Headaches. Fatigue. Low sex drive. Irregular periods. Do these symptoms sound familiar? You don’t have to be entering menopause to experience these problems and more. No matter what your age, you may be experiencing unsettling symptoms that are synonymous with a condition known as estrogen dominance. Estrogen and progesterone are the two primary hormones that balance an adult woman’s systems. They work in tandem to regulate your menstrual cycle, keep your moods on an even keel and even maintain proper bone density. However, maintaining a proper balance of these hormones may not be as easy as it sounds for some women.
Too Much of a Good Thing
As it turns out, there really can be too much of a good thing. Estrogen dominance can simply be the presence of higher-than-normal levels of estrogen but doesn’t necessarily occur only with high levels of estrogen. There are two ways that estrogen dominance can occur – the first is the presence of too much estrogen despite a normal progesterone level. This is usually due to an increased intake of estrogen. This can come from the foods you eat, plastics (such as those used to make water bottles) and even cosmetics and medications.
Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance
Weight gain, lethargy
Irregular periods
Decreased sex drive
Mood swings, insomnia
Headaches
Water retention and bloating
Alternative Treatments for Estrogen Dominance
There are other things you can do to help balance your entire being – including the hormonally-driven tyrant that can dwell in any woman. Many women find that activities such as yoga and guided meditation help bring them back to their center. Walking in Nature; taking cleansing, spirit-renewing baths; reading captivating books – all of these can help reconnect you with your benevolent side, too.
If you find your diet is high in processed foods, try decreasing these and replacing them with high-fiber, whole foods and plenty of cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, kale and cabbage are just a few).
You don’t need to let estrogen be your ruling force. Working with your healthcare provider you can recapture the benevolent queen you’ve worked so hard to become.
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