Unexplained weight gain. Mood swings. Irregular periods. It’s not exactly a walk in the park. And getting to the bottom of these issues can feel frustrating and, sometimes, even hopeless. However, if you’re nowhere close to menopause, these symptoms might actually signify a hormonal imbalance known as estrogen dominance.
In this article, we explore estrogen dominance and how you can naturally rebalance your hormones.
What Is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance is a condition characterized by an imbalance in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone in the body. While it’s often thought of as a state of excess estrogen, in many cases, estrogen dominance occurs due to insufficient progesterone levels. Progesterone acts as a counterbalance to estrogen. When progesterone is too low, estrogen’s effects can become more pronounced, leading to a host of unwanted symptoms.
Some common symptoms of estrogen dominance include:
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Bloating and water retention
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings and irritability
- Weight gain, particularly around the hips and thighs
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Decreased libido
It’s important to note that while these symptoms can be indicative of estrogen dominance, they may also be caused by other underlying health issues. If you suspect you may be experiencing estrogen dominance, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance.
How to Improve Estrogen Dominance
If you’ve been diagnosed with estrogen dominance or suspect you might have this hormonal imbalance, there are several steps you can take to restore balance to your hormones and alleviate symptoms, including:
- Adjusting your diet: Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can exacerbate hormonal imbalances.
- Supporting your liver: Your liver plays a crucial role in metabolising and eliminating excess estrogen from the body. So, support your liver function by consuming liver-supportive foods like garlic, onions, and beets.
- Managing stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone production and contribute to estrogen dominance. Thus, try to engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or spending time in nature. This can help lower cortisol and guide you toward a more balanced state, physiologically and mentally!
- Exercising regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can help regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and support healthy weight management. Aim for a combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise each week.
- Considering natural progesterone support: Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, natural progesterone supplementation may help restore balance to the estrogen-progesterone ratio. This can be done through the use of creams, gels, or oral supplements.
- Minimising exposure to endocrine disruptors: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, and pesticides can mimic estrogen in the body and contribute to hormonal imbalances. So, it might be best to opt for natural, organic products whenever possible and avoid storing or heating food in plastic containers. However, try to avoid getting too hung up on this; sometimes, these endocrine disruptors are unavoidable. It’s always about simply doing your best.
Can chiropractic care help improve your hormonal balance and overall health and wellness? Contact your Finsbury Park chiropractor today to learn more. Schedule your FREE discovery call. BOOK NOW.