are rich in a nutrient known as indole-3-carbinol or I3C. I3C converts into diindolymethane in the body, which helps rid the liver of excess estrogen. Add cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy, spinach and other leafy greens to your diet to help get rid of excess estrogen in your body.2. Rosemary
Using rosemary in your cooking can help your body form healthy estrogen. Rosemary is a natural antioxidant. The essential oil also enhances mood and memory, aids in thyroid function to improve weight loss, and boosts your metabolism.
3. Isoflavones
Isoflavones are antioxidants that help increase good estrogens in the body. Herbs such as Trifolium pratense, Pueraria montana and Pueraria lobata can be used in tea form to provide your body with a healthy dose of isoflavones.4. Flaxseed
Flaxseed contains lignans, which help rid the body of excess estrogen. It also contains phytoestrogens, which help control how much estrogen is able to bind to estrogen receptors. If needed, the phytoestrogens in flaxseed can help decrease or increase estrogen activity.
