When your hormones are perfectly balanced, your body works just as it should. However, when your hormone levels are off, things can go a little haywire.
The female hormone known as estrogen helps regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and plays a role in the entire reproductive system. When your estrogen levels are too high, you can start experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance.
Too much estrogen can be caused by some medications, high blood pressure, weight loss, diabetes, pregnancy, etc. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of estrogen dominance can help you get your hormones back on track.
10 signs you are getting too much estrogen
1.Swollen or sore breasts: If you notice that your breasts are swollen or sore, it could be a sign of high estrogen levels. Your breasts are very sensitive to hormone changes.
2.Irregular period: Your period can become irregular for many reasons, including high estrogen levels. If your hormone levels are off, your cycle can get a little out-of-whack.
3.Weight gain: Weight gain is a common symptom of estrogen dominance. Too much estrogen can also cause bloating and make it more difficult to lose extra weight. In order to you to lose weight and maintain weight loss, your estrogen levels need to be balanced.
4.Insomnia: When your hormone levels are off balance, your body knows it. Insomnia and trouble sleeping is a common symptom of estrogen dominance.
5.Cold hands and feet: Poor circulation is often a symptom of estrogen dominance. If your hands and feet always seem to be cold, it may be because your hormone levels are off.
6.Hair loss: High estrogen levels can cause your hair to thin. You might also end up shedding more hair than usual. Over time, this can lead to hair loss.
7.Low sex drive: Estrogen levels that are too high or too low can have an effect on your sex drive. Numerous people with high levels of estrogen experience a lower-than-usual sex drive.
8.Frequent headaches: If you’re getting more headaches or migraines that usual, it might be time to check your hormone levels. Estrogen dominance can be a key factor in frequent headaches.
9.Periods heavier than usual: High estrogen levels can also cause your period to be heavier than normal. An unusually heavy flow might be a sign that your hormone levels are unbalanced.
10.Mood swings: Too much estrogen can have an effect on your emotional state. Estrogen dominance can cause anxiety, panic attacks, and even depression.
5 foods to help balance estrogen levels
1.Flaxseed: Flaxseed is loaded with lignans, which help rid the body of excess estrogen. Also, it contains phytoestrogens, which help control how much estrogen is able to bind to estrogen receptors. If needed, the phytoestrogens in flaxseed can help decrease or increase estrogen activity.
2.Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables are rich in a nutrient known as indole-3-carbinol. Indole-3-carbinol converts into diindolymethane in the body, which helps rid the liver of excess estrogen. Add cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy, spinach and other leafy greens to your diet to help get rid of excess estrogen in your body.
3.Isoflavones: Isoflavones are antioxidants that help increase good estrogens in the body. Herbs such as Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Pueraria Montana, and Pueraria lobata can be used in tea form to provide your body with a healthy dose of isoflavones.
4.Activated folic acid: Folic acid converts estrogen into a healthy form that can decrease the risk of certain cancers. It’s found in the same dark leafy greens that also contain healthy doses of indole-3-carbinol.
5.Rosemary: Rosemary can help your body form healthy estrogen. Rosemary is a natural antioxidant. It also enhances mood and memory, aids in thyroid function to improve weight loss, and boosts your metabolism.
Source: www.healthline.com
