Estrogen, an essential hormone in the female body, regulates a variety of physiological processes. Nevertheless, an imbalance in estrogen levels can result in a number of medical problems. In this article, we’ll look at the signs, causes, and remedies for high estrogen levels in women.
What is Estrogen?
A set of hormones known as estrogen is in charge of the growth and operation of female sexual characteristics. Pregnancy and the menstrual cycle are also affected. Estradiol, estrone, and estriol are the three primary forms of estrogen. These hormones are mostly produced by the ovaries, and a woman’s life is marked by changes in their levels.
- Estrone – This type of estrogen is typically present in the female body after she hits menopause.
- Estradiol – This is a type of hormone that is generally produced by both males and females and is most significantly seen in women during their reproductive years.
- Estriol – This generally increases during pregnancy duration. Estriol specifically aids the uterus in growing and preparing it for childbirth. An expert says that estriol levels are at their peak before childbirth.
The following are a few organs that are usually impacted by the level of estrogen:
- Vagina – Estrogen helps maintain the thickness and lubrication of the vagina.
- Breasts – This hormone aids in the formation of breast tissues and can stimulate the flow of milk production in a woman.
- Ovaries – This is a significant hormone that regulates the stimulation of egg follicle growth.
- Uterus – This helps in maintaining the lining in the uterus, which aids in the development of the fetus.
Estrogen is essential for women’s health. It supports reproduction, strong bones, and a healthy heart. But more than normal can lead to problems.
Estrogen levels can be all over the map depending on your age, where you’re at in your menstrual cycle, and a bunch of other factors. In general, adult women should have estradiol levels (E2 range) somewhere between 10 and 40 pg/mL. But don’t worry too much about the numbers – your doctor can help you figure out what’s normal for you.
Signs & Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels:
- Menstrual cycles that are irregular: Women who have high estrogen levels may have heavy or irregular periods.
- Breast soreness: Elevated estrogen levels may cause breast swelling and soreness.
- Mood swings: Hormonal imbalances can cause irritation, anxiety, and mood swings.
- Gaining weight: Elevated estrogen levels can cause weight gain, especially in the hips and thighs.
- Fatigue: Women with increased estrogen levels may feel lethargic and have less energy.
- Recurrent headaches: Migraines and recurrent headaches are also potential signs of elevated estrogen levels.
- Fibrocystic breasts: Breast tissue might develop benign lumps called fibrocystic breasts when estrogen levels rise.
- Depression: Due to an imbalance in estrogen levels, you may end up feeling depressed, which can impact your quality of life too.
- Low sexual desire: You may feel less libido and refrain from engaging in any sexual activities.
Causes of High Estrogen
The level of estrogen may vary from one woman to another depending on their overall health and quality of lifestyle. Some of the common causes of high estrogen are:
- Hormonal Imbalance: A number of things can throw off the body’s delicate hormonal balance, causing levels of estrogen to rise.
- Irregular bodyweight or obesity: Adipose tissue has the ability to create and retain estrogen, which contributes to high levels in overweight people.
- Medication: A number of drugs, including birth control pills and hormone replacement treatment, can raise estrogen levels.
- Endocrine Disorders: The production of hormones can be impacted by conditions including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and adrenal hyperplasia.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants like xenoestrogens and pesticides can throw off the body’s hormonal equilibrium.
- : Stress, alcohol, and toxins in food and water can contribute to high estrogen.
Estrogen peaks during the first half of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.
When estrogen levels are elevated, it can impact various systems in the body, leading to physical, emotional, and reproductive changes.
- Menstrual and Reproductive Effects:
- Irregular or heavy periods: High estrogen can disrupt the menstrual cycle, causing prolonged or heavy bleeding.
- Fertility issues: Excess estrogen may interfere with ovulation, making it harder to conceive.
- Fibroids and endometriosis: Elevated estrogen can stimulate the growth of uterine fibroids or worsen endometriosis symptoms.
- Physical Symptoms:
- Weight gain: High estrogen is linked to increased fat storage, particularly around the hips, thighs, and abdomen.
- Breast tenderness and swelling: Estrogen stimulates breast tissue, which can cause soreness or enlargement.
- Bloating and water retention: Excess estrogen can lead to fluid retention, causing bloating and puffiness.
- Emotional and Mental Health Changes:
- Mood swings and irritability: Fluctuations in estrogen levels can impact neurotransmitters, leading to mood instability.
- Anxiety or depression: High estrogen is associated with changes in serotonin levels, potentially contributing to anxiety or depressive symptoms.
- Long-Term Health Risks:
- Increased risk of blood clots: Elevated estrogen levels can affect blood clotting factors, raising the risk of clots.
- Higher breast and endometrial cancer risk: Prolonged exposure to high estrogen may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.
High estrogen alone doesn’t prevent pregnancy, but hormonal imbalances can impact fertility. Conditions like PCOS often involve high estrogen along with other hormone disruptions that can make it harder to conceive.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can aid in weight management and hormonal regulation.
- Hormone Therapy: In cases of severe hormonal imbalances, hormone therapy may be prescribed to restore equilibrium.
- Medication: Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole) block the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogen, thereby lowering estrogen levels. They are often used in cases of estrogen-sensitive cancers or severe imbalances. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) (e.g., tamoxifen) also block estrogen receptors, reducing the effects on tissues.
- Birth Control: Some women may benefit from using oral contraceptives to regulate hormone levels. Certain types of birth control can help even out menstrual cycles and hormones.
- Dietary Changes: Certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.), can help the body metabolise estrogen efficiently. Liver-supporting foods (garlic, beets, turmeric) and supplements (milk thistle, dandelion root) can promote detoxification. Additionally, eating a diet high in fiber (whole grains, flaxseeds, and vegetables) helps the body eliminate excess estrogen through the digestive system.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances, so incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation and yoga can be beneficial.
- Avoiding Xenoestrogens: Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins can help maintain hormone balance.
Risk Factors of High Estrogen
Here are a few factors that can increase the risk of fluctuations in estrogen levels that may impact the quality of life of the female:
- Menopause
- Older age
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Extreme anorexia nervosa
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Tumours
Tips to Maintain Estrogen Level
Here are a few tips that can help you maintain estrogen levels
- Stress management techniques – Join group activities or clubs to manage stress levels
- Follow a healthy routine that includes exercise – It is necessary to maintain an exercise routine that involves at least 30 minutes of daily walking.
- Eat a healthy diet – Eating the right diet according to your body is essential to boosting overall health
- Reduce alcohol intake – Alcohol consumption can increase the levels of estrogen
- Follow a good 8 hours sleep pattern – Getting proper and adequate sleep is important to maintain hormone levels.
- Quit smoking – It can impact your hormones adversely, resulting in an imbalance of hormone levels
Conclusion
The general health of women who have high estrogen levels can be impacted by a variety of physical and mental issues. Women can be empowered to seek the right treatment by being aware of the symptoms of hormone imbalance and the possible reasons. Restoring hormonal balance and fostering improved health can be accomplished through food modifications, hormone therapy, and lifestyle changes. In order to acquire an accurate diagnosis and customised treatment strategies for treating excessive estrogen levels, women must consult with an expert. Keep in mind that maintaining a balanced hormonal environment is essential for sustaining good health and well-being. If you wish to conduct hormonal tests like a progesterone test, are facing an issue with fertility because of an imbalance in estrogen level or are wondering how to conceive consult our fertility specialist today by calling us at the given number. Or you can book an appointment with us by filling in the required details in the form mentioned above on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does hormone therapy manage high estrogen levels?
Here are a few signs and symptoms that can be managed by hormone therapy for estrogen levels:
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Decreased sexual desire
- Hot flashes
- Facial hair
Are there any risks of hormone therapy?
Though the techniques used for the treatment are advanced. However, the potential risks may include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Cramps in the body
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Frequent urination
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
What Should I eat to maintain estrogen levels?
There is no exact source that can help you maintain estrogen levels. However, there is research that states few food items that contain phytoestrogens which are beneficial:
- Seeds and grains
- Nuts
- Wine
- Fruit
- Berries
- Cruciferous veggies
- Food items containing soy protein
Are there any other functions of estrogen apart from reproductive organs?
Here are a few important functions that estrogen can regulate in the body:
- Brain function
- Circulation and blood flow
- Bone density
- Muscle mass
- Cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar levels
