When estrogen overflows

Estrogen dominance, caused by either an overabundance of estrogen, a deficiency of progesterone or acombination of the two, is one of the more common hormone imbalances in women ages 30 to 50. The goal is to strike a balance between the two hormones to maintain a healthy mind and body throughout perimenopause, menopause and beyond. As we age through our 30s into our 40s and later, it is very important that estrogen and progesterone remain in balance,” says Dr. Landa. “When they aren’t, women can experience a number of symptoms that accompany perimenopause and menopause. When estrogendominance is the cause, it is common for other issues to be at play, such as fibrocystic breasts, fibroid tumors, endometriosis, heavy bleeding during menstrual cycles and possibly even breast cancer. By using a combination of minimally and non-invasive tests, I look at a woman’s progesterone to estrogen ratio.

The level of each hormone provides the answer and helps determine the best treatment, which often includes BHRT.” “If estrogen dominance continues unchecked, especially in its more severe stage, it becomes more likely that a woman will be advised to have a hysterectomy, but this may be avoidable,” says Dr. Landa. “By balancing estrogen and progesterone during a woman’s journey through perimenopause and menopause, we can help alleviate the symptoms as well as put the body’s hormones in a more harmonious and optimal state.” In addition to following a plan that incorporates a well-rounded approach, including nutrition, fitness and BHRT, women need to be aware of estrogens in the environment that can exacerbate estrogen dominance.

Environmental snags

There are many sources of estrogen in our environment that can cause can increase in estrogen levels.Xenoestrogens, or foreign estrogens, can be found in an alarming number of foods and products that we come into contact with every day. The cumulative effects of xenoestrogens are wide ranging, but can include early onset of puberty for both genders and estrogen dominance for women and some men. To lower your risk of estrogen dominance and to improve the results of BHRT and other estrogen dominance treatments, avoid the following:

• Air fresheners
• All artificial scents
• Birth control pills and spermicide
• Canned foods
• Car exhaust and indoor toxins
• Commercially raised meat and milk containing hormones
• Cosmetics and personal care products that contain paraben or phenoxyethanol
• Detergents and dryer sheets
• Industrial wastes
• Paints, lacquers and solvents
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Plastic bottles, food wraps and storage containers

In addition to avoiding the intake or use of products containing xenoestrogens, you can also reduce your exposure by purchasing organically grown meats and produce. Thoroughly wash or peel all produce, heatfood in metal or glass containers rather than plastic, and choose glass rather than styrofoam or plastic for your drinkware.

Smooth sailing

“Menopause is a part of the natural flow in a woman’s journey through life,” adds Dr. Landa. Unfortunately they can bring a lot of symptoms that can make this period of transition uncomfortable at best, and physically debilitating at worst. The good news is that there is something we can do tohelp a woman rebalance her hormones and regain her sense of well-being. My goal is to help my patients navigate their way through the process with a healthy diet, exercise, supplements and BHRT.”

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Mild

• Premenstrual breast tenderness
• Premenstrual fluid retention
• Weight gain
• Premenstrual headaches
• Premenstrual mood swings
• Menstrual cramps

Moderate

• Adrenal fatigue
• Decreased libido and sex drive
• Depression
• Dry eyes
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Headaches and/or migraines
• Heavy periods with clotting
• Insomnia and restless sleep
• Irregular menstruation
• Joint and muscle pain
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Thyroid disorder
• Weight gain

Severe

• Accelerated aging
• Anxiety and/or panic attacks
• Autoimmune disorders
• Breast tumors
• Endometriosis
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Fibromyalgia
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Thickened uterine lining
• Uterine fibroid tumors

(List adapted from energeticnutrition.com)