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April 18, 2021: Estrogen Dominance

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An excess of any hormone can cause an overall imbalance in the bodies’ endocrine system and therefore health problems can arise. Estrogen dominance is when the body has too much estrogen and not enough progesterone to counteract it. This week, we’re going to talk about the causes and symptoms of estrogen dominance and what you can do to regain balance.

What Can Cause Estrogen Dominance?

Below is a list of things that will potentially cause and contribute to estrogen dominance.

  • Exposure to environmental xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens can be found in plastic water bottles, personal care products such as lotions and shampoos, and in the meat and products of animals given growth hormones and antibiotics.

  • Use of synthetic estrogens, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

  • Chronic stress that negatively impacts the adrenals and thyroid glands.

  • Poor diet.

  • Digestion issues, which can impact the estrogen-detoxification process in the liver.

  • Negative lifestyle habits, such as drinking alcohol and caffeine and smoking.

  • Carrying excess weight. In both men and women being overweight creates and stores more estrogen.

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance can be linked to a number of conditions, including but not limited to:

  • An increase in PMS symptoms

  • Endometriosis

  • Allergies

  • Decreased sex drive

  • Fatigue

  • Fibrocystic breasts

  • Headaches

  • Infertility

  • Irritability

  • An increase in the fat around the abdomen and tops of thighs

  • Difficulty losing weight or weight loss resistance

Tips for Balancing Estrogen Levels in the Body

  • Sleep eight to nine hours each night.

  • Reduce stress and support your adrenal and thyroid glands with proper rest and nutrition.

  • Eat a diet high in whole foods and fiber aiming for 9-11 servings of vegetables and fruit per day. Specifically eat cruciferous vegetables (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, etc.) to support the body in ridding itself of excess estrogen. Aim for a 3:1 ratio of vegetables to fruit each day, for every 3 servings of vegetables eat 1 serving of fruit.

  • Optimize and support good digestion by increasing good bacteria in the gut with a probiotic supplement and/or eating fermented foods.

  • Decrease or eliminate your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. If you smoke, stop.

  • Dramatically reduce or eliminate sugar and processed carbohydrates.

  • Move your body through exercise.

Pick ONE thing that you can do to help avoid estrogen dominance and go from there. There are small changes you can make to positively impact your hormones.

Next Sunday, we’ll talk about how food affects your mood.

Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again.

Do you have a friend who could stand to G(her)ST? Feel free to forward this!

I hope you have a wonderful week,

Kelly

Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.

Tsirona - www.tsirona.com

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