Estrogen Dominance: A Problem for Men and Women

Estrogen Dominance

Experiencing discomfort during menstrual cycles or perimenopausal stages is often dismissed as a normal part of a woman’s life. However, when these symptoms become severe, it could indicate a condition known as estrogen dominance. This hormonal imbalance is not just a source of discomfort but can lead to a variety of chronic symptoms and severe health complications. Its increasing prevalence makes understanding and addressing it more crucial than ever.

Estrogen dominance is particularly prevalent during significant hormonal shifts such as perimenopause and menopause. If overlooked, it can escalate the risk of various health conditions. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward regaining hormonal balance and overall health.

Sarah, a 45-year-old busy professional, was struggling with unexplained weight gain, mood swings, loss of libido, and persistent fatigue. Frustrated with conventional treatments that only addressed her symptoms, she turned to the 7 Systems Plan for help.

Conventional medicine often focuses on symptom management rather than addressing underlying causes. This approach can lead to the oversight of conditions like estrogen dominance. The implications are serious, with a noticeable rise in estrogen-linked cancers and chronic illnesses. By adopting lifestyle and dietary changes, the risks associated with estrogen dominance can be significantly mitigated.

The Role of Estrogen in the Body

Estrogen, predominantly known as a female hormone, is crucial for various bodily functions across genders. It regulates female reproductive processes, contributes to bone and blood health, and affects sexual development. Men also produce estrogen, which is vital for sexual health and function. Maintaining balanced estrogen levels in both men and women is essential for overall health and well-being.

Estrogen is not a singular hormone but a group of hormones, each playing a unique role in bodily functions. Estradiol, estrone, and estriol are the three primary types of estrogen, with estradiol being the most potent. The balance among these estrogens is as crucial as their overall levels.

Factors Contributing to Estrogen Dominance

The rise in estrogen dominance is attributed to several factors, the most notable being environmental exposure to xenoestrogens. These synthetic compounds mimic estrogen and are rampant in modern environments, contributing significantly to hormonal imbalances.

Recognizing the signs of high estrogen levels is crucial for early intervention. Symptoms differ between men and women but commonly include weight gain, menstrual irregularities, sexual dysfunction, and mood disturbances. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe health issues like autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and increased cancer risk.

After estrogen has done its job, the body must eliminate it. The body’s method of processing estrogen is vital in determining health outcomes. The liver metabolizes estrogen into various beneficial and harmful metabolites that must be eliminated from the body. This metabolic process is influenced by diet, liver health, gut bacteria, stress levels, and sleep quality.

Daily exposure to environmental toxins, particularly xenoestrogens, is a significant contributor to estrogen dominance. Diet, water quality, personal care products, gut health, use of plastics, exposure to heavy metals, body fat, hormone therapies, and stress are all pivotal in developing this condition.

Estrogen dominance is a considerable problem with many health implications.

Autoimmune Conditions and Estrogen Dominance

In the complex world of autoimmune diseases, the role of estrogen dominance is intricate and multifaceted. Estrogen dominance can amplify the immune system’s inflammatory response in certain autoimmune disorders. This increased inflammation can lead to a rise in antibodies that mistakenly target and attack the body’s own tissues.

Fluctuations in estrogen levels, particularly noticeable around life events such as childbirth and menopause, have been linked to the development of autoimmune conditions. The specific types of estrogens present in the body, whether naturally occurring hormones or synthetic xenoestrogens from the environment, play a crucial role in this dynamic.

Evidence suggests that the higher testosterone levels typically found in men may offer some degree of protection against the autoimmune responses often associated with symptoms of estrogen dominance. This disparity might partly explain why we observe more autoimmune diseases in women, who are more prone to estrogen dominance.

Estrogen and Thyroid Health

One significant impact of estrogen dominance is its effect on thyroid function, particularly in the case of Hashimoto’s and other thyroid dysfunctions. Estrogen dominance can lead to increased thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), a protein that transports thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. When bound to TBG, thyroid hormones remain inactive and can’t be utilized effectively by the body, leading to a range of metabolic issues.

Estrogen and Yeast Infections

Estrogen dominance contributes to Candida (yeast) overgrowth. Studies have shown that when Candida albicans is exposed to estrogen, it becomes more aggressive. Women who use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, which can elevate estrogen levels, are often more susceptible to yeast infections.

Traditional medical perspectives often focus on the total amount of estrogen and lifetime exposure as risk factors for chronic illness or cancer. However, this view can be somewhat misleading. The real risk lies in prolonged exposure to harmful estrogen metabolites. Factors like an early onset of menstruation, having children later in life, or not at all, do contribute to this risk. Still, the key is understanding the long-term exposure to these detrimental metabolites and their impact on health.

