Estrogen Is Complex Receptors & Metabolites
We often oversimplify estrogen. First we lump three different types together, then we dont acknowledge the different effects estrogen has on receptors, and finally estrogen metabolites are often missing from the conversation.
Not only do you need proper balance and breakdown to keep estrogen in check, these different types antagonize one another in the body. These three different types of estrogen bind to two different types of estrogen receptors alpha receptors that promote cell growth and beta receptors which inhibit cell growth.
Many tissues throughout the body have both types of receptors where estrogen antagonizes against itself via alpha and beta receptors.
- Estrone This form of estrogen primarily activates alpha receptors in a 5 to 1 ratio, which increases cell proliferation.
- Estradiol E2 binds to both alpha and beta receptors equally.
- Estriol This estrogen is mostly activate beta receptors in a 3 to 1 ratio, which inhibits cell proliferation but at a lower rate than E1.
Estrogens effects on different receptors make the type of the estrogen dominant in a body important. Estrogen metabolites are also important. Estrogen is broken down along two pathways into two metabolites:
Some research has suggested that the ratio of these two metabolites may be predictive of breast cancer.
Supplements And Vitamins For Estrogen Dominance
If you have tried all of the natural solutions covered in this article, and are still dealing with signs of estrogen dominance, consider adding one or two of the following supplements to your regime to support your body to lower estrogen levels and efficiently clear excess estrogen naturally. Always visit a health care practitioner before beginning any new supplement or vitamin to make sure it is an appropriate choice for you.
Nourished Hormone Detox + Digestion
This herbal blend works by supporting your liver and digestive system to efficiently detoxify and eliminate excess hormones and is ideal for women dealing with estrogen dominance, taking hormonal birth control or have recently transitioned off the pill.
Nourished Daily Omega+
The essential super nutrient that is absolutely, 100% essential for everyone with estrogen dominance.
Nourished Period Repair + Regulate
The perfect natural vitamin to help in balancing your hormones and supporting period pain, PMS, energy & skin.
Vitamin B6
B6 supports progesterone production, which is often low in estrogen dominance. Improving the ratio of estrogen to progesterone can be helpful in reducing symptoms of estrogen dominance.
Diindolylmethane
Broccoli sprout extract
Probiotic or spore-based probiotic supplement
To support a healthy gut microbiome and promote efficient excretion of estrogen through the bowels.
Calcium D-glucarate
Transdermal natural progesterone cream
Our Natural Estrogen Blocker For Men: Estro Clear
Our estrogen blocker for men, Estro Clear, contains natural, clinically proven ingredients to help reduce excess estrogen, restore hormonal balance, and regain masculine traits.
Studies show the ingredients in Estro Clear can help your body flush excess estrogen, restore normal testosterone levels and support healthy weight loss.
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Signs You Have Estrogen Dominance + 6 Steps To Balance Hormones
Estrogen dominance is one of the most common hormone imbalances today affecting womens health, and it can be the source of a lot of pain and discomfortespecially before and during your period
Excess estrogen isnt only an indicator that you may need to dial in your diet and detox regime, but it can also lead to a buildup of the lining of the uterus, which is a major risk factor for developing ovarian and uterine cancer later.
So what is estrogen dominance, how is it caused, and how easy is it to reverse? Read on to find out if youre experiencing estrogen dominance, and what you can do about it.
How Your Gut Health Can Cause Estrogen Dominance
Oh and you know those rockstar gut bugs that your body depends on to function? If they are out of balance and making too much beta-glucuronidase, you can also find yourself with estrogen excess.
Calcium d-glucarate can help with this, which is why you’ll find it in Balance Women’s Hormone Supplement. This supplement also contains B vitamins, DIM, and broccoli seed extract to support the liver’s role in breaking down estrogen.
Do you notice constipation around period time? How does your skin look? How is your mood? Are your breasts more tender? Have you had hot flashes or difficulty sleeping?
In my naturopathic medical practice, these are the kinds of things I ask my patients to monitor. Many of my patients are able to begin making the connection between their gut health and how their gut functions with how this impacts their hormones. I’d encourage you to do the same.
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What Is The Role Of Estrogen In Womens Health
The hormone is vital in females. Some of the functions are:
- Secondary sexual characteristics in women develop when the levels of estrogen rise. These characteristics include rounded hips, breast tissue, and menstrual cycle.
- Growth of the uterus lining during the menstrual cycle for the implantation of the egg
- Thickening of the vaginal wall
- Bone health and bone formation
- Stimulate platelet production
- Enhances the production of certain proteins
- Levels are important for the control of breast cancer
- Improves skin texture and glow by increasing blood supply to the skin and improving collagen production
- Reduces inflammation through the body
The role of estrogen in men is:
- Plays a role in modulating the sex drive
- Spermatogenesis or the production of sperm and their development
- Plays a role in erectile function
Other Ways To Reduce Estrogen Levels
If someone is concerned about their levels of testosterone or estrogen, it is best to discuss this with a doctor before attempting to change these hormone levels at home.
