Women's Health
There has been a lot of discussion within the scientific community recently about estrogen dominance, and with good reason. Estrogen dominance is a condition that includes normal or high amounts of estrogen, with little or no progesterone to balance its effects in the body. Numerous articles have been written on the possible disadvantages of too much estrogen in the body, the causes of the overload, and adjustments patients can make to their lifestyle to help the situation.
Learn to read the signs
Estrogen levels can rise and fall in an uneven manner during the perimenoapausal period. For some women, estrogen levels can increase noticeably during perimenopause, with many women showing estrogen dominance symptoms for 10-15 years prior to its onset.1 If you learn to read the potential signs, your healthcare practitioner can help create a plan that is best suited for you.
Top 10 potential symptoms of estrogen dominance2-4
Abnormal menstrual periods
PMS symptoms, such as bloating and breast swelling or tenderness
Mood swings, often presenting as depression or anxiety
Loss of sex drive
Sluggish metabolism and/or weight gain (especially in the abdomen and hip area)
Fatigue
Poor concentration
Hair loss
Thyroid imbalances
Sleep disturbances
You’re not alone
Think men are immune to an excess of estrogen? Think again! While women entering perimenopause frequently deal with varying levels of circulating estrogen levels, other common causes of increased estrogen can include excess body fat, stress, diet, and environmental factors, to which men are just as susceptible. Estrogen dominance symptoms in men may include enlarged breast tissue, excess weight, and feeling tired.5
Do you have symptoms that may indicate estrogen dominance? Make an appointment to talk to your healthcare practitioner. There are numerous ways to help balance estrogen in the body; your practitioner can help you determine which methods will work best for you.
About the Author
Metagenics Medical Education Team
Healthcare Practitioners & Scientists
Our team of licensed health practitioners, clinical scientists, and nutrition experts creates and reviews content to ensure every article reflects current research, clinical expertise, and our commitment to scientific rigor—so you can trust what you read.
References:
Dr. Northrup. What are the symptoms of estrogen dominance? https://www.drnorthrup.com/estrogen-dominance/Accessed March 8, 2018.
Pedersen SB et al. Demonstration of estrogen receptor subtypes alpha and beta in human adipose tissue: influences of adipose cell differentiation and fat depot localization.Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2001;182(1):27-37.
Krotkiewski M et al. Impact of obesity on metabolism in men and women. Importance of regional adipose tissue distribution. J Clin Invest. 1983;72(3):1150-1162.
Endocrine Society. What does estrogen do?https://www.endocrine.org/-/media/endocrine/files/patient engagement/infographics/what_does_estrogen_do.pdf Accessed January 19, 2023.
Lund BC et al. Testosterone and andropause: the feasibility of testosterone replacement therapy in elderly men. Pharmacotherapy. 1999;19(8):951-956.