What Causes High Estrogen Levels?

Your estrogen levels may be elevated due to estrogen production from medications or difficulty breaking down estrogen in your body. Here are some causes of high estrogen levels:

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): High estrogen in women may be caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting the female reproductive system that leads to irregular menstruation and fertility problems 5 – 15% of women of reproductive age have PCOD, making it a prevalent factor leading to estrogen level increase.
  • Underactive thyroid: It is one of the common causes of high estrogen levels in women. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, it causes hormonal imbalances, which can cause weight gain, fatigue, and menstrual irregularities.
  • Certain medications: Some medications, like hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills, can increase estrogen levels in women. This can have various effects on the body, such as changes in menstrual cycles, breast tenderness, and mood swings.
  • Liver disease: Your liver breaks down estrogen and removes it from your body, so if your liver is not working properly, it can bring too much estrogen. Proper liver function is essential for maintaining hormonal balance in women.
  • Environmental Toxins: Some chemicals in the environment, such as xenoestrogens, can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Xenoestrogens are found in some plastics, pesticides, and herbicides.

Signs and Symptoms of High Estrogen

Elevated estrogen levels might not always show signs. Here are the signs of high estrogen in women:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles: High levels of estrogen in women can disrupt the regularity of menstrual cycles, causing irregularities in flow and timing. This imbalance can lead to hormonal fluctuations and affect overall reproductive health.
  • Breast tenderness or swelling: Elevated estrogen levels lead to symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling. These hormone imbalances can cause discomfort and indicate the need for medical attention.
  • Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are growths in the uterus that are caused by high levels of estrogen in women. Estrogen dominance can lead to the development of these fibroids due to hormonal imbalances.
  • Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterus grows outside the womb. They are often linked to high levels of estrogen in women.
  • Weight gain: Women can gain weight due to regulating metabolism and fat distribution in the body. Various factors like diet and lifestyle can contribute to this hormonal imbalance.
  • Headaches and migraines: Headaches and migraines are common signs of high estrogen in women. Estrogen dominance can lead to increased inflammation and blood flow in the brain, causing frequent episodes of pounding headaches.
  • Mood swings and depression: Mood swings and depression can be linked to high estrogen levels in women, impacting emotions and mental health.
  • Decreased sex drive: High estrogen levels can negatively impact a woman’s sex drive, resulting in decreased arousal and satisfaction.

Treatment Options for High Estrogen

Treatment for high estrogen in females varies depending on the root cause and individual circumstances. Different methods may be considered, such as:

  • Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can help regulate and treat your estrogen levels.
  • Dietary changes: Eating habits play an important role in lowering high estrogen levels. You should eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale to balance your hormone levels naturally and improve your health.
  • Medications: Some medications, like hormonal birth control or aromatase inhibitors, can help regulate estrogen levels.

Surgery: Surgery is not a common treatment for high estrogen in females, but it may be an option for certain cases, especially when other treatments have failed to provide relief. This method is usually applied to tumours that produce estrogen.

Conclusion

To sum it up, high estrogen levels in women can have various causes and symptoms. It is essential to identify the root cause of high estrogen levels and seek appropriate treatment to maintain hormone balance and overall health. By making lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, you can regulate your estrogen levels and improve your well-being. Consult with your healthcare provider and take proactive steps to take control of your estrogen levels.