Some people benefit from hormone injections. Testosterone therapy may be helpful, but more research is needed on the risks for older males .
Some research has looked into natural ways to reduce estrogen. Several studies suggest that exercise may lower estrogen levels in some females.
A , for example, found that higher amounts of aerobic exercise reduced levels of estrogen in women with a greater risk of developing breast cancer. However, little research exists in males.
Certain human-made products contain chemical compounds called xenoestrogens, which imitate estrogen in the body.
Some cell research suggests that exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of cancer and endocrine disorders, though more research is needed in humans.
Many plastics contain xenoestrogens. Anyone wishing to lower their exposure to these chemicals may prefer to avoid plastic products, including bottles and food storage containers, when possible.
Males who are concerned about the effects of high estrogen also may benefit from making healthful lifestyle changes, such as:
- reducing the number of calories in their diet
- getting more sleep
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Timing Of Estrogen Test
Estrogen levels also fluctuate through the month, peaking with ovulation before decreasing in the luteal phase of the cycle.
I recommend testing your hormones in the luteal phase of the cycle, which will be around day 19-22. If you want to assess your levels throughout the cycle, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test measures your hormone levels throughout the cycle.
Find Opportunities To Stand Instead Of Sitting All The Time
A study published in the journal Obesity in January 2018, associated prolonged sitting with high levels of abdominal fat. More specifically, visceral fat , which significantly increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
So, stay on your feet more often. For instance, you could walk around when making a long phone call.
Going for short walks during breaks and using the stairs all the time can also help eliminate estrogen belly fat.
Lastly, get a standing desk if your job requires sitting in front of a computer all day. The truth is standing desks are becoming the most significant employee benefit in U.S. workplaces, according to this report.
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Symptoms Of Excess Estrogen
There are some long-term effects that excess estrogen can have on the male body. For this reason, men need to be aware of the symptoms that may signal estrogen dominance. The sooner the issue is identified, the more successful a treatment program may be.
There are three primary symptoms that men need to look out for3. These symptoms may suggest that there is a hormone imbalance in the mans body.
Histamine And Mast Cell Activation
Estrogen stimulates mast cells to make more histamine plus estrogen down-regulates the DAO enzyme that you need to clear histamine. The result is more histamine, which, unfortunately, then stimulates the ovaries to make more estrogen. The net result is a vicious cycle of:
estrogen histamine estrogen histamine.
For many women, symptoms of estrogen dominance such as PMS, period pain, and heavy periods improve by reducing histamine by avoiding cows dairy and other strategies. Read The curious link between histamine intolerance and estrogen.
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Clean Up Your Personal Care Routine
Cosmetics, skincare products, and hair care are a major source of xenoestrogens. These chemicals mimic estrogen and alter your bodys internal feedback loops that regulate hormone levels.
As with food, the fewer the ingredients the better when it comes to choosing clean products.
Read ingredient labels closely and avoid products with:
- Parabens methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and anything else ending in -paraben
- Phthalates DEP, DBP, DEHP, and artificial fragrances
- Sulfates SLS and SLES
The good news is that xenoestrogens dont accumulate in the body. So once you switch to safer products, they exit your system fairly quickly.
Address Your Stress Levels And Coping Mechanisms
Being stressed all times can increase your cortisol levels. As a result, your body stores more fat in the abdominal area.
So, reduce stress by doing the following:
- Minimize alcohol consumption
- Take time out to rest and enjoy scenic views
- Engage in relaxing activities such as walking, meditation, and yoga
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What Is A Hormone Imbalance
Are you irritable, moody, and exhausted all the time, yet have trouble sleeping? Gaining weight despite diet and exercise? You are not alone. Up to 75% of women report suffering from symptoms that could be attributed to a hormone imbalance!
Hormones are important chemical messengers in our bodies such as Estrogen, Testosterone, Progesterone, Cortisol, Thyroid, DHEA, and Vitamin D. They are produced in one type of tissue and then move through the bloodstream to other parts of the body delivering messages for that part of the body to do something specific. When the messages get disrupted, it can have significant downstream implications.
Estrogen dominance is one of the most common hormone imbalance problems for women and that is a big deal because it has literally hundreds of functions in a womans body. It is a common condition that can develop from a variety of causes such as excess body fat, environmental estrogens , poor digestion, chronic stress, and adrenal issues.
Work On Managing Your Stress
Stress has unfortunately become a constant partner for most of us. Its hard to manage and its effects on the body are insidious. Chronic stress is known to contribute to anything from cardiovascular problems to changes in metabolism.
The hormone associated with stress is called cortisol. When youre constantly subjected to stress, your body has to produce large quantities of the stress hormone, and oftentimes it does so at the expense of other important hormones. This can cause hormonal unbalances which may contribute to estrogen dominance.
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Do You Have Estrogen Dominance
Wondering what estrogen dominance is, and whether or not you have it? Estrogen dominance is a term given to a type of hormone imbalance where your body has too much estrogen. This can be either because your body cant get rid of excess estrogen, or your estrogen levels are out of balance compared to progesterone.This occurs for a few different reasons that well discuss shortly.
