Estrogen Dominance, what do you know about it?

I believe the first time I suffered from estrogen dominance was as far back as 2016, when my IUD came to the end of its life. Due to the symptoms I was experiencing, I had been treated for  anxiety disorder, and even though I questioned the birth control, I was reassured by my GP that my symptoms were just, mental hysteria.. If you can even believe it. Whether you see a Naturopath, Gynecologist, Herbalist, or Medicine person, your care provider should know what estrogen dominance looks like. It looks like this for me…

I have long and heavy periods, headache, anxiety and panic, heart palpitations, mood swings. My hair thins, my periods become irregular, I used to experience bloating.

Some of my gal pals have reported, when PMS or PCOS are present, their symptoms become increasingly worse. Some may experience miscarriage in the first trimester, cysts and fibroids, mood swings, belly fat that will not go away. You may also have uncomfortable anxiety, panic or bouts of depression. Low, or no libido. 

I’m absolutely certain that we can all identify with a few, or one, or all of these symptoms, but I assure you we are not faulty. Imbalances can be brought into balance to maintain a sattvic lifestyle.

What causes this? Well, it could be genetics… but there are environmental factors that increase our estrogenic balances. Parabens, which are used as a preservative in toiletries like moisturizers, makeup, hair care, and shaving products. These parabens can be spotted in the ingredients list as propylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, isopropylparaben, and isobutylparaben. Phthalates can be found in plastics and are used as an emulsifying and stabilizing agent in topical skin care products. Benzophenone is a xenoestrogen that alters estrogen and testosterone production and is often found in sunscreens. Triclosan is used as an antibacterial agent, triclosan acts on estrogen receptors and has been observed to increase the size of the uterus and grow breast cancer cells in rats. Xenoestrogens are always synthetic in nature, and include detergents, fertilizers, and pesticides. Hormonal birth control is a huge cause of estrogenic dominance, as is, of course…menopause.  When our bodies change the way we produce estrogen.

 I have found that talk therapy, regular exercise, meditation, sleep, herbs like vitex, passion flower and hibiscus have helped me. Some swear by black cohosh, evening primrose oil. These herbals are quite successful in regulating estrogenic imbalances in premenopausal/menopausal women. Herbal exploration is my preference, but honestly there are a lot of ways to bring estrogen dominance into balance. Getting off hormonal birth control could be very beneficial as well. Your health care provider can offer insight, but you know what's best for you. Trust your intuitive nature! You know best. YOU do.

Start by staying hydrated!! That's essential. Exercise regularly, cry to eliminate stress hormones, and poop regularly. Eat enough healthy fats, amino acids, get sun! Get that melatonin, solid magnesium supplement., and take care of your digestive health with a daily ferment or probiotic!!

REDUCE STRESS. MEDITATE DAILY. GET OUTSIDE!! Nature is you, and you are nature. We are interconnected.

Hopefully this post has you curious, and you dig a little, or a lot into this! 

Whether you have periods, or are moving towards menopause, you can most likely relate. Let's normalize these conversations instead of alienating ourselves, and each other.  Love and blessings to all my sisters with periods in all creation.

M