Are Your Hormones Out of Balance?
Feeling like your own body is working against you? Despite your best efforts with diet and exercise, you may be dealing with estrogen dominance—a condition where estrogen levels are disproportionately high relative to progesterone.
What Is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance doesn't necessarily mean you have too much estrogen. It means the ratio of estrogen to progesterone is off. This can happen when:
- Progesterone drops during perimenopause faster than estrogen
- Excess body fat produces additional estrogen through aromatization
- Environmental toxins (xenoestrogens) mimic estrogen in the body
- Chronic stress diverts progesterone precursors to cortisol production
- Poor liver function impairs estrogen metabolism and clearance
Common Symptoms
- Weight gain, especially around hips, thighs, and abdomen
- Bloating and water retention
- Breast tenderness and fibrocystic breasts
- Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Headaches and migraines
- Sleep disturbances
- Low libido
How to Address Estrogen Dominance
1. Support Your Liver
Your liver is responsible for metabolizing and clearing excess estrogen. Support it with cruciferous vegetables, adequate hydration, and limiting alcohol.
2. Improve Gut Health
A healthy microbiome helps eliminate excess estrogen through the digestive tract.
3. Reduce Xenoestrogen Exposure
Switch to glass containers, choose organic produce, and use natural personal care products.
4. Manage Stress
Chronic stress depletes progesterone. Incorporate stress-management techniques daily.
5. Consider Bio-Identical Progesterone
For many women, supplementing with bio-identical progesterone can restore hormonal balance.
6. Optimize Body Composition
Reducing excess body fat through medical weight loss can lower estrogen production from fat tissue.
The Berkley Wellness Approach
We use comprehensive hormone testing to identify imbalances and create personalized treatment plans. Contact us at (254) 212-8014.