Estrogen
dominance is little known yet is a widespread curse and the cause of seemingly
unrelated health problems. Consider resistance to weight loss, problematic PMS,
cancer, heart disease, fibroids, hairloss, premature wrinkles, fatigue and lower than average basal body temperature.
A
little estrogen is needed in the body for proper female reproduction and the
creation of bone mass. In males, a little estrogen is needed for sperm health.
But
today’s lifestyle promotes too much estrogen in the body. Too much estrogen is
simply bad for you.
 |
| Too much Estrogen in the First Half of the Menstrual Cycle |
The culprits of Estrogen Dominance.
1
Poor diet causing poor estrogen metabolization. A diet high in grains creates
estrogen. Inorganic meats that have received hormone and antibiotic injections can
also be carried through the food chain.
2
Being fat. Fat tissue produces an enzyme called aramotase that creates estrogen
from testosterone.
3
Deficiency in essential minerals, including zinc, selenium, magnesium and
vitamin D and C.
4
Too much alcohol.
5
Taking contraceptives.
6
Exposure to chemicals in household products such as plastics, food tins and
beauty products. Look out for parabens, phthalates and BPA. These contain xenoestrogens
that will elevate the estrogen levels in the body.
7
Long term stress levels, causing high levels of cortisol – a fight-or-flight
hormone similar to adrenaline. Progesterone is needed to produce cortisol. With
an overproduction of cortisol, progesterone levels fall, contributing further
to estrogen dominance.
Diet
and Estrogen
 |
| Cold Extremeties |
But
one of the biggest contributors to estrogen dominance is poor diet. Too much
sugar, grains and junk food promotes an overgrowth of candida albicans, a yeast
that lives within the intestines. The problem arises when the yeast overwhelms
the digestive tract, causing inflammation of the gut lining and eventually,
leaky gut syndrome. Allergies and an exhausted immune system are the result.
Furthermore,
insufficient fibre in the diet does not permit the conveyance of toxins and
excess estrogen from the body. This causes a build up of estrogen.
The
terrible thing about candida is that it is insidious. It loves sugar and it
impedes nutrient absorption, causing fatigue, cravings, mood swings, thrush, eczema
and hairloss. I have experienced these symptoms for myself.
Sadly,
the treatment is often for the isolated symptoms rather than the underlying
cause. Examples are antidepressants for depression, HRT for hormone imbalances
and antibiotics for thrush.
Candida
can wreak havoc upon the endocrine system, producing its own false type of
estrogen. Too much estrogen in the body in fact promotes more yeast overgrowth,
weight gain and a vicious cycle.
In
short, healthy adrenals, thyroid and colon are key to rebalancing the hormones
in the body.
My
Own Experience of Estrogen Dominance
I
have noticed that the first half of the menstrual cycle leading up to ovulation
is accompanied by a cluster of symptoms which I have always suspected have been
connected. In three words too
estrogen dominant.
In
my own experience, the symptoms are as follows: cold hands and feet, dry eyes
and mouth (especially at night), itchy skin, hair loss, fatigue, puffy eyes, water
retention, constipation and a yellowish pallor to the skin. Migraines and depression
may come prior to or after menstruation. From my research, low blood pressure
and temperature dips are indicative of estrogen dominance. Progesterone is the ‘heat
producing’ hormone.
Having
cold hands and feet as well as low blood pressure might indicate that I do not
have enough progesterone.
However,
when the progesterone cycle kicks in during the second half of the menstrual
cycle (after ovulation), these symptoms ease off. But not for long enough, for
soon the cycle starts all over again.
The
answer seems to be to rebalance the estrogen levels in the body and to promote progesterone.
From
my research vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin B6 and magnesium will promote progesterone
production naturally. Wild yam cream, containing progesterone is thought to be
absorbed through the skin.
Healthy
adrenal glands are also a must. Exhausted adrenals will often point to an
overproduction of cortisol which in turns leads to low progesterone. Another
cure for estrogen dominance is to de-stress.
Easier
said than done but will keep in mind the underproduction of progesterone during
the menstrual cycle and amend my diet accordingly.
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