Estrogen dominance

Estrogen dominance refers to a state where estrogen levels are too high relative to other hormones, particularly progesterone in women and testosterone in men. This doesn't necessarily mean estrogen is abnormally high; it can also occur when the opposing hormone is too low, creating an imbalance. 

In Women:

When estrogen dominates over progesterone, it can cause:

~ Irregular periods or heavy menstrual bleeding

 ~PMS symptoms like mood swings, irritability, or breast tenderness

 ~Weight gain, especially in hips, thighs, and abdomen

 ~Fatigue and brain fog

 ~Fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts

 ~Increased risk of breast cancer (over time)

 In Men:

In men, estrogen dominance usually means a relative deficiency in testosterone. This can lead to:

 Low libido and erectile dysfunction

 Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue)

 Weight gain, especially belly fat

 Fatigue and loss of muscle mass

 Mood changes such as depression or irritability

 Gut Health and Estrogen Dominance:

The gut plays a central role in hormone regulation—especially estrogen—through the estrobolome, a subset of gut bacteria that metabolize estrogen.

Here’s how gut issues can contribute to estrogen dominance:

1. Impaired Estrogen Detoxification:

   Estrogen is processed in the liver and excreted via the bile into the intestines. If the gut microbiome is unhealthy (due to dysbiosis, low microbial diversity, etc.), it can reactivate estrogen through an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, sending it back into circulation.

2. Constipation:

   When stool moves slowly, estrogen is reabsorbed more easily, increasing systemic levels.

3. Leaky Gut (Increased Intestinal Permeability):

   This leads to systemic inflammation, which can disrupt hormone signaling and slow liver detoxification processes.

4. Antibiotic Use or Poor Diet:

   These can damage the microbiome and reduce the estrobolome’s efficiency, leading to estrogen buildup.

 Supporting Estrogen Balance Through Gut Health:

 ~Increase fiber intake (binds excess estrogen and helps with elimination)

~ Support liver function (cruciferous vegetables, B vitamins, milk thistle)

 ~Probiotics and fermented foods to restore healthy gut flora

 ~Avoid environmental estrogens (plastics, parabens, etc.)

 ~Reduce alcohol and sugar, both of which impair gut and liver function

There are other underlying factors to also consider when addressing estrogen dominance. Rebalancing the body as a whole ensures that the body is processing nutrients properly, feeding every system so that your body can function properly.

*For educational purposes only, not medical advice. If you suspect you have estrogen dominance, seek out your healthcare professional.