Hormones play a vital role in regulating numerous functions in the body, and when they

become imbalanced, they can lead to various health issues. One common hormonal

imbalance that affects many women is estrogen dominance. This is more of a concept

vs an official medical term. If you experience symptoms like heavy periods, bloating,

mood swings, or stubborn weight gain, estrogen dominance could be a factor. In this

article, we’ll explore what estrogen dominance is, how it’s diagnosed, and natural ways

to bring your hormones back into balance.

What Is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance occurs when there is an excess of estrogen in the body relative to

progesterone. This can happen in two ways:

1. High Estrogen, Normal Progesterone – When the body produces too much

estrogen, either due to lifestyle factors, poor detoxification, or external hormone

exposure.

2. Normal Estrogen, Low Progesterone – When progesterone levels drop, even

normal estrogen levels can become dominant in comparison.

Since estrogen and progesterone work together to maintain hormonal balance, any

disruption can cause symptoms of estrogen dominance.

Common Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Women with estrogen dominance may experience:

• Heavy or irregular periods
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs
• Water retention and bloating
• Fatigue
• Low libido
• Headaches or migraines
• Fibroids or ovarian cysts
• PMS symptoms that worsen over time

How to Test for Estrogen Dominance

If you suspect estrogen dominance, proper testing is essential to confirm hormone

levels. Here are the most common tests used:

1. Saliva Hormone Testing – Measures bioavailable hormone levels, including

estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. This test provides insight into active

hormone levels rather than total hormone production.

2. Blood (Serum) Testing – Can measure estradiol (the main form of estrogen),

progesterone, and other hormone levels.

3. DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) – This

advanced test assesses estrogen levels and how the body metabolizes estrogen,

providing crucial information about detoxification and hormone balance.

Natural Ways to Balance Estrogen Levels

If testing confirms estrogen dominance, several natural strategies can help restore

balance.

1. Support Liver Detoxification

The liver plays a critical role in breaking down and eliminating excess estrogen. To

support detoxification:

• Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage) rich in indole-3-carbinol (I3C) to help metabolize estrogen efficiently.
• Drink plenty of water and consume fiber-rich foods to promote regular bowel movements and estrogen elimination.
• Reduce alcohol intake, as alcohol can impair liver function and increase estrogen levels.

2. Improve Gut Health

The gut microbiome influences estrogen metabolism. An imbalance in gut bacteria can

lead to estrogen reabsorption, worsening estrogen dominance. Ways to improve gut

health include:

• Taking probiotics and eating fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt.
• Reducing processed foods and sugar, which can disrupt the gut microbiome.

3. Manage Stress and Support Adrenal Health

Chronic stress leads to increased cortisol production, which can suppress progesterone

levels and contribute to estrogen dominance. To reduce stress:

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
• Prioritize quality sleep to support hormonal balance.
• Use adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and Holy Basil to support the adrenal glands.

4. Reduce Exposure to Xenoestrogens

Xenoestrogens are synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body, contributing to

hormonal imbalance. These can be found in:

• Plastics (BPA in water bottles and food containers)
• Pesticides and herbicides on non-organic produce
• Conventional personal care products with parabens and phthalates
• Household cleaners with harsh chemicals

To minimize exposure:

• Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic.
• Choose organic produce whenever possible.
• Opt for natural skincare and cleaning products (Resource ewg.org)

5. Balance Blood Sugar Levels

Insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalances can worsen estrogen dominance. To

maintain stable blood sugar:

• Eat protein and healthy fats with every meal to reduce insulin spikes.
• Avoid excessive intake of refined carbs and sugar.
• Engage in regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity.

6. Consider Herbal and Nutritional Support

Certain herbs and supplements may help balance estrogen levels:

• DIM (Diindolylmethane) – Found in cruciferous vegetables, DIM helps the body metabolize estrogen more effectively.
• Vitex (Chasteberry) – Supports progesterone production and hormonal balance.
• Magnesium and B vitamins – Support liver detoxification and hormone metabolism.
• Flaxseeds – Contain lignans that help balance estrogen levels naturally.

Dr. Danielle Lewis NMD