When there is too much estrogen in your body, youll most likely have more painful periods, and it may even impact your fertility, especially if your progesterone is low.
If you have other hormone issues, like PCOS or endometriosis, you can also experience estrogen dominance. Some symptoms of estrogen dominance overlap with common PCOS symptoms, like irregular periods, infertility, or weight gain.
How To Decrease Estrogen
- Dont take hormonal birth control.
- Reduce alcohol to promote healthy estrogen metabolism.
- Eat vegetables for their beneficial phytoestrogen content. Phytoestrogens promote healthy estrogen metabolism and shelter the body from too much estrogen.
- Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce the production of estrone.
- Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens such as plastics and pesticides.
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Eat For Healthy Hormones
The easiest way to heal your hormones is to feed them what they need.
- Avocado, pumpkin seeds, and green leafy vegetables contain magnesium, which helps your body clear excess estrogen, relieves cramps, and can support healthy blood sugar if you have PCOS.
- Bell peppers, citrus, kiwi, and Brussels sprouts are rich sources of vitamin C to help your body make progesterone, which is incredibly important if you have estrogen dominance
- Chicken, salmon, sweet potatoes, and most nuts and seeds are great sources of vitamin B6, like youll find in Boost to help your adrenals glands make all your bodys important hormones (plus, its essential for helping you handle stress!
How Is Estrogen Broken Down In The Body
Once your body has created natural estrogen and it has exerted its effects in the desired tissues in the body, it needs to be metabolised and eliminated. Estrogen is broken down via two steps.
The first step takes place in the liver where natural and synthetic estrogen-like substances are broken down. The second step takes place in the gut where the metabolised estrogen is packaged up and eliminated via our stool.
If either or both of these processes is not functioning optimally, estrogen can be reabsorbed into circulation rather than eliminated, contributing to high levels of estrogen.
The breakdown of estrogen in the liver requires several nutrients including B-vitamins, magnesium, glycine and selenium. Deficiency in these nutrients can slow or impair liver breakdown of estrogen and other hormones. Liver function is further impaired by high intake of alcohol, caffeine and pharmaceutical drugs.
The second part of estrogen metabolism happens in the gut. This requires a healthy gut bacteria , as well as regular bowel movements. Having an unhealthy ratio of bacteria in your gut can cause estrogen to be reabsorbed rather than broken down and eliminated. Similarly, if you are suffering from constipation or infrequent bowel movements, there is more time for estrogen to be reabsorbed, contributing to estrogen excess.
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Estrogen Isnt Just A Female Hormone
We often equate estrogen with women, but its equally as important men have just the right levels of estrogen. Your body actually produces three different types of estrogen.
- Estrone Estrone is the second most common estrogen and a weaker type.
- Estradiol Estradiol is a more potent version of estrogen known for supporting bone growth, serotonin levels, memory, and heart health.
- Estriol Estriol is the weakest and known for being the predominant estrogen during pregnancy. It is thought to be protective against breast cancer.
Estrogen is essential to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, bone density, a balanced mood, and more. Both men and women need their estrogen to be balanced by other hormones and properly broken down. But when it isnt broken down well or there is simply too much, it can lead to estrogen dominance.
Make Healthy Sleep A Priority
You should get high-quality sleep as it is highly crucial for maintaining overall health and weight.
According to research, sleep deprivation can result in metabolic disruption and aging processes, especially during menopause. Such alterations in sleep quality affect the following:
- Energy expenditure
- Appetite hormones
- Body fat composition
So, make quality sleep a priority in your life at all times. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. These sleeping tips can help you sleep like a baby every night.
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Testing High Estrogen Levels Summary
The best way to test your estrogen levels is with the DUTCH hormone test. This test not only measures your sex hormones but also assesses how your body is detoxifying estrogen if you have high estrogen levels. This helps implement a more specific treatment plan for you.
Furthermore, the DUTCH test assesses your adrenal function, measuring both your free cortisol and total cortisol production, which is important as high cortisol can be a cause of high estrogen.
Also, testing gut function can be an important step to working out “why” you have high estrogen. I recommend a stool test like the GI-MAP test that measures beneficial and pathogenic bacteria levels, candida and parasites to assess gut function.
The GI-MAP test also measures b-glucuronidase levels which when elevated can be a prime cause of high estrogen levels as it leads to issues with Phase 3 of estrogen detoxification.
Remember: When we are treating high estrogen, we always start with making sure Phase 3 is optimal, which means making sure digestive function is in good health.
Reduce Your Body Fat & Exercise
Having a high percentage of fatty tissue is known to have a negative health impact. Studies show that increased body weight can promote breast cancer development. This is especially concerning for postmenopausal women because fatty tissue becomes the main source of estrogen production.
Having a high body fat percentage can lead to estrogen dominance. This may be fixed by having an active lifestyle and exercising regularly. Studies have pointed out that weight loss has the potential to reduce circulating estrogens, and the best results may be obtained by combining regular exercise with a healthy diet.
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