Estrogen and Certain Cancers

Cells in the body have hormone receptors. Estrogen in the bloodstream can attach to the receptors. This hormone-receptor process is part of typical body function. In healthy cells, estrogen aids normal cell function and growth.

Today, experts know several factors that escalate turning healthy cells cancerous. When these factors are present, estrogen can act as a spark. The hormone causes cancer cells to multiply and spread.

Estrogen and Men’s Health

While often associated with women, estrogen plays a significant role in men’s health, too. It’s crucial for maintaining bone density, brain function, and cardiovascular health. An imbalance in estrogen levels in men can lead to issues like osteoporosis, mood changes, and metabolic syndrome.

One common sign of estrogen excess in men is “man boobs.” As men gain excess weight, especially in the belly, their fat cells produce extra estrogen, causing breast enlargement. Losing weight is critical for both men and women with high estrogen.

A Holistic Approach to Addressing Estrogen Dominance

Combatting estrogen dominance involves a two-pronged strategy: reducing exposure to estrogenic substances and detoxifying the body. This approach can be achieved through dietary modifications taught in the 7 Systems Plan, using toxin-free products, and filtered water, avoiding plastics, and considering safer hormone therapy alternatives.

1. Minimizing exposure to estrogens is a crucial preventive strategy. Everyday exposure to environmental toxins, including pesticides, plastics, and industrial chemicals, can profoundly affect hormonal balance. In America today, the average person eats a credit card worth of plastic per week! These toxins can mimic or block hormones, leading to imbalances like estrogen dominance.

Cosmetics, lotions, laundry products, shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, and numerous other products often contain parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, and other chemical compounds. Many of these have estrogenic activity. And since the average person uses ten to fifteen products a day, with a total of 126 different ingredients, this exposure can quickly contribute to high estrogen levels in the body!

Consume organic foods, opt for toxin-free personal care and laundry products, avoid plastics, and explore safer alternatives to conventional hormone therapies.

2. Using a quality water filter can have many health benefits. Synthetic and natural estrogens from livestock and prescription medications are found in our water. An unknown number of industrial chemicals from chemical plant runoff or the disposal of plastics and chemicals in landfills also appear. Water has become a cause of symptoms of estrogen dominance thanks to heavy pollution with hormone-disrupting compounds, including pesticides and fertilizers.

3. Detoxifying the body from excess estrogens is essential for hormonal equilibrium. In upcoming newsletters, detection methods and strategies will provide a clear roadmap for achieving optimal hormonal health.

4. Taking a quality probiotic from NutriDyn such as UltraBiotic Daily Multi-Strain or UltraBiotic Integrity and using fermented foods regularly can have tremendous benefits. The gut microbiome has a direct impact on estrogen levels. An imbalance in gut flora can lead to an increase in an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which disrupts estrogen metabolism. This upset can exacerbate estrogen dominance, highlighting the importance of gut health.

5. Consuming the correct foods plays a pivotal role in estrogen balance. Diets high in phytoestrogens, like soy, can mimic estrogen in the body. Organic soy is beneficial in moderation; excessive consumption can contribute to estrogen dominance. Organic cruciferous vegetables can aid in liver detoxification of estrogen and promote hormonal balance.

6. Controlling stress contributes to hormonal balance, including estrogen. Chronic stress triggers cortisol production, disrupting the delicate balance between estrogen and other hormones like progesterone.

7. Exercising regularly can help maintain a healthy weight, crucial in managing estrogen levels. Excess body fat, particularly in the abdominal area, can increase estrogen production, exacerbating dominance.

Summary

Estrogen dominance is a complex condition influenced by various factors. However, understanding its causes, symptoms, and implications empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward restoring hormonal balance. Through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and a focus on detoxification, it is possible to mitigate the risks associated with estrogen dominance and improve overall health and quality of life.

Sarah’s transformation through the 7 Systems Plan was remarkable. Within months, she experienced significant weight loss (45 pounds), her energy levels soared, and her mood swings stabilized. She felt rejuvenated, both physically and mentally. Even her husband was impressed with her renewed interest in sex. Her success story is a testament to the power of the 7 Systems Plan.

For your health,

Dr. Pat

Recipe from Teresa’s 7 Systems Kitchen

Not a recipe, but a reminder.

You can look up harmful laundry, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. ingredients.

Personally, I trust products found in Thrive Market.