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.
Different Types of Estrogen
- 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.
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.
The common function of Estrogen
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.
Treatment for High Estrogen Levels:
- 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.
- Birth Control: Some women may benefit from using oral contraceptives to regulate hormone levels.
- Dietary Changes: Certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, can help the body metabolize estrogen efficiently.
- 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
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 are facing an issue with fertility because of an imbalance in estrogen level, 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
- 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 are researches that state few food items that contain phytoestrogens:
- 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 factors that estrogen can regulate in the body:
- Brain function
- Circulation and blood flow
- Bone density
- Muscle mass
- Cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar levels
