High Estrogen in Women: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Hormones are responsible for many important functions in a woman’s body. From regulating periods to supporting mood, skin health, and fertility, estrogen plays a central role. But like most hormones, balance is everything. When estrogen levels rise beyond what the body needs, it can begin to disturb several systems at once.

Many women experience symptoms for months without realising that high estrogen could be the reason. Understanding the signs, causes, and ways to restore balance can help you take timely action and protect your reproductive and overall health.

What is Estrogen?

A set of hormones known as estrogen is in charge of the growth and operation of female sexual characteristics. It also impacts pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. Estradiol, estrone, and estriol are the three primary forms of estrogen. These hormones are mostly produced by the ovaries and significantly affect a woman’s reproductive health.

• 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.

Functions of Estrogen in the Female Body

Estrogen is responsible for several essential roles, including:

• Regulating the menstrual cycle
• Supporting the development of reproductive organs
• Maintaining vaginal and uterine health
• Preserving bone density
• Influencing mood and brain function
• Supporting skin elasticity and hair growth
• Regulating cholesterol and heart health

Because estrogen works in many areas, an imbalance can show up in different ways.

High Estrogen in Women

High estrogen, often called estrogen dominance, happens when estrogen levels are higher than normal or when they are not balanced properly with progesterone. This does not always mean estrogen is excessively high in absolute numbers. Sometimes progesterone is too low, which makes estrogen effects more prominent. This hormonal imbalance can affect menstrual cycles, mood, weight, and fertility if left unaddressed.

 

In general, adult women should have estradiol levels (E2 range) somewhere between 10 and 40 pg/mL. But do not stress yourself with the numbers – your doctor can help you figure out what is normal for you.

Organs Impacted by Estrogen Imbalance

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: Estrogen aids in the formation of breast tissue and can stimulate the flow of milk production in a woman.
• Ovaries: Estrogen plays a significant role in regulating the stimulation of egg follicle growth.
• Uterus: Estrogen helps in maintaining the lining of 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.

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:

• Obesity: Adipose tissue, also known as body fat, has the ability to create and retain estrogen, which contributes to high levels in overweight people.
• Hormonal Imbalance: This can be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause, thyroid disorders, or obesity, as fat tissue produces estrogen.
• 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.
• Lifestyle & Dietary Factors: Stress, alcohol, and toxins in food and water can contribute to high estrogen.

Symptoms of 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.
• Skin & Hair issues: Some women may experience acne or skin pigmentation. Thinning of hair can also be observed.

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.
• Poor sleep:

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.

How is High Estrogen Diagnosed?

Doctors usually begin with a detailed discussion of symptoms and menstrual history. Diagnosis may include:

• Blood tests to measure estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones
• Thyroid function tests
• Ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts or fibroids
• Assessment of body weight and lifestyle factors

Testing is often timed with the menstrual cycle for accurate interpretation.

Risk Factors of Estrogen Imbalance

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

Treatment Options for High Estrogen

Treatment depends on the cause, severity of symptoms, and reproductive goals.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can aid in weight management and hormonal regulation. Chronic stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances, so incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation and yoga can be beneficial.
• 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 fibre (whole grains, flaxseeds, and vegetables) helps the body eliminate excess estrogen through the digestive system.
• Hormone Therapy & Medications: In cases of severe hormonal imbalances, hormone therapy may be prescribed to restore equilibrium.
  Medications such as 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.

Complications of Untreated High Estrogen

If ignored for long, high estrogen may increase the risk of:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Irregular ovulation and infertility
• Chronic menstrual disturbances
• Increased risk of certain hormone-sensitive cancers

Early management can prevent these complications.

What is the Impact of High Estrogen on Fertility?

Balanced hormones are essential for regular ovulation and a healthy uterine lining. High estrogen can disturb ovulation patterns and affect implantation. Women trying to become pregnant may face delays if estrogen levels remain unchecked. With proper diagnosis and treatment, hormone balance can be restored, improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

7 Tips to Maintain Healthy Estrogen Levels

Here are a few tips that can help you maintain estrogen levels

1. Stress management techniques: Join group activities or clubs to manage stress levels
2. Follow a healthy routine that includes exercise: It is necessary to maintain an exercise routine that involves at least 30 minutes of daily walking.
3. Eat a healthy diet: Eating the right diet according to your body is essential to boosting overall health
4. Reduce alcohol intake: Alcohol consumption can increase the levels of estrogen
5. Follow a good 8-hour sleep pattern: Getting proper and adequate sleep is important to maintain hormone levels.
6. Quit smoking: It can impact your hormones adversely, resulting in an imbalance of hormone levels
7. Avoid Xenoestrogens: Minimising exposure to environmental toxins can help maintain hormone balance.

Conclusion

High estrogen can influence your periods, mood, and fertility more than you realise. Paying attention to early symptoms and seeking timely care can help restore hormonal balance and protect your overall well-being.

If you notice signs of hormone imbalance or have concerns about how to conceive, your doctor may recommend hormone tests such as an estrogen test and a progesterone test for better clarity. To receive personalised guidance, consult our fertility specialist by calling the number provided or booking an appointment through the form 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 a 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

What are normal estrogen levels in women?

Estrogen levels vary depending on age and menstrual phase. In reproductive-age women, estradiol levels typically range between 30 to 400 picograms per millilitre across the cycle.

Can high estrogen be treated naturally?

Mild imbalance can often be improved with diet, exercise, weight management, and stress control. However, a medical evaluation is important to rule out underlying conditions.

Is high estrogen linked to PCOS?

Yes. Women with PCOS may experience estrogen dominance due to irregular ovulation and hormonal imbalance.

What are the early signs of estrogen dominance?

Early signs include breast tenderness, heavy periods, bloating, mood swings, and unexplained weight